The Manufacture has made it a habit to give top billing to its Excalibur models, and 2022 will be no exception. For the Geneva fair, Roger Dubuis is unveiling a new version of its Arthurian timepiece, along with two new Excalibur Originals.
Excalibur Knights of the Round Table Monotourbillon/X
The previous version of the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table, launched last February, depicted King Arthur’s twelve knights in a new configuration. Each figure was redesigned to give it its own identity, and their swords were no longer all pointing towards the centre of the dial. The new hand-wound timepiece dedicated to the legendary knights retains this refreshing new layout, but it enters the world of grand complications by placing a tourbillon in the centre (and thus, in the centre of the table). The Knight Protectors surround the tourbillon like a human shield, as if protecting the outside world from its terrible power. Thanks to its enlarged balance wheel, the tourbillon gives the watch greater stability and improved protection from the effects of gravity. This timepiece bears the Geneva Seal, demonstrating that it meets the highest specifications, with a 72-hour power reserve and a depth rating of 30m.
As well as being an exceptional piece of mechanical engineering, the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table Monotourbillon/X is also a lesson in aesthetics. It features an abundance of rose gold, in the hour and minute hands (each made up of several parts), the knights (6mm tall) as well as the case, and showcases an additional, rather unusual material: Murano glass. Used on the crown, the minutes ring and on the dial, the concentric blocks represent the famous Round Table in shades of indigo, purple and magenta. This elegant interpretation of an ancient legend comes fitted with a black calf leather strap with a quick-release system, making it easy to change to a different colour strap.
Excalibur Original
EON GOLD is the new rose gold alloy used (and patented) by Roger Dubuis for the 42mm cases of its two latest Excalibur Original – Automatic Skeleton creations. EON GOLD is less subject to oxidation than standard rose gold, and is also more resistant to its environment. This includes salt water, where the watch is safe up to a depth of 100m.
The timepieces have been improved in a number of ways, including the inclusion of a more stable and more shock-resistant balance wheel, and a modified escapement that transmits energy more efficiently. The RD 720SQ calibre supplies a power reserve of 72 hours, and its automatic winding mechanism is powered by an oscillating weight that has been optimised to reduce vibrations. All these technical improvements can be clearly seen thanks to skeletonisation and the sapphire caseback. The Excalibur Original, which is certified with the Geneva Seal, comes in two versions: one set with 60 round-cut diamonds on a purple calf leather strap, and one plain with a brown calf leather strap, both with a quick-release system.
