Incredible Mechanics
ROGER DUBUIS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS FOUNDER WITH THE UNVEILING OF THE HOMMAGE MINUTE REPEATER TOURBILLON AUTOMATIC AT THIS YEAR’S WATCHES & WONDERS
Being the only watchmaking brand to have every single timepiece bearing the Poinçon de Genève, Roger Dubuis has never failed to satisfy the growing appetite of enthusiastic watch connoisseurs for almost two decades. At Watches & Wonders, the manufacture unveiled a stunning addition to its Hommage collection, the Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic, a high-complication watch that combines impressive technical complexity and aesthetic appeal.
Technically, the movement of the Hommage Minute Repeater shows its sophistication, carrying two main features that have become Roger Dubuis trademarks: automatic winding via a distinctive double micro-rotor that ensures optimal winding performance; as well as a flying tourbillon in a new carriage which guarantees optimal inertia, equilibrium and anti-shock protection.
The new exclusive RD104 calibre requires 1,241 hours to produce, 328 of which are dedicated to meeting the stringent Poinçon de Genève criteria. The intricacy of the movement is exposed for
admiration through a sapphire crystal case back.
Aesthetically, the watch faithfully bears the distinctive traits of the Hommage collection with its emblematic leaf-type hands, hand-applied Roman numerals, broad polished concave bezel and sunray hand-guilloché motif. The whole timepiece glows in pink gold radiating from its case, lugs, crown, to its matching plating on the central dial. The spectacular minute repeater is not covered but highlighted along the peripheral of the dial, to allow one to not only enjoy the clarity of the sound of the gongs but also to be able to have a clear view of the parts in motion when the striking mechanism is in operation.
The wearer’s sense of touch is also flattered, with the ribbed crown ensuring a better grip while offsetting the satin-brushed case middle and the broad polished bezel that is a hallmark of the Hommage collection. The decision to activate the striking mechanism via a traditional repeater slide, rather than a pushbutton as is generally used these days, is to guarantee water resistance and ensure the movement is duly sealed off from dust and water.
Originally launched in the same year of the company’s founding in 1995, the Hommage collection pays tribute to generations of watchmakers, including the brand’s founder, Roger Dubuis. Introduced in white and pink gold only, the collection will only ever be issued in noble metals befitting the intricacies of the mechanism showcased within the timepieces.
The Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon is issued in a 20-piece limited edition to celebrate the manufacture’s 20th anniversary next year, 2015.
Roger Dubuis has been leading the world of contemporary haute horlogerie since its debut year. Its daring creations, while modern, bear the mark and expertise of the finest watchmaking traditions. Boldness and extravagance are the brand’s signatures.
Rich in conceptual creativity and mechanical detail, the brand’s popular collections include Excalibur and Velvet.