H39 Monopoussoir, White Gold

After leaving Patek Philippe where he worked on watches from the 2499 to the 3448, Roger Dubuis established his own workshop. Collectors laud watches from these early first years as they follow closely with the traditional Genevan watchmaking Patek Philippe imbued in Roger, with his own stylistic flair. This is one of the earliest pieces made during these first steps, the H39 Monopoussoir here in white gold. 

The H39 Monopoussoir stands apart for numerous reasons. Where many later Hommage chronographs utilize RD calibre 65, a Lemania 2310 ébauche, this is powered by the RD calibre 50, a Lemania 2220 ébauche. Production numbers also vary from expectations of the Hommage series. Where there were usually 28 of each variant, it is believed just 19 of each varaiant were made in the H39 Monopoussoir. Where later pieces were either cased at 34, 37, or 40mm, these H39s are the only early pieces the brand offered at 39mm in a 3-body case. It is a highly unusual piece, one of the very first charming steps of the man as an independent maker. 

The design of this H39 is highly traditional, with two applied Arabic numerals at 12 and 6. It is a classic dual-register, with slightly recessed subdials. The handset sports feuille main hands, with blued steel on the chronograph hands. The white gold case features a concave bezel and flared finish to its pusher, reminiscent of the 1463 Tasti Tondi. Each example is numbered in series on the movement. 

At the time of production, it was just Patek Philippe that carried the Geneva Seal, which is why Roger pushed hard to meet and submit for the same qualification. The anglage work is excellent, and interestingly Genevan striping appears on multiple layers rather than just the topmost surfaces. However, Roger went further with accuracy testing by the Besançon Observatory, a standard far more exacting than COSC. Every example was regulated by Roger himself. 

Roger Dubuis founded his house with Carlos Dias in 1995, producing a small, observatory-minded line of Hommage and Sympathie pieces before the firm expanded rapidly. Dubuis himself left the company in 2003. The H39 monopusher belongs to that small, compressed window when the output was artisanal, hand-regulated and intentionally finite—a period lauded by collectors because the watches were made slowly, finished beautifully by hand, and often regulated personally by Dubuis. The H39 Monopoussoir and its calibre RD 50 is not only interesting mechanically but also important historically: it is a direct bridge to Roger's own tastes, which differ drastically from the production of the Maison today. 

This H39 Monopoussoir presents in great overall condition. Its dial is flawless, with no signs of damage. The white gold case presents some signs of wear, commensurate with occasional use. Its lug backs have light marks from strap changes and the bezel presents light scratches. Its case proportions and edges are full and sharp. The calibre RD 50 is running well in specification and operating properly with regard to all chronograph functions. It includes its original strap, clasp, box, and hang tag.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.