This serial innovator mindset results from visionary engineers and incredible watchmakers combining radical expertise. It is nourished by a daily obsession for designing and creating the future of Haute Horlogerie. Serving aesthetics through technical skills, reinventing tradition by unleashing creativity to push all boundaries, Roger Dubuis proudly introduces the latest interpretation of its iconic Knights of the Round Table collection, reserved for an exclusive tribe. A select group of individuals who truly feel the pleasure of blending Haute Horlogerie with artistic crafts.
Epitomising exceptional technical skill dedicated to standout design, this new interpretation of Roger Dubuis’ iconic Knights of the Round Table collection celebrates the mighty legend of King Arthur. Featuring unprecedented design expressed through highly disruptive materials, this new model offers a stunning combination of contemporary craftsmanship and technical savoir-faire. Powered by Calibre RD821 and fitted with a vintage grey red-stitched calf leather strap, the new Excalibur Knights of the Round Table collection is a daring demonstration of the Maison’s exceptional expertise, passion for challenges and obsession with reinventing iconic legends. It sets an incredible stage for the fabled knights micro-sculpted by hand, while reinventing the ancient art of Damascus steel through a Damascus titanium alloy worked in a technically and aesthetically innovative manner.
Disruptive innovation
Damascus steel, today the most commonly used name for patterned welded steel, was historically prepared with steel sheets with various degrees of hardness and is said to have been developed by the Hittites during the first millennium. Used ever since to produce the swords, daggers and blades, its combination of hard and soft steel serves to leverage the intrinsic qualities of these two varieties. Impelled by its inherent drive to take on new challenges, Roger Dubuis opted for Damascus titanium to create an unparalleled aesthetic as well as an incredibly airy feel on the wrist. Twice as light as steel yet 30% more resistant, this material is totally biocompatible. Starting from a block of Damascus titanium, the case and bezel are machined and then dipped in an acid bath designed to reveal the inimitable pattern that is the perfect symbol for contemporary knights. This exclusive treatment, combined with the Haute Horlogerie decorative techniques applied to the 45 mm case of this model, represents a novel approach for Roger Dubuis.
So as to preserve the singular allure of the raised Damascus motif, the Maison’s watchmakers opted for a variety of refined techniques. Well-accustomed to performing movement decorations meeting the rigorous Hallmark of Geneva criteria, they opted to implement them here on the watch exterior. These subtle finishing touches notably include delicate straight-graining creating an appealing matt finish on the case sides; brushing that enhances the smooth look and touch of the curving lugs; as well as extremely precise hand-chamfering using a variety of files. The result is a series of straight and flat angles such as no machine could ever hope to achieve. The aesthetic effect powerfully demonstrates an ability to leverage the talent of the Roger Dubuis watchmakers in order to overcome all difficulties in their tireless pursuit of beauty.
A shining array of manual skills
The adventure continues with a 3D dial featuring an outstanding display of craftsmanship skills including a stunning combination of dark grey enamel, white gold and Murano glass. The dial structure is composed of white gold and dark grey enamel, creating the perfect stage-setting for the crafted Knights of the Round Table. Cast in pink gold and just 7mm high, each knight is meticulously micro-sculpted, engraved and finished by hand. They represent striking examples of Low Poly Art, a singular technique in which polygonal facets are used to create sculptures or painting. Swords at the ready, each represents an hour, while the case-back is engraved with their famous oath of allegiance to King Arthur: “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud”.
Fully engaged in its own quest to share pleasure, madness and freedom with a chosen tribe of connoisseurs, Roger Dubuis provides another stunning demonstration of its uncompromising technical mastery allied with legendary craftsmanship.
