“Excalibur was created in 2005 and since then, the technology and design have evolved a lot. We had gradually updated the model over the years, but it was now time for a more drastic makeover,” explains Nicola Andreatta, CEO. Thus, the Excalibur Flying Tourbillion is reincarnated in four new versions: in “EON” pink gold, including a world-first luminescent diamond version for Roger Dubuis; in a cobalt-chrome blue colour; and in an anthracite-coloured titanium.
The Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon presented in January 2021 is available in pink gold, in diamond set pink gold and white gold.
The aesthetics of mechanics
“One of our biggest challenges has been to work on our icon,” admits Andreatta. The skeletonized movement has been completely reworked to accentuate the impression of depth and three-dimensionality, starting with the iconic star. The revisited design is inspired by architecture, with lines featuring “vanishing points” that do not touch each other, such as on the indexes, on the points of the star, and on the hands. Finally, the case also has a new refined look.
In terms of finishing, the Poinçon de Genève has been given a “facelift” with a novel combination of decorations, including brushed surfaces and polished edges for a more modern look, along with circular graining and Côtes de Genève motifs.
A boosted power reserve
A new 72 hours of autonomy is particularly appreciated as it allows you to wear the watch for the equivalent of a weekend without winding it (therefore enabling you to better enjoy the rest of your collection). In comparison, the Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon only had 60 hours of power reserve. To reach the grail in terms of autonomy, Roger Dubuis reduced the friction of the gear train and lightened the weight of the tourbillon case through the use of titanium.
The madness of a discrete diamond
Spectacular in daylight, Roger Dubuis diamonds now also shine at night. The Excalibur Flying Tourbillon Glow Me Up reveals a world-first for Roger Dubuis – its diamonds emit a blue, green, yellow, or violet luminescence in the dark. Andreatta explains this new Swiss Super-LumiNova that is applied in grooves, “It is similar to invisible gem setting, but optimized for phosphorescence.”
Hard and durable materials
Another new feature is the arrival of “EON” (which means “eternity” in Greek). This pink gold alloy tarnishes less quickly and is harder thanks to the addition of palladium. In terms of organic materials, the manufacture is now also equipping all of its new models with calfskin straps instead of the traditional alligator leather, in a perspective of social and environmental responsibility.
Finally, Roger Dubuis announced the creation of an Urban Art Tribe, composed of artists such as Dr. Woo, a tattoo artist from America’s West Coast, and the French graffiti artist, Gully. “Roger Dubuis has reached a certain stage of maturity, it’s now time to play,” says the CEO. One thing is certain, day or night, the magic of Excalibur will continue to shine!
