Limited to 28 pieces, thisRoger Dubuis Hommage Monopusherintegrates a range of attractive features, from its classic 40mm white gold case to its matte black dial, with applied Breguet numerals.Poweredby theCalibre RD 65,based on the venerableLemania 2310,it represents the watchmaker's earliest brush strokes.

The origin of Roger Dubuis

Roger Dubuis started his career at , in the late 1950s,where hespent close to a decade in the after-sales department, repairing and caring for the brand's watches, including their prestigious chronographs. Shortly thereafter, he integratedPatek Philippe's complications department, where he has the opportunity to work ongongs, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars, among others. His time there coincided with the production of some of the manufacture's most sought-after, complicated models - from the ref. 2499 to the - which Dubuis himself had the opportunity to work on.

Dubuis' enthusiasm for watchmaking was such that, whenhe had finished working a full day at the atelier, he would go home and work on repairingwatches for private clients, auction houses and dealersaround Geneva.In the '80s, he left Patek Philippe to establish his own workshop, dedicating himself fully to the restoration of pieces from the past.In 1995, following a partnership with businessman Carlos Dias, he would establish his own eponymous brand.

The first Roger Dubuis watches were acclaimed by collectors because they channelled the traditional Geneva watchmaking that Patek Philippeembodied, while having more stylistic flair. Dubuis' attempt to rival Patek Philippe themselves was obvious in some of his choices, from seeking the Geneva Seal for his movements to designing deployante buckles. In particular, the Hommage watches, as the name suggests, were designed as a homage to the great watchmakers of old, according to Mr Dubuis.

A Classic Design

This Hommage Monopusher H40 combines a range of attractive features, such as the matte black dial, applied Breguet numerals and distinctive white gold case.Traditionally, it isunderstood that each variant of theHommageseries was limited to 28 pieces. According to Dias,the initial intention was actually limit eachseries to25.Following the suggestion of a collector based in Asia, where the number 8is consideredto bring good luck, Dias decided to limit each series to 28 instead.

The design is that of a two-register chronograph, with a lightly textured matte blackdial and applied Breguet numerals. The unusual curved Breguet numerals are a nod to vintage chronographs from the past, notably the most desirable iterations from Patek Philippe.The polished surfaces and outer dial printing in white form an excellent contrast against the black surface.The feuille hands are also made out of white gold,matching the hands in the subdials.

The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. The three-piececonstruction gives the watch a bold presence on the wrist, measuring 40mm in diameter. A single pusher, placed at 3 o'clock, is used to start, stop and reset the chronograph function.

The movement

The watch is poweredby the Calibre RD 65, based on theLemania 2310, much like thePatek Philippe.The movement bears the Seal of Geneva and was regulated by Roger Dubuis himself.At the time of production, it was onlyPatek Philippe movements that carried the Geneva Seal,hencewhy Roger Dubuis felt that it was crucial to have the same hallmark of quality. The sealfocuses on the art of decorating a movement with finesse and skill, in the style of Genevan watchmaking.

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 five positions, a self-compensating Breguet spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. As indicated by the "Bulletin d'Observatoire" signature on the dial, thismovement was tested for accuracy at theBesanon Observatory,setting far moreexacting standards than a test from the Contrle Officiel Suisse des Chronomtres (COSC).

The set

This Roger DubuisHommage Monopusher H40is accompanied by black saffiano leather wallet,Besanon Observatory Certificate, Roger Dubuis Certificate of Origin and Warrantyand Geneva Seal hangtag.It comes on one of our stone greystraps, fitted to a palladium Roger Dubuis deployante buckle.

To find out more about the earliest days of the watchmaker, you can read our article on .

Closer look

This early Roger DubuisHommage Monopusher H40 is invery good condition and retains all of its original features.The case is wellpreserved, with marks visible on the case throughout, consistent with wear over time (most visible on the bezel and the lugs).It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.