Mr Roger Dubuis based his eponymous model in 1995, swiftly attaining success with timepieces that deftly steadiness conventional watchmaking craftsmanship and daring, expressive designs. Since 2003, the model has been famend for its experience in tourbillon watches, beginning with the calibre RD03. This totally built-in manufacture has since grow to be a specialist in architectural skeletonised tourbillons, a cornerstone of its Hyper Horology idea, characterised by daring, trendy, and technically superior creations. Among the many slew of tourbillon watches launched by the model at Watches and Wonders 2024 is the Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon. A mannequin with a whole lot of character, it embodies the essence of Roger Dubuis’ fashion and experience. But it presents a (comparatively talking) extra restrained fashion that may possible enchantment to a broader viewers.
Among the many quite a few tourbillon watches crafted by Roger Dubuis, the Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon stands out for its balanced design – trendy and daring, but not overly so. Constructed from grade 5 titanium and a extra complicated tackle a mannequin launched final yr, this sleeker Excalibur Monotourbillon advantages from its light-weight, corrosion- and magnetic-resistant, hypoallergenic properties. It additionally brings a toned-down monochromatic look (with refined metallic shades of gray) that always makes an object look modern and trendy. A minimum of, you received’t be stunned that that is what we expect right here at MONOCHROME.
Measuring 42mm in diameter, the edgy Excalibur case is notable for its distinctive angles, notched bezel, and attribute triple lugs. This design ensures a robust wrist presence and makes the watch a wonderful dialog starter. Regardless of its daring look, at 42mm in diameter and a bit over 12mm excessive, its dimension is comparatively modest for a Roger Dubuis timepiece. And it ought to match most males’s wrists simply. As well as, using light-weight titanium ensures comfy put on. With a water-resistance of 100 meters, you’ll be secure for normal use too.
The hand-wound calibre RD512SQ powers the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon. In true RD style, this modernist skeleton motion deliberately departs from conventional baroque decorations in favour of a recent fashion and structure. The elements are openworked to disclose a mechanical sculpture of watch components, shadow, and lightweight. The motion’s construction centres across the flying tourbillon, initially positioned at 7 o’clock, and the barrel, from which bridges radiate to type a star sample. It additionally presents a charming view of all of the shifting components, making the passage of time seen. Fairly a feast for the eyes.
The big tourbillon cage has 63 elements. The decrease cage is manufactured from light-weight titanium, and its higher cage is in mirror-polished Cobalt Chrome, which can be non-magnetic and allows the load of the piece to be diminished by 16%, in response to the model. It types the attribute Celtic cross that makes Roger Dubuis’ tourbillon recognizable. The steadiness ticks at 3Hz. Due to its seen mainspring, the motion has a sturdy 72-hour energy reserve.
As we’ve come to anticipate from Roger Dubuis, consideration has been paid to the finer particulars and the motion is fantastically completed. Each a part of the motion is manufactured and hand-finished in response to the demanding standards of the Poinçon de Genève.
Regardless of its complicated structure, the watch presents good legibility. The black flange on the periphery options utilized markers and is paired with giant skeletonised arms. Using luminescent materials helps when at the hours of darkness. In order for you down-to-the-minute precision, be aware that the minute observe is interrupted by the tourbillon and the printed emblem between 11 and 1 o’clock.
The case is matched by a complicated titanium bracelet that’s properly built-in. It’s finely completed with satin-brushed surfaces and polished bevels. The brief, articulated hyperlinks guarantee wonderful flexibility, which, along with the lightness, gives nice sporting consolation. It’s fitted with a sensible quick-release system and secured to the wrist by a titanium buckle.
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon is launched in a restricted version of 28 items – as is commonly the case for the model. At CHF 147,500 incl. taxes, it’s clearly not for each pocket, however the mannequin impresses in lots of respects. And even if you’re normally not up for expressive designs, I can completely advocate that you simply go hands-on with the mannequin for those who get the prospect – if solely to test it out in individual.
For extra data, please go to www.rogerdubuis.com.