Roger Dubuis Hommage H37 Box and Papers
The full Breguet numeral dial, time-only Roger Dubuis watches are some of my all-time favorites. The balance, simplicity, depth, finish, mystique and little details add up to a refined, restrained, and understated degree of perfection. The present example features the more sought after “full Breguet” dial in the goldilocks H37 size with absolutely perfect proportions. The Hommage case may appear simple at first glance, especially as compared to the Sympathie, however the understated elegance makes it truly special to experience on wrist. With a lot of presence and a perfectly executed case in a perfect harmony of proportions, the case is more than meets the initial glance. Looking down at the watch, the sloped and concave bezel almost appears domed and rounded, providing the substantive frame to the perfect dial, and at just 8.5 mm thin, it sits on the wrist perfectly for any occasion. The dial and hands are truly perfect to my eye, and the heavily finished, twice Geneva Sealed automatic winding movement is the cherry on top of the lavishly iced cake, in perfect proportions, of course.
Reference: Hommage H37.57.5
Dial: The dial is deceptive, appearing more matte black most angles. However, when you continue to inspect and observe at different angles, the central portion of the dial has an extremely subtle soleil or sunburst pattern that almost appears more dark slate at some viewing angles, most notably apparent in contrast to the truly matte black raised outer minutes and seconds track. The dial draws heavily on classic inspiration like the pearled minute markers, brought to life with the unique, almost gothic signature font, “Bulletin D’Observatoire”, and “SWISS – GOHM – MADE” text. The uniquely shaped and faceted dagger handset makes great use of the negative space on the dial and the extra long central seconds hand absolutely captivates me beating along at 28,800 BPH. The mirror polished applied Breguet numerals beautifully reflect light with warm rose gold brilliance at some angles and completely disappearing at others.
The dial appears free of any defects. There is one small mark near the edge of the crystal at the 24 minute marker that was not visible to the naked eye and not noticeable until photographing in the light box.
Case: The 37 x 44 x 8.5 mm 18-Carat rose gold case is in lovely condition with only minor surface marks throughout, most notably on the backs of some of the lugs due to prior strap changes. The case is thick, even, well defined, with beautifully crisp hallmarks intact.
Movement: The caliber RD57 automatic winding movement is a heavily finished Lemania 8815 base caliber, twice Geneva sealed with an embellished and signed rotor. The watch is winding, setting, and running smoothly at +0 s/d, averaged across 6 positions, service history is unknown.
Strap: Presented on its original tan scaled strap in good condition measuring 110 x 72 and fitted with its original signed rose gold buckle.
Includes: Wooden presentation box, leather document holder, signed document envelope, Certificate of Origin and Guarantee that is unsigned and undated, but includes photograph of the watch, Republic and Canton of Geneva Certificate of Origin for the movement, leather hang tag and Geneva Seal hang tag.
