In line with its CEO’s current focus on “hyper horology”, watch brand Roger Dubuis is introducing a new Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon model. The model aims to optimise all of its components in order to match with its wearers’ lifestyle, from design and performance to wearability. For this reason, it features a reinvented flying tourbillon, while the signature star in the dial now plays a completely different role. Available in pink- or white gold, a mere eight pieces of each version is available.
Essentially, Roger Dubuis’ idea of “hyper horology” has three key focus points: expressivity, modernity, and skeletonisation. In fact, this is evident in the brand’s way of life, from fast-paced collaborations with the likes of Pirelli and Lamborghini to innovative use of materials. The Excalibur Diabolus in Machina, for example, uses the alloy CarTech Micro-Melt BioDur CCMTM. This material is popular in the automotive, aeronautical and aerospace industries due to its strength and resistance to corrosion. Meanwhile, the Excalibur Twofold features a mineral composite fibre case and luminescent rubber strap.
The Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon‘s case measures 45 mm, with a height of 13 mm. The use of white gold and rose gold are both typical choices of material within the Excalibur collection. Indeed, the line tends to favour using traditional precious metals, while simultaneously showing off the horology house’s expertise in the area of Haute Horlogerie. Given that this watch aims to provide a dynamic aesthetic, the bezel and crown of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon feature the brand’s edgy cut-tip take on fluting. This recognisable pattern also reappears on the dial.
Of course, Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur skeleton watches have been on the scene for almost two decades. However, the new Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon model takes it a step further, offering “extreme skeletonisation”. In other words, the parts have been skeletonised as much as possible for a better view of the watch’s workings. Additionally, all parts have been reworked to give a 3D effect. Furthermore, the star above the mainspring barrel now moves freely and appears to fly, thanks to this 3D design. Notably, the star no longer actually contributes to the function of the watch, but rather plays the role of being purely a design element.
Moving to the basics of the dial: the double surface flange incorporates an engraved “ROGER DUBUIS” logo at 12 o’clock, and also features a minute track. Meanwhile, the golden hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova for round-the-clock legibility. Furthermore, the watch now has more clean-cut lines with polished angles, creating an overall thinner look and feel. Sapphire crystal protects the dial as well as the see-through caseback.
Powering the watch is the updated RD108SQ calibre, which has a new increased power reserve of 72 hours. The complex movement consists of 319 components and 32 jewels. Likewise, the double flying tourbillon also features some changes. It now uses new materials – principally, a titanium lower tourbillon cage as well as a cobalt chrome upper tourbillon cage. The latter alloy enjoys a reputation for its high strength. The use of these materials, which are anti-magnetic, allow the flying tourbillon’s weight to remain very light.
Finally, the watches offer water-resistance to 100 m and come with a 3D calf leather strap, which is easily interchangeable. The two versions of the Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon in white or rose gold carry the Poinçon de Genève and have the same price: 285,500 euros. Another limited version, which is full-set with baguette-cut diamonds, is also available.
