The Roger Dubuis manufacture just unveiled some of its key announcements of the SIHH. First, there will be a new collection of timepieces, called Hommage.
The Hommage collection was first launched in 1995 at the time of the company’s founding, as a distinctive means of paying homage to generations of watchmakers, as well as to the horological traditions they perpetuate. It is currently experiencing a revival fully unveiled with a 2014 range that cements its place at the heart of the Roger Dubuis universe.
The Hommage collection represents the fifth element throughout the brand range: Incredible Mechanics. Previous four Roger Dubuis worlds include the Warrior, the Player, the Venturer and the Diva – which respectively inspire the Excalibur, La Monégasque, Pulsion and Velvet collections.
« Hommage » sounds like just another marketing name – quite the same as Heritage that Montblanc will disclose on the booth next to Roger Duibuis at the SIHH ! Still, Hommage has a story rooted quite far in Duibuis’ history.
Roger Dubuis New Collection – A personal explanation from Mr Dubuis
“A watch has always been an emotional object for me”, explains Mr Roger Dubuis. “In my youth, I was fascinated by those luminous dials that made me dream. My watchmaking journey began with the steeple of my village church and walking past the clock on the tower. That is how I fell madly in love with horological mechanisms. Having founded the Manufacture Roger Dubuis in 1995, I decided I wanted to create a watch to thank my teachers, friends and all those who had helped me learn and perfect my art. The result was aptly named Hommage. What touches me about the new Hommage collection is that it is created by a new generation, while maintaining the same initial spirit of gratitude to our forebears.”
First piece to embody this new collection, this pink gold chronograph model is powered by its very own ‘Incredible Mechanics’ in the shape of the RD680 movement with micro-rotor – a signature of the Manufacture Roger Dubuis movement expertise dedicated to ensuring performance and optimising manufacturing processes.
The back of the case is engraved with the signature of Mr Roger Dubuis. The distinctive shapes of bridges, springs and levers are all distinctive features of Roger Dubuis movements, and the 261 parts are all individually hand-finished to the standards of the Poinçon de Genève. Another version of this reference will also be unveiled during the SIHH, still under embargo.
Roger Dubuis New Collection – Happy Shiny timepieces
On the jewelry side, Roger Dubuis will present a new Velvet reference, with an explicit name : Haute Joaillerie. It is a blend of technicality and preciousness, with 304 diamonds (11.13 cts). Cut to measure to perfectly match the aesthetic requirements, the diamonds are baguette-cut on the dial, case-band and décor, and brilliant-cut on the flange. Two also specially cut 0.52-carat cushion rubies create a stunning décor and, as a final touch, the folding clasp has 30 diamonds totalling 0.75 carats. Rubies are one of the most prestigious and rare precious stones and are considered to symbolise love, victory and success. Not less !
Other stellar Roger Dubuis timepieces at the SIHH 2014 will include the titanium DLC version of the groundbreaking Excalibur Quatuor.