Matthias Schuler has been named the new CEO of Roger Dubuis SA, effective 19 August after Carlos Dias, the founder, CEO, and primary shareholder of the Swiss luxury watch brand Roger Dubuis SA, left the company. Dias’s departure was confirmed by the watch company. No specific reason was given for his leaving. A Roger Dubuis spokesperson told JCK simply that Portuguese-born Dias-an avid watch collector who has a doctorate in political science, and has also been a furniture designer and book publisher-“has chosen to leave the company.”
Schuler was previously COO of IWC, one of Ricehmont’s upscale watch brands. Richemont, is one of the world’s leading luxury goods conglomerates. Richemont, whose portfolio includes several prestigious Swiss watch brands, purchased 60% of Roger Dubuis SA from Dias, effective 11 August, in a private transaction.
Roger Dubuis SA, based in Geneva, will continue to create, manufacture and distribute watches under its brand name, operating as an autonomous brand within Richemont, said a company statement.
Roger Dubuis’ absorption into Richemont began last September, when Richemont bought its watch components production facility in Meyrin, Switzerland, outside Geneva, months after some Swiss press reports alleged financial difficulties for the watchmaker.
It now makes components for Roger Dubuis and other Richemont watch brands. Richemont also agreed in September to distribute Roger Dubuis watches in some key markets, including the United States and the Middle East.
At the annual international SIHH luxury watch fair in Geneva, Roger Dubuis SA regularly unveils innovative new models-usually square and in limited numbers of 28 and 288-and new mechanical movements, including a number of world firsts.
In addition to Roger Dubuis, Richemont’s other luxury watch brands include Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, IWC, Baume & Mercier, Vacheron Constantin, Officine Panerai and A Lange & Söhne.