Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic

Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic


by Johnny McElherron

Manufacture Roger Dubuis have unveiled a new addition to their superb Hommage collection; a timepiece which combines the compelling architecture of a flying tourbillon with the melodic chime of a minute repeater – the Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic.

Roger Dubuis Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic

Roger Dubuis Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic

As it approaches its 20th anniversary, Manufacture Roger Dubuis nowadays enjoys life under the shelter of Richemont’s corporate umbrella – but, those who remember the stellar rise and then the demise of the Roger Dubuis company will perhaps also remember the extravagant collections which once populated their portfolio. Richemont brought order and a more restrained approach to the watch designs at Roger Dubuis but thankfully they did not do away with the on-the-dial drama that was the essence of the company’s success – and of course, the quality mark of the Geneva Seal which still remains a feature of each and every Roger Dubuis timepiece, without exception.

Roger Dubuis Hommage – Two challenges, one piece

The Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic brings together two of watchmaking’s most challenging features, a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater, and it presents them with meticulously hand-crafted aesthetics worthy of the Geneva Seal stamp of approval.

Due to the demands of this prestigious mark, exemplary standards must be evident on the visible aesthetics as well as those which are contained within the confines of the watchcase, so with Roger Dubuis timepieces it is difficult to decide which to admire first, the interior or the exterior. Most watch aficionados begin with the movement of a watch, often shunning the dial by turning the piece over immediately, but for this model, the best view of the Calibre RD 104 can in fact be found in the face-up position.

Roger Dubuis Calibre RD 104

Roger Dubuis Calibre RD 104

In a triumph of design, this Roger Dubuis model offers the best possible combination of a partially open-worked dial, which allows for a glimpse of the mechanical workings of the striking mechanism, while at the same time offering a readable time indication, with a subdial comprising of Roman numerals, leaf-shaped hands, and at its centre the distinctive guilloché finishing technique which is synonymous with Roger Dubuis watches. Between 5 and 6 o’clock, the constant motion of the flying tourbillon is another stunning focal point on this multi-layered dial layout which has been framed with a broad bezel ring.

Roger Dubuis Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic

Roger Dubuis Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic

Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon – Extreme finishing

Through the caseback, the supremely finished RD 104 movement can be admired. It features twin rotors which are made from platinum but which have been decorated with pink gold guilloché and together they produce a reserve of power of 60 hours. Masterful hand-finishing ensures that not even the busy whirring of the dual micro rotors detracts from the compendium of techniques employed in the creation of this fine calibre.

Roger Dubuis Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic - Caseback

Roger Dubuis Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic – Caseback

Not simply beautifully crafted, this movement also has the distinction of some new technical developments. A new carriage has been devised for the tourbillon which guarantees optimal inertia, equilibrium and anti-shock protection and also of note is the use of rectangular rather than rounded gongs for the repeater which, along with further explorations of new technology used to control the speed of the chimes enables a long and uninterrupted pitch-perfect tone.

The Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic has an 18k pink gold case measuring 45mm across and comes presented on a black alligator strap with a pink gold folding buckle. The caseback signature of Mr. Roger Dubuis co-founder of the company and also the Geneva Seal which appears at the 3 o’clock position on the dial add to the desirability of this very fine wristwatch.

The Roger Dubuis Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic will be limited to just 20 examples priced at 380,000 CHF.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Johnny McElherron

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Johnny McElherron was busy minding his own business as a successful company director, when one day he fell in love with watches. So deeply that soon after his eureka! moment he established The Watch Press as a vehicle where he could indulge his passion with gusto. What his eye beheld he would write about, in his own unique style, and in time his work penetrated through to numerous national and international mainstream and online publications. Today Johnny creates engaging content for watch industry clients, and in 2014 joined forces with the highly respected watch industry specialists Delos Communications, with whom he works to provide Delos clients with high quality content to ensure no part of their company message gets lost in translation.