Roger Dubuis

Given that the “Hommage La Placide”, ref. DBHO0612, is a limited edition of only 28 pieces, I went to the Roger Dubuis boutique with limited hope of being able to see one.

However, luckily, they had one of the 28 pieces that its happy owner had not yet come to pick up.

Out of respect for him, the watch of course remained wrapped in its plastic protection.

The 38 mm case size is perfect, not only because it fits smaller wrists like mine, but also because it makes this timepiece, which has a very expressive and somehow “busy” dial look refined.

The dynamic multi-layer dial  is really eye-catching with its Leman blue lacquered main plate (a tribute to the Geneva lake), its mother-of-pearl ecliptic segments, moon phase and leap year/month counters and its many red touches.

The case profile is also quite nice.

The automatic RD1472 calibre combines, for the second time since the creation of the Maison 30 years ago, the RD14 automatic calibre and the RD72 bi-retrograde perpetual calendar module. 

Impossible to read behind the plastic, the gold rotor is engraved with the following sentence in French: 

• « C'est une montre actuelle, inspirée mais pas soumise au passé qui se projette dans un futur qui nous appartient. »

• in English: “It is a modern watch, inspired by but not bound to the past, projecting itself into a future that belongs to us.”

Finally, the buckle features the original logo, which is a nice touch (even if I’m personally not fond of this kind of elaborate buckles which can also be found in traditional Patek Philippe folding clasps).

And the best RD in more than 10 years 

in its own way.
Best, Emmanuel

Many thanks for the live pictures Emmanuel.

I fully understand the appeal of such a watch. Not really for me, but truly wonderful in its own way.
Best, Emmanuel

It is certainly an intriguing watch. And given the financials of the brand he is generally one of not very many these days 👍🏻

I wonder if I don’t prefer the piece unique they’ve made with a guilloche dial (Roger dubuis: Span Style Color Gray Roger Dubuis Span The Roger Dubuis Hommage Sukoon Al Layl), but this 28-piece edition is very appealing nonetheless.

...imho they really lost their way. Good for them.

Best, Emmanuel

This strongly dynamic and “busy” dial isn’t for me either, but in the metal I have to say that it’s ver appealing and well done.
Best, Emmanuel

and from the discussion I’ve had with the SA, it seems that they are fully aware of what dedicated collectors are waiting for.
Best, Emmanuel

Whilst i can appreciate what it is it is not my kind of watch, I tend to prefer the shaped Neo Vintage Roger Dubuis watches as I find these round shaped watches with the retro grade features a bit to busy and fussy for me.

However, in the metal, if you forget about your personal preferences and accept this extrovert playful design, the watch is really well done and appealing in its own way.
Best, Emmanuel

the extrovert playful design resonates with you.
Best, Emmanuel

Not completely my style but I definitely like it. Surprised the low numbers. I’d think they’d try to sell as many as they could. 

but there’s no denying that the watch is very well done and appealing in its own right.
Concerning the low numbers, my guess is that this is a first try: before going further back to the roots, they wanted to test the market. Also making it rare is a way to make sure it will be a success. Just my 2 cents.
Best, Emmanuel