By Nicole Lampru
While many brands find an end in being part of the Haute Horlogerie elite endorsed by the Hallmark of Geneva, Roger Dubuis contemplates this honor as an appetizer in an insatiable hunger for absolute excellence. SIHH 2014 has been, unquestionably, the stage for the celeb-brand to show once again why they are the only maison horloger to stamp the renown Poincon de Geneve in its entire production.
Considering the players, Roger Dubuis is relatively new in the world of watchmaking. Founded in 1995, the RD logo has ignited the industry with particular audacity and technical sophistication, thus earning a royal position worldwide. Proof of its rapid -and incredible- growth has been witnessed at SIHH 2014, since only 19 years after the first Roger Dubuis creation was unveiled, it is already time for a “Hommage”; a collection that embodies perfection… Stamped perfection.
However, in a plethora of beauty and technical savoir faire, there are always favorites. These are my stamped A-Listers:
-The RDDBHO0569:
A chronograph with character, blending artistic skill and subtle elegance. Available in pink and white gold versions, ,this model houses a RD680 movement with a micro-rotor: One of the signature mechanisms of RD, with an impressive 52-hour power reserve. Although its diameter could have been a bit larger (it is only 42mm), I definitely find this model among my faves.
-The Quatuor (Ref. RDDBEX0425):
Now we start talking. The Excalibur Quatuor has always been appealing to me. It is rough, yet modern. Impressive in all senses. Sexy. This 2014 model is fully made in black DLC coated titanium, making it durable and hip, while featuring a skeletonized design that catches the eye and drives it straight to the amazing mechanics housed in this 48mm, limited edition of 188 timepieces.
– #HelloExtraordinary: Double Tourbillon High Jewellery (Ref. RDDBHO0570):
Finally, the piece that wishes farewell to cuckoos and welcomes extraordinary. Highlighting all the artful talents of Dubuis, this masterpiece of the Hommage Collection manifests the capacity of the brand to mix guilloche and vanguardist thinking in one piece (succeeding at it). It is a 28-piece limited edition made out of 18kt pink gold, boasting a bezel set with baguette-cut diamonds (as well as the lugs and crown). At 45mm, this iced timepiece is a perfect fit to most wrists. It also houses the newly-introduced hound-wound RD100 movement with 52 jewels and a 50-hour power reserve.
The level of craftsmanship in this double tourbillon is simply superb. Just the dial is a wow-er with its -obviously- hand-made rhodium plated guilloche with charcoal tones. The RD100 movement is Roger Dubuis’ new pride and joy. Accomplished after 1200 hours of manufacturing and 452 individually hand-finished parts, the brand has officialy renewed its vows with the Poincon de Geneve at SIHH 2014.
#GoodbyeCuckoos #HelloExtraordinary and #ChapeauMrDubuis !
