Imagine a timepiece that not only tells time but whispers stories of a legacy built on passion, precision, and a touch of whimsy—welcome to Roger Dubuis' Hommage La Placide, a 30-year celebration that's as heartfelt as it is horological. This isn't just another watch; it's a deep dive into the soul of a brand and its founder, Roger Dubuis, drawing you in with its blend of nostalgia and innovation. But here's where it gets controversial—does honoring roots mean sacrificing boldness, or can restraint redefine luxury? Stick around, because we're about to unpack this masterpiece piece by piece, and trust me, it's the part most people miss that might just change how you view high-end watchmaking.
Let's start with the basics of what makes this release special. The Hommage line has always been Roger Dubuis' way of spotlighting their most intimate and sometimes more traditional designs. Launched back in 1996, it was designed to honor the watchmakers, mentors, and pals who shaped Dubuis' journey in the industry. Now, the Hommage La Placide carries that torch forward. 'La Placide'—a nickname from Dubuis' childhood—translates to 'the calm one' and perfectly captures his serene and kind nature. This watch isn't just marking 30 years for the brand; it's also a personal ode to the man behind it, blending anniversary vibes with a tribute to his character.
Diving into the specs, this 38mm beauty is housed in a luxurious 18K pink gold case, giving it that warm, premium feel right from the start. The dial is a multi-layered marvel, with a lacquered main plate in what they call 'Leman Blue'—inspired by the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, a daily sight for Dubuis during his student commutes between Geneva and Vevey. For beginners in watch collecting, think of this as adding a layer of storytelling: the color evokes serene Swiss landscapes, making every glance a mini-vacation. Mother-of-pearl pieces handle the calendar functions, while a moonphase display floats above a blue aventurine base, complete with curved 18K yellow-gold moons that add a playful, celestial touch. And here's the intriguing bit: the biretrograde layout. Imagine hands that smoothly sweep outward to show information like the date or month, then snap back to zero—it's a retro-style complication that harks back to the 1995 original, creating a rhythmic, almost hypnotic motion that's both functional and fascinating. For those new to complications, this is like a dance on the dial, where timekeeping meets art, ensuring the watch feels alive and engaging.
Powering this elegance is the brand-new RD1472 caliber, a clever fusion of the RD14 automatic movement from 2004 and the RD72 perpetual calendar module from 1999. They've rebuilt these using a mix of original and remanufactured parts, resulting in a movement with 291 components, each adorned with 15 distinct decoration techniques. To put it simply for newcomers, this means the inner workings are not just precise but beautifully crafted, like a mini sculpture inside your wrist. It even boasts the prestigious Genève seal, a mark of Swiss excellence, and an 18K pink gold rotor for smooth automatic winding. If you're wondering why this matters, consider it the heart of the watch—reliable, intricate, and a testament to Roger Dubuis' commitment to pushing boundaries without forgetting tradition.
Completing the look is a versatile blue interchangeable leather strap, secured by a matching Roger Dubuis buckle, which adds practicality to the prestige. And yes, it's a limited edition of just 28 pieces, priced at €115,000, making it a rare find for serious collectors.
In our take on this piece, the Hommage La Placide captures the essence of Roger Dubuis like no other—expressive craftsmanship that stays true to the brand's origins. It takes what could be an overwhelming array of technical features and balances them with a sense of warmth and approachability. At first, the dial might appear cluttered, but a closer look reveals a harmonious blend where every complication enhances the whole, turning potential chaos into captivating beauty. This is smart design at its finest, offering visual intrigue and showcasing RD's mastery in equal measure. It's paying homage—pun intended—in layers: to the brand's history, to its founder, and to the art of watchmaking itself. At 38mm, it's a nod to moderation in a world where bigger often means bolder, proving that size isn't everything. Ultimately, it's a fitting salute to Roger Dubuis: thoughtful, detailed, and exuding quiet confidence. For context, imagine comparing it to a symphony where each note builds to a crescendo—here, the watch is that perfect composition.
The Basics
- Brand: Roger Dubuis
- Model: Hommage La Placide
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Thickness: Not specified
- Case Material: 18K pink gold
- Dial Color: 'Leman Blue' lacquered main plate, layered with mother-of-pearl segments and a blue aventurine moonphase
- Indexes: Applied hour markers
- Strap/Bracelet: Blue interchangeable leather strap with Roger Dubuis emblem buckle
The Movement
- Caliber: RD1472 (a combination of the RD14 automatic base movement and the RD72 perpetual calendar module)
- Functions: Hours, minutes, biretrograde perpetual calendar (including day, date, month, leap year, and moonphase)—for those unfamiliar, a perpetual calendar automatically adjusts for varying month lengths and leap years, making it smarter than a standard one.
- Winding: Automatic, with an 18K pink gold rotor
- Additional Details: Certified with the Poinçon de Genève for top-tier finishing and quality
Pricing & Availability
- Price: EUR 115,000
- Availability: Available now
- Limited Edition: Yes, only 28 pieces produced
For more details, check out the official page here: https://www.rogerdubuis.com/hommage-la-placide-legacy-reborn-ho0612.
But here's the controversial twist that might spark debate: In an era of flashy, oversized timepieces, is Roger Dubuis playing it too safe with this restrained 38mm case, or is it a bold statement against excess? Some might argue it's a missed opportunity for innovation, while others see it as a return to refined elegance. And this is the part most people miss—how does honoring a founder's calm spirit translate to modern luxury? Is this watch a beacon of authenticity, or just nostalgia dressed up as progress? What do you think—does true luxury lie in extravagance, or in subtle sophistication? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on balancing tradition with trendiness in horology!
