Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of watchmaking with a story that's both captivating and controversial! Today, we're exploring the Roger Dubuis Hommage La Placide, a timepiece that takes us back to the brand's roots and pays homage to its founder's legacy. But here's where it gets interesting: this watch challenges our expectations and proves that Roger Dubuis can create something truly classic and refined, even in a world of bold, contemporary designs.
Roger Dubuis, the man behind the brand, is a true legend in the watchmaking industry. Born in 1938, his life has been a journey dedicated to the art of timekeeping. Starting his career at Longines and then moving to Patek Philippe, Dubuis gained invaluable experience in crafting intricate timepieces. But it was his decision to start his own brand that truly left a mark on the industry.
In 1995, Dubuis, along with Carlos Dias, founded Société Genevoise des Montres, which later became the renowned Roger Dubuis brand. The early days saw the creation of two iconic lines: the classic Hommage and the bold Sympathie. The Hommage Chronograph, based on the legendary Lemania 2310 movement, became an instant classic and is still considered the most collectible piece crafted by Dubuis.
But the story doesn't end there. In 2001, the brand experienced rapid growth and established a large manufacture in Meyrin, near Geneva. This marked a shift in style, with watches becoming bigger and more flamboyant. By 2008, Roger Dubuis had developed nearly 30 in-house calibers, but the recession hit hard, leading to a significant change in ownership.
And this is the part most people miss: Roger Dubuis's true genius lies not only in his chronograph watches but also in his innovative perpetual calendar designs. One of his most iconic creations, the Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar, was developed during his transition from Patek Philippe to his own brand. This watch featured a unique display with two retrograde hands indicating the day and date, a design that has become synonymous with the Roger Dubuis name.
Fast forward to 2025, and we find the brand focusing primarily on the Excalibur collection, with its flamboyant and bold designs. However, in a surprising move, Roger Dubuis has released the Hommage La Placide Perpetual Calendar, a modern revival that pays tribute to the brand's early days. This watch is a breath of fresh air, with a restrained and elegant design, a far cry from the brand's recent offerings.
The Hommage La Placide is a true masterpiece, featuring the brand's first in-house automatic movement and the iconic Bi-Retrograde perpetual calendar module. With a compact 38mm pink gold case, this watch exudes subtlety and elegance. The dial, with its layered and complex design, is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a stunning Leman Blue color and a subtle use of mother-of-pearl.
This timepiece is a testament to Roger Dubuis's ability to create superb classic watches with exceptional execution. It's a signal to the industry that the brand hasn't forgotten its roots and can still produce highly appealing and meaningful watches.
The Roger Dubuis Hommage La Placide Perpetual Calendar is available in a limited edition of only 28 pieces and is priced at EUR 115,000 (excl. taxes) or EUR 138,000 (incl. 20% VAT).
So, what do you think? Is this a welcome return to classic watchmaking from Roger Dubuis? Or do you prefer the brand's bolder, more contemporary designs? Let's spark a discussion in the comments and share our thoughts on this intriguing timepiece!
