In a tribute that bridges past and present, Roger Dubuis unveils Hommage La Placide, a limited series of 28 timepieces that reimagines one of the Maison’s most meaningful collections. Revealed as part of the brand’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, the watch stands as both homage and revival, fusing historic components with fresh craftsmanship to create a design that is deeply personal and unmistakably modern.
At the heart of this release is a narrative rooted in legacy. The Hommage collection, first launched in 1996 by Mr. Roger Dubuis, saluted the teachers and master watchmakers who helped shape his lifelong pursuit of excellence. For this new edition, the Maison turns the tribute inward, honouring the founder himself—his philosophy of expressive watchmaking, his love for intricate mechanisms, and his signature aesthetic codes.
The beating heart of the Hommage La Placide is the new Calibre RD1472, an extraordinary creation that unites restored RD14 movements from 2004 with the RD72 Perpetual Calendar module first conceived in 1999. This fusion of original and remanufactured elements not only preserves a slice of horological history but elevates it through modern engineering, resulting in a movement crafted from 307 components and finished with fifteen painstaking decorative techniques.
Roger Dubuis’ commitment to technical mastery shines through the Perpetual Calendar complication with its biretrograde display—a favourite of the founder and a hallmark of the Maison. The motion of the calendar hands along their curved tracks evokes the earliest Roger Dubuis designs from 1995, while a cleverly integrated system of co-axial toothed wheels enables the smooth display of both month and leap year indicators. The dial itself speaks to the brand’s signature layered architecture, with mother-of-pearl segments, a deep Leman Blue plate, and a poetic moonphase crafted in aventurine and 18K yellow gold.
Every detail of the Hommage La Placide reinforces its role as a modern collectible. Encased in 18K pink gold and paired with a blue interchangeable leather strap, the 38 mm creation carries the Poinçon de Genève certification—a prestigious seal that Roger Dubuis has cherished since the earliest days of the Maison. Meeting today’s rigorous standards required an elevated focus on movement setting, a craft honed by the skilled artisans within the brand’s integrated manufacture.
More than a timepiece, Hommage La Placide represents an artistic philosophy. It revives not only mechanical heritage but emotional memory—especially through the name “La Placide,” the childhood nickname given to the founder during his time as a scout. It captures the calm wisdom and gentle presence that accompanied him throughout his career, distilled into a design that balances refinement with expressive modernity.
As a final gesture of appreciation, the Maison extends the celebration to its loyal community. All existing Hommage owners are invited to visit their nearest Roger Dubuis boutique to receive a complimentary strap crafted specially for this anniversary. Just as the Hommage La Placide bridges generations of watchmaking, this gesture reinforces the connection between the Maison and the passionate collectors who continue to carry its legacy forward.
