Roger Dubuis Aqua Mare

The Roger Dubuis brand has a very interesting history, despite its relatively short existence of only about 20 years. It all began in 1995, when one of the most respected gurus in watchmaking circles – Roger Dubuis – decided to create his own line of watches, without regard for the policies and plans of major manufacturers or their owners. Thus were born some of the most prized watches by professionals and sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors – with an authentic design and unique movements, most of them entirely in-house and all meeting one of the strictest standards in the industry – the Poinçon de Genève. Several resales of the brand followed, until Richemont eventually acquired it with the idea of bringing it back to the stage. The new owners made an exceptionally strategic move by bringing in Roger Dubuis himself as a consultant for design, development, and innovation – and the result is more than impressive. The model presented – Roger Dubuis Aqua Mare GA41 14 9 12.53 – is undoubtedly one of the most renowned representatives of the elite category of luxury diver's watches. The fact that it is part of a limited edition of only 888 pieces makes it even more exclusive and desirable for any collection. Although the Rolex Submariner is often considered the first true luxury diver, over the years many manufacturers have entered this segment and some have even managed to surpass it in certain aspects. The shape of the Aqua Mare's case is unique and difficult to compare with that of any other manufacturer. The gleaming edges around the lugs create a visual effect reminiscent of antique emblems, shields, and even heraldic symbols. At the same time, the watch also includes a number of modern elements – large screws on the lugs, rubber accents, and a massive crown with a protective mechanism resembling a knight's visor. The Aqua Mare impresses with its bold design – the hands are shaped like swords, and the bezel is reminiscent of the outer circle of a knight's table. The anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal creates an effect where the crystal "disappears" at certain angles, adding further depth to the appearance. Legibility is excellent – the silver hands with abundant luminescence contrast beautifully with the beige dial. The case is crafted with exceptional attention to detail – the combination of matte, brushed, and polished surfaces is clearly visible. The strap is massive and high-quality, fitting perfectly to the case via an intermediate central lug, and the clasp is solid, with buttons on both sides for easier use. What truly distinguishes this watch is its movement. It meets two of the most prestigious standards in watchmaking – COSC for accuracy and the Poinçon de Genève for finishing. All edges are precisely machined, beveled, and polished to an exceptionally high level. In this specific limited edition, a gold rotor is used, which fits perfectly into the overall aesthetic with its polished and brushed elements. Engraved on the outer edge of the case back are the model name and the individual number of the specific watch from the limited edition – another testament to its exclusivity.