Roger Dubuis co-founder dies at 79

Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis’ eponymous co-founder has died.

Mr. Dubuis worked as a designer for Patek Philippe before starting his own watch brand in 1995. Following his death, the horologist is being remembered by the watch community and brand enthusiasts for his contributions to his field.

Watchmaker
Mr. Dubuis teamed up with Carlos Dias, a former designer at Franck Muller, to launch the Roger Dubuis manufacture.

Over its two-decade history, Roger Dubuis has become known for its technical timepieces. Some of its most popular models include Skeleton watches that reveal the timepieces’ mechanics and its Excalibur line.

The Richemont-owned watchmaker recently examined some of its most masterful movements through a series of figurative films.

A nod to the Swiss label’s handcrafted timepieces, the brand’s four-part “Incredible Calibres Tale” features sketched animations by Cyril Clapin, creator of the award-winning short film “Rain Surfer.” This abstract approach enables Roger Dubuis to tell these stories of its manufacture through a new, artistic lens (see story).

The brand also inspires consumers to "Dare to be rare" through its marketing.

Luxury group Richemont bought a controlling interest in Roger Dubuis in 2008, buying the remaining stake in 2016 (see story).

At the time of its original acquisition, Richemont chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement, “Roger Dubuis watches are highly innovative in terms of movements and design. As a young business, it is very different from the more established specialist watchmakers within the group today; as such it complements our maisons perfectly. We look forward to developing the Roger Dubuis business internationally."

Roger Dubuis. Image credit: Roger Dubuis

Mr. Dubuis, who died on Oct. 14, was remembered in a statement from his brand.

“His renown expertise in haute horlogerie, his disruptive vision, his human values will remain close to our heart,” wrote Roger Dubuis. “We are all committed to keep his unique spirit within our brand. Roger’s passing is a grievous loss for all of us and the entire watch community. Our sympathies are with his family and close relatives.”