Roger Dubuis' career started in typical watchmaking fashion - learning his craft at large manufactures, including?Patek Philippe. These formative years are clearly reflected in the style of this Hommage Chronograph, inspired by classics such as Patek Philippe's reference 130.

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 Besan?on Observatory. One of the earlier pieces created by the legendary watchmaker, after establishing his own brand in 1995, examples such as this H40 560 are becoming increasingly collectible.

The design is that of a two-register chronograph,?with a matte black,?guilloch?dial and applied Breguet numerals. The polished surfaces and outer dial printing form an excellent contrast against the black dial, with anti-reflective coating on the sapphire glass to further emphasise these details. The feuilles hands are white-gold, with skeltonised hour and minute hands.

The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. The three-piece?construction gives the watch a bold presence on the wrist, measuring 40mm in diameter.

Powered by the Cal. RD?56 (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