Exclusively unveiled at Dubai Watch Week, the latest chapter in the La Placide series, Hommage “Sukoon Al-Layl”, tells a story of heritage, modernity, and pure serenity. Inspired by Roger Dubuis’ remarkable 30-year journey and the breathtaking landscapes of the Middle East, this one-of-a-kind timepiece fuses the Maison’s signature bold expressivity with its unrivaled technical mastery.
The original Hommage in 1996 celebrated the watchmakers, teachers, and friends who shaped Roger Dubuis’ career. This year, the spotlight turns to the man himself. Known as “La Placide” for his calm, gentle wisdom from a young age, Dubuis’ tranquil spirit is captured in every detail of this serene masterpiece.
With “Sukoon” meaning serenity and “Al-Layl” meaning night, the design evokes the stillness of a desert night, while also honoring Mr. Dubuis’ lifelong fascination with astronomical complications. A nod to Arabic astronomy meets Geneva watchmaking, this timepiece showcases his favorite Perpetual Calendar complication with a striking Bi-Retrograde display, an elegant tribute to a visionary who has always lived at the intersection of precision, poetry, and daring design.
BURO had the chance to sit with the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jean-Philippe Bonneau to dive deeper into this exceptional creation and hear firsthand the inspiration and vision behind it during Dubai Watch Week.
ROGER DUBIOS IS KNOWN FOR BOLD AND DARING DESIGNS. HOW DO YOU SEE THIS AESTHETIC RESONATING WITH MIDDLE EASTERN COLLECTORS AT DUBAI WATCH WEEK?
Beyond the aesthetic, I think what local collectors really appreciate is high watchmaking. They have a great eye for detail, and we are an integrated manufacturer, meaning everything, from movement creation to design and finishing, is done in Geneva. Typically, collectors start with more classic watches in their collections. At some point, they begin seeking bolder, more expressive designs. That’s where Roger Dubuis comes in. We never make simple or “boring” watches, our focus is always on expressivity. So, we complement the collector’s journey by offering timepieces that stand out.
THE HOMMAGE LA PLAISE CELEBRATES THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAISON WITH A LIMITED SERIES OF 28 PIECES. WHAT MAKES THIS TIMEPIECE UNIQUE IN TERMS OF DESIGN AND MECHANICAL INNOVATION?
The original Hommage was created in 1996 by Roger Dubuis to pay tribute to the watchmakers who influenced him. This year, we celebrate his 30th anniversary, and this new Hommage honors that legacy.
Mechanically, it features a perpetual calendar, which was his favorite complication, combined with a bi-retrograde display, a very unique way of showing time. All of this comes together in a beautiful 38mm watch, unveiled this week at Dubai Watch Week.
ROGER DUBUIS IS KNOWN FOR BOLD, AVANT-GARDE DESIGNS. HOW DOES THE HOMMAGE LA PLAISE REFLECT THE MAISON’S SIGNATURE IDENTITY WHILE CELEBRATING ITS HERITAGE?
We are always focused on expressive design. The Hommage La Plaise features the bi-retrograde display, echoing a model we launched earlier this year. The dial has multiple layers, five in total, adding depth and a three-dimensional feel. This layered approach and expressivity are very much part of the Roger Dubuis DNA, blending avant-garde design with heritage.
THIS SERIES SEEMS DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THE MAISON’S HISTORY, SIMILAR TO THE EXCALIBUR. HOW DO THESE CREATIONS REPRESENT THE EVOLUTION OF ROGER DUBUIS’ TECHNICAL EXPERTISE?
Over the history of Roger Dubuis, we’ve created more than 2,500 references. Each project has taught us something new, allowing us to develop innovative calibers and novel ways of displaying complications. The Hommage La Plaise demonstrates this ongoing evolution, combining our accumulated know-how with modern technical creativity.
FOR SOMEONE EXPLORING ROGER DUBUIS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THIS WEEK’S EVENT, WHAT MAKES THE MAISON STAND OUT?
We revealed a unique timepiece this morning called Alarabic, crafted especially for Dubai Watch Week. It’s in platinum, features a green “rippling” dial inspired by desert waves, and reflects the collector’s preferences in the Middle East. It’s the first time we’ve done something specifically for this region, and it embodies the bold, expressive design that defines the Maison.
IF YOU WERE TO PICK ONE WATCH AS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE FROM ROGER DUBUIS’ HISTORY, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
I’d have to pick one from each phase. Early on, he made watches just for friends with unique inscriptions. Later, he became known for the iconic, eccentric Excalibur shapes and double tourbillon skeleton watches. Most recently, I’d choose the bi-retrograde model we just released. I also appreciate some of the old classics, so it’s really three favorites for me!
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