ROGER Dubuis embodies a longstanding commitment to safeguarding and restoring examples of the finest watchmaking traditions, while consistently renewing and re-energizing this proud horological heritage. To mark its 20th anniversary, the only watchmaking manufacturer to be 100% Poinçon de Genève certified is re-launching a unique restoration project entirely dedicated to its Hommage collection: Millésime As the name hints, it will mark each year with a special “vintage” in the shape of just one creation embodying a wealth of restoration work. These models will be available exclusively from Roger Dubuis boutiques and systematically related to boutique openings representing milestone events in the life of the Manufacture's distribution network. Within this significant undertaking, a series of antique movement blanks will be restored using ancestral crafts and upgraded to meet 21st century Poinçon de Genève specifications as part of an exceptional series of limited editions. Each will incorporate a perpetual calendar, either alone or accompanied by one or more of the other three most sophisticated horological complications. The officer-type back cover opens to reveal the beauty of the Hommage Millésime caliber of a new generation. When Roger Dubuis describes his career, one cannot help but be fascinated by his deep felt commitment, his love of horology in its authentic and traditional sense. Whether in restoring complicated timepieces in the Galerie d'Horlogerie Ancienne (later renamed Antiquorum), devoting his considerable expertise to ébauches (movement blanks in the Grand Complication department of a great Geneva based Maison), or founding the Groupement Genevois des Cabinotiers, Mr Roger Dubuis has unceasingly dedicated himself to serving as the custodian of watchmaking professions. Symbolically destined for the new Roger Dubuis Geneva boutique that will open in July 2015, the first Millésime based on this stock of movement blanks is the RD181 calibre, a late 19th/early 20th century ébauche hunted down by Mr Roger Dubuis himself from antique watchmaking and initially comprising a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar and a chronograph. Presented by the Maison in 2015 in honour of its founder, this 60 mm-diameter pocket watch is a cherished one-of-a-kind creation whose calibre is engraved with the signature of Mr Roger Dubuis. The owner will be able to personalise the pocket-watch chain by replacing various links with a series of 5N pink gold plaques that may be engraved with messages. — SG
