Roger Dubuis - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 1995 in Geneva by the eponymous watchmaker Roger Dubuis and the designer Carlos Dias, the Swiss brand Roger Dubuis has quickly established itself in the world of fine watchmaking thanks to its daring creations and its exceptional know-how. Combining traditional expertise and avant-garde design, the house offers luxury watches that push the boundaries of watchmaking innovation.

Origins and History

Before creating his own brand, Roger Dubuis spent 14 years in the complications department of Patek Philippe, where he refined his expertise in precision watchmaking. In 1980, he opened his own workshop, producing complications for various watchmaking houses. His meeting with Carlos Dias, then designer at Franck Muller, led to the founding of the Roger Dubuis factory in 1995.

From its beginnings, the brand has distinguished itself by its ability to produce all of its complex mechanical movements in-house, thus guaranteeing total control of the production chain. In 1999, the manufacture unveiled its first movements entirely designed and developed in-house. That same year, Roger Dubuis models received the prestigious Geneva hallmark, ultimate certification guaranteeing the quality and Geneva origin of the watches. The brand thus becomes one of the youngest to obtain this distinction. In 2001, the factory moved to Meyrin, on the outskirts of Geneva, in an avant-garde building housing integrated production and administration.

In 2008, the group Richemont acquires majority stake in the company, thus strengthening its position in the global luxury market. Roger Dubuis, the co-founder, died in October 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the watch industry.

Iconic Collections

Among the brand's flagship collections, we find:

Roger Dubuis Excalibur : Launched in 2005, this collection embodies the essence of Roger Dubuis with its architectural lines and skeletonized movements. Excalibur models are distinguished by their oversized cases, imposing crowns and stylized Roman numerals.

Roger Dubuis Velvet : Aimed at female customers, the Velvet collection combines elegance and sophistication. The watches feature contemporary designs with refined cases and dials adorned with precious details.

Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table : This unique series is inspired by Arthurian legend, incorporating miniature representations of knights around the dial. Each piece is a work of art, combining watchmaking know-how and mythological inspiration.

Roger Dubuis Hyper Watches : For collectors eager for exceptional watches, this collection pushes the boundaries of design and technique, offering pieces with sophisticated complications and innovative materials.

Innovation and Know-How

The Roger Dubuis manufacture is recognized for its mastery of watchmaking complications and its commitment to innovation. It has designed and developed more than 30 exclusive mechanical movements, including flying tourbillons and double balance calibers. Each component is manufactured in-house, ensuring rigorous quality control at every stage of production. Roger Dubuis watches often feature skeletonized movements, revealing the mechanical complexity and artisanal know-how of the house. The systematic obtaining of “Poinçon de Genève” for all of its creations testifies to the excellence and authenticity of the brand.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Since 2017, Roger Dubuis has established partnerships with major players in motorsport, including Lamborghini Team Corse And Pirelli. These collaborations gave birth to watches inspired by the world of racing, incorporating materials and designs evoking performance and speed. For example, some pieces incorporate elements of race-winning Pirelli tires, providing a tangible connection to the world of motorsport.

Commitment to Exclusivity

Faithful to its philosophy of exclusivity, Roger Dubuis often produces limited series, guaranteeing its customers rare and unique pieces. This approach reinforces the prestigious character of the brand and ensures that its collectors own truly exceptional watches.

Conclusion

In just over two decades, Roger Dubuis has forged a strong identity in the landscape of fine watchmaking. Thanks to a combination of traditional know-how, bold innovation and prestigious collaborations, the brand continues to seduce lovers of exceptional watches around the world.

(Updated February 2025)