The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights Of The Round Table Titanium Damascus is the latest addition to the collection launched in 2013, which uniquely combines the medieval myth of King Arthur with Roger Dubuis’ progressive approach to horology. This new version stands for the contrast between ice and fire. The titanium case with Damascus pattern symbolises fire while the dial with the twelve knights in a snow-covered landscape evokes ice.
The 45 mm case is of Damascus titanium. Similar to traditional Damascus steel, several layers of titanium are welded together. A final acid bath then reveals the characteristic pattern. The use of this material is a tribute to medieval ironwork and a link to modernity. Some elements, such as the bezel, the caseback and the crown guard and crown, are of conventional titanium, further emphasising the unusual pattern of the centre piece. The crown also features an ice-blue stone made of Murano glass.
The strap of this Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights Of The Round Table also ends at triple lugs. The typical bezel with notches is of polished titanium and sits slightly raised on a sapphire crystal cylinder. This allows the detailed knights to be viewed from any angle. Whereas the watch certainly makes for a strong impression, the water resistance is only 30 metres.
The dial features twelve hand-engraved knights in rose gold. Each one is different and expresses its own personality. Their dynamic stance makes the front look like the scene of a battle, frozen in the moment. The setting here is an ice-covered land that comes to life through its three-dimensionality. Roger Dubuis uses blue Murano glass with matt bisque porcelain. The stones are set together individually, creating a complex interplay.
Each individual figure is the result of an elaborate process. From initial drawings, the 6 mm tall knights slowly take shape as resin models. With the help of 3D scans, they are digitised and then cast in 18-carat rose gold. Finally, an artisan works out the details by hand. This final step alone takes up to three days per knight.
The manufacture calibre RD821 is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. It consists of 172 parts, all of which come from the fully integrated Maison. While the triangular shapes remain static, the blue winding rotor is responsible for generating the energy. The interaction of the different levels creates a special spectacle when the rotor is in motion. The latter is reminiscent of the coloured glass of medieval churches and castles. Last but not least, the maximum power reserve is 48 hours.
The manufacture also places the knights’ oath around the caseback: “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud.” The handcrafted movement of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights Of The Round Table is manufactured in accordance with the strict criteria of the Geneva Seal.
The watch comes on an ice-blue calfskin strap that secures with a folding clasp. Using the quick release system, the wearer can replace it quickly and without tools. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights Of The Round Table Titanium Damascus is a limited edition of 28 pieces. The price is 370,000 euros.
