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, part of the Hommage Series he introduced, inspired by classics such as the Patek Philippe's Ref. 130. It is also similar to the Ref. 5070, albeit in a more elegant, smaller size.

It is understood that for each variant in the series, there were no more than 28 examples made. Each was chronometer-graded from the Besan?on Observatory, with the combination of white-gold?and black dial especially desirable. One of the earlier pieces created by the legendary watchmaker, after establishing his own brand in 1995, these watches are becoming increasingly collectible.

The dial design is that of a two-register chronograph,?with a matte-black dial and polished details including applied Breguet numerals. The polished surfaces and white printing contrasts well against the black, with barely any reflection from the sapphire glass, which had a new anti-reflective coating applied during a recent servicing by the manufacture. The feuilles hands are white-gold, with the minute and hour hands skeltonised in their style. The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. The three-piece?construction giving the watch a larger presence on the wrist than the?40?mm case would normally suggest.

Powered by the Cal. RD?56 (based on the Lemania 2310 - much like the Patek Philippe Ref.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