With its striking ultramarine dial and combination of a classic, traditional complication with a distinctly contemporary style, this Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph is a testament to the watchmakers skill and aesthetic sensibilities. The watch is invirtually "new old stock" condition, having only ever been worn a handful of times by the original owner.

The history of Roger Dubuis is rich and complex. Dubuis started his career in the 1950s working for Longines, before moving on to Patek Philippes complications department, then breaking away to start his own workshop in the 80s. Initially restoring watches for clients and developing his own movements, eventually, in 1995, Dubuis would launch his eponymous brand with the help of businessman Carlos Dias

This watch is distinguished by its striking ultramarine dial, which makes use of perlage beneath a lacquered surface to provide a marbled effect, with guilloch decoration on the sub-dials that further highlight the beauty of the design. The daring colour of this dial speaks to the philosophy that many of these early Roger Dubuis pieces possess melding classic, traditional complications with an emphatically contemporary style.

Two references to Dubuis past work and admiration for Patek Philippe will not escape the eye of the discerning collector. The first is the flared finish of the pushers that invoke the Patek Philippe reference 1463 "Tasti Tondi", while the second is the use of the Lemania 2310, the bauche famously used in multiple of Patek Philippes perpetual calendar chronographs, and can be found here as the base of the calibre RD 56.

Each variant of the Hommage series is part of a limited series of 28, a number chosen following the suggestion of a collector based in Asia, where the number 8 is considered to bring good luck. Rather unusually, this particular examplehas the "15/28" numbering engraved on the left hand side of the case, a feature which is rarely ever seen on these pieces.

A Collected Man will be donating an amount equivalent to the total selling price of the highest-performing watch to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40 560 will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This early Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40 is in excellent condition and retains all of its original features. The case is very well-preserved, with only minor superficial marks and signs of oxidisation, with the latter visible near the crown. The watch is in practically NOS condition, having only been worn on a couple of occasions by the original owner. As such, the case remains unopened and unpolished from new, hence the hallmarks and engravings on case retain their original sharpness. Small signs of oxidation can be seen on the underside of the lugs. The watch also has the original spring bars and buckle.

The internal components are untouched, and as this H40 has never been serviced, time-keeping is not guaranteed. A Collected Man is happy to assist the future owner with logistics relating to any future servicing needs, within 12 months of purchase. This Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph also comes with a lifetime guarantee for authenticity.