SIHH 2015

2015, ‘Year of the Astral Skeleton’.

The 25th edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie provided the opportunity for Roger Dubuis to reaffirm its signature role as the pioneer of contemporary skeleton calibres. It did so in particularly with an entirely skeletonised Excalibur Spider collection. All the new models feature the unique star-shaped design of Roger Dubuis contemporary skeleton calibres, the Astral Skeleton.

Technical Skeletons made an entrance under the name Excalibur Spider, models in which Roger Dubuis applies its innovative and creative powers to extending skeletonisation beyond the movement to encompass a skeletonised case, flange and hands, while the collection also welcomed the world premiere Excalibur Spider Skeleton with gem-set rubber bezel. Another Roger Dubuis trademark speciality was in the spotlight with its Excalibur Automatic Skeletons, the first skeletonised automatic Roger Dubuis movement with open-worked micro-rotor. ladies were also honoured with the Excalibur Brocéliande models evoking the mysterious forest of Arthurian legends.

Roger Dubuis - Excalibur Brocéliande

The Roger Dubuis world at the SIHH 2015 was inspired by an eclectic range of sources including fashion, architecture, painting, sculpture and film-making. It embodied a dreamlike fantasy world powerfully evoking the Astral Skeleton theme and its multiple interpretations in nature, art and watchmaking.

Reinforcing the effect of the décor serving as a scenic backdrop for the newly released creations, Roger Dubuis offered to visitors the unique Astral Skeleton Experience. Donning Oculus Rift glasses gave them a chance to enjoy a unique sensorial 3D virtual reality experience at the heart of the Roger Dubuis world. this fantastic journey sent them hurtling through space as if on a magical roller-coaster, with the branches of the symbolic tree serving as rails. Each physical turn of the head or body was reflected in the virtual universe. Along the way, these ‘temporary time travellers’ whizzed past key words reinforcing the Roger Dubuis signature strengths, such as ‘Technical sophistication’, ‘Graphic star-shaped architecture’ and ‘Unconventional calibres’, while all around were constellations of movement gear wheels exploding like brilliant stars.

Roger Dubuis - SIHH 2015

CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué was unequivocally enthusiastic about reactions to the Roger Dubuis releases at the SIHH 2015. “This edition was a unique opportunity to demonstrate how our 100% Poinçon de Genève principle, the prestigious quality hallmark sanctioning superlative quality and expertise, governs every aspect of our endeavours. It also provided a chance to reinterpret our trailblazing know-how in the realm of contemporary skeleton-work and tourbillons. Last but not least, it proved our dedication to offering the unexpected and the unconventional on every level, from standout creations to cutting-edge experiential presentation modes. Feedback during the Salon has confirmed that these messages came across loud and clear.”

Adding a unique celebratory touch and offering a further example of the kind of unique experience that Roger Dubuis is dedicated to creating, the three Astral Skeleton Dinners held on the first three evenings of the SIHH, were staged in Geneva’s Espace Hippomène.

 

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