Roger Dubuis Hommage H37 in Guilloché

Amidst the Lamborghini collaborations and diamond-set double tourbillons, it’s easy to forget that Roger Dubuis also did understated elegance. He did it really, really well. Roger sadly left us in 2017, but is remembered as one of the more innovative and eccentric independent watchmakers. While today’s louder pieces are all good fun—the kind of thing you’d say you hate whilst secretly loving—I much prefer his classic designs.

One amongst them rarely seen is this early, time-only Hommage. Roger learned his craft at Patek and the Hommage name is a nod to his time there. It’s an hommage to a style of watchmaking, not any specific reference. Each variant was limited to 28 examples and this black Guilloche dial is one of the more aesthetic. The 37mm white-gold case has a thick proportion with a graceful lug transition. Inside, the RD57 movement was based on Lemania’s 8815 but reworked and hand-finished to an obsessive level. The movement proudly displays a Seal of Geneva, and RD was one of the first independents to receive that honour.

These are not easy to come by pieces. If an Hommage comes up for sale and its in the configuration you’re after, chances are it will be some time before the opportunity presents itself again. This one comes with its whole history documented, box & papers. Now that the legend himself is gone and a fan base is accumulating, these early RDs are only moving one direction.

Find this Hommage H37 here from the well-respected Mr Watchley.