Dubai Watch Week 2025 welcomed Roger Dubuis for the very first time this year, marking an important moment as the Maison celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. In this exclusive Katsbling.com interview, Chief Marketing Officer Jean Philippe Bonneau shares insights on the brand’s debut in Dubai, its anniversary novelties, the special Dubai edition unveiled during the fair, and how collectors are responding to the Maison’s renewed focus on heritage.
Katsbling: This is your first presence at Dubai Watch Week. How significant is this moment for Roger Dubuis?
Bonneau: It is extremely relevant for us, especially as we are celebrating our thirtieth anniversary. Ending the year with this event feels meaningful. What struck me most is the depth of knowledge among the visitors. Many people here know the Maison’s history almost better than I do. It is refreshing and very different from more formal fairs like Watches and Wonders.
Katsbling: Were you surprised by how familiar collectors are with the brand’s heritage?
Bonneau: Very pleasantly surprised. In other fairs you mostly interact with industry insiders, but here you engage with the public and with collectors who truly understand the brand’s origins, its evolution, and its milestones. The discussions are extremely rich and insightful.
Katsbling: Let’s talk about the novelties. Which key pieces should collectors look out for at your booth?
Bonneau: I would highlight two. First, the Biretrograde revealed in April, which opened our anniversary celebrations. It is a beautiful tribute to our signature display. The second is the Hommage La Placide, a thirty eight millimeter pink gold timepiece introduced just last week. The Hommage collection was originally created in 1996 to honor the watchmakers who influenced Roger Dubuis, and now, thirty years later, we pay tribute to the founder himself. It features a Biretrograde and a perpetual calendar, which was his favorite complication.
Katsbling: And of course, there is the Dubai Watch Week special edition. Tell us more about it.
Bonneau: Yes, we unveiled Hommage La Placide Sukoon Al Layl, a piece we have been preparing for months. The name describes the dial, which features a guilloche pattern resembling sound waves. The lacquered finish shifts between gray and green hues, giving the impression of moonlight rising at night. It is crafted in platinum, a material beloved in this region. The response has been incredible.
Katsbling: What kind of feedback have you received from collectors here in the region?
Bonneau: The anniversary has opened the door to deeper conversations about who Roger Dubuis was and the pieces he created. There is excitement from collectors of our modern expressive watches, but also renewed fascination for our historical models. This blend of past and present is generating strong engagement. It feels like an important turning point.
Katsbling: What can you reveal about what is next for the Maison?
Bonneau: While details remain confidential, I can say that our focus will always be on high watchmaking. Everything is made by hand in our integrated manufacture in Geneva. You can expect expressivity, innovation, and some surprises. We will not limit ourselves to only large watches in the future. As Roger Dubuis said, never boring.
