Introducing Roger Dubuis Unveils the Unique “Hommage Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde ‘Sukoon Al-Layl’

On the occasion of Dubai Watch Week, Roger Dubuis unveils a unique piece from the “La Placide” series, completing this year’s heartfelt tribute to Mr. Roger Dubuis through a story that blends heritage, modernity, and the elegance of serenity. This exceptional creation draws inspiration from Roger Dubuis’ three-decade journey and the breathtaking landscapes of the Middle East, embodying the Maison’s expressive style and technical mastery. With the release of “Stillness of the Night,” the La Placide trilogy concludes with a final homage to the brand’s founder.

The original Hommage in 1996 was Mr. Roger Dubuis’ tribute to the master watchmakers, mentors, and friends who shaped his career. This year, it is the founder who receives the honour. Following the debut of the first “La Placide” timepiece, the latest chapter now unfolds with a creation that celebrates his warm-hearted character. It offers the perfect stage to showcase Mr. Dubuis’ favourite complication: the Perpetual Calendar with Bi-retrograde display.

The 38 mm case is crafted entirely in platinum, including the case body, bezel, crown and caseback, chosen to evoke the silvery glow of the moon at night. The watch measures 11 mm in height and is protected by sapphire crystals on both sides.

The dial immediately captivates with its bi-retrograde layout: the month and leap-year indications at 12 o’clock, and the moonphase at 6 o’clock. Unlike the previous La Placide model, this dial features four Arabic numerals instead of indices, complemented by blued hands with red-tipped pointers.

Its dynamism is expressed through a multi-layered architecture adorned with a rich variety of finishes. The mother-of-pearl flange, Roger Dubuis was among the first to use this material in men’s watches, shows an elevated lustre that enhances contrast and radiance. It carries a transferred minute track and polished bevels for added brilliance.

The same mother-of-pearl is used for the calendar sectors and counters, each with transferred markings and hand-bevelled edges. The mainplate is decorated with guilloché waves, a signature of Dubuis’ early creations, revived here to echo the rippling sands sculpted by desert winds. Its “Astral Blue” hue captures the quiet stillness of the night sky before dawn, and its lacquered finish creates a shifting interplay of light on the wrist.

The hour and minute hands are crafted from 18K white gold, while the Arabic numerals pay tribute to Middle Eastern culture. The moonphase layer features a base of blue aventurine adorned with two subtly domed moons in 18K yellow gold—the only elements in this material, recalling the Maison’s earliest Perpetual Calendars.

Powering this unique piece like the previous Hommage La Placide Perpetual Calendar Bi-retrograde limited edition, is the calibre RD1472, which combines faithfully reproduced and newly manufactured components from the historical Calibre RD14 and module RD72, first introduced in 1999. The revised RD14, Roger Dubuis’ first in-house movement, introduced in 2004—underwent a meticulous restoration process, from comprehensive diagnostics to rigorous quality control, restoring every component to near-original condition. It is fitted with a traditional swan-neck regulator, renowned for precision adjustment and refined finishing. The RD72 module adds the perpetual calendar complication favored by Roger Dubuis, featuring bi-retrograde indications for the day and date, along with displays for the month, leap year, and moon phase. Two star-shaped wheels with 12 and 48 teeth respectively ensure the smooth progression of the month and leap-year indications via coaxial hands.

The automatic movement, equipped with an 18-carat pink gold rotor, comprises 307 components and 33 jewels, measures 5.3 millimetres in height, operates at a frequency of 4 hertz, and delivers a power reserve of 48 hours. Fifteen traditional finishing techniques are applied, ranging from anglage and Côtes de Genève to perlage. The calibre bears the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal), also visible on the dial.

The Hommage “Sukoon Al-Layl” is paired with an Astral Blue calfskin strap stitched with a rarely seen platinum thread and secured by a triple-folding platinum clasp bearing the heritage Roger Dubuis emblem—the very first logo of the Maison, also engraved on the crown.

The Roger Dubuis Hommage La Placide Perpetual Calendar Bi-retrograde “Sukoon Al-Layl” is presented as a unique piece.

For more information, visit Roger Dubuis official website.