It is understood that for each variant in the series, there were no more than 28 made. Each was chronometer-graded, with a certificate from the Besanon Observatory. One of the earlier pieces created by the legendary watchmaker, after establishing his own brand in 1995, examples such as this H34are becoming increasingly collectible.
This watch is one of only a handful of early Roger Dubuis pieces which were kept by the former authorised retailer Presmanes, Santander, as part of the jeweller's first delivery in 1996. They never publicly sold and kept unworn from new. This H37 566therefore offers a unique insight, owing to its overall condition, completeness and early production.
The design is that of a two-register chronograph,with a textured, off-white sector dial, with outer minute track. The polished surfaces, dark sector and subsidiary dials form an excellent contrast against the silvered finish, framed within a slightly domed sapphire glass. The feuilles hands are white-gold, while the chronograph hand is blued.
The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. Its also made of palladium - a rare white metal which resembles platinum, yet is considerably lighter, harder and more resistant to scratches. The three-piececonstruction gives the watch a bold presence on the wrist, measuring 34mm in diameter.
Powered by the Cal. RD56 (based on the Lemania 2310 - much like the Patek Philippe 5070), the watch bears the Seal of Geneva and was regulated by Roger Dubuis himself. The complexity of the movement is revealed through an engraved sapphire case-back, featuring a 21 jewel, straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, a self-compensating Breguet spring and swan-neck micrometer regulator.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Roger Dubuis |
| Model: | HommageChronograph Ref. H34 566 |
| Movement: | mechanical manual-winding Cal. RD56 |
| Functions: | chronograph, hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Features: | display back, sector dial, early deployant clasp |
| Case: | 34 mm 950 palladium |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Strap: | bespoke Zrichgrained taupe strap, palladium Roger Dubuis Calatrava deployant clasp |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Box & papers: | original boxes, papers, chronometer certificate, solid caseback, hangtags |
This early Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph is in excellent condition and retains all of its original features. The watch was kept by the original retailer (from new) and is unworn. The case is therefore very well preserved, with only minor superficial marks and signs of oxidisation. The latter is visible near the chronograph pushers. Everything has been kept intact, including the original alligator strap and 3 hangtags from Roger Dubuis and Presmanes. The case has been left unopened from new.Whilst time-keeping is not guaranteed (given age), the watch is covered for mechanical functionality for one year from purchase. Equally, we would be happy to assist the future buyer in the logistics of arranging a complimentary servicing with the UK's leadingindependent vintage watchmakers. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.
