The new Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina departs from the conventional architecture with hands from the centre. Instead, the watchmakers have placed a tourbillon in the centre, from which the time displays wind hierarchically around the dial in stages. “Orbis” can be translated as either “circle” or “world”. Both “circle in the machine” and “world in the machine” seem apt descriptions for this new creation with its circular time display. The design emphasises the duality between tradition and modernism, which is particularly evident in the craftsmanship of the movement.
The case measures 45 mm in diameter and is made of rose gold. The typical design features such as the triple lugs and the notched bezel are present. The latter is polished, as is the band on the flanks. The case also features brushed surfaces. The crown guard is skeletonised, once again demonstrating that the manufacture spares no effort. Meanwhile, the impressive mechanics are revealed through the case back. The water resistance is 10 bar or 100 metres.
Starting from the central minute tourbillon, serving as a seconds display, two discs wind around the latter, bearing the minute and hour hands. While the minutes and seconds have their own dial, the hour hand points to the luminescent indices on the flange. The three rings are not only visually but also topologically separated from each other, which creates a three-dimensional appearance and draws the eye to the centre. The Geneva hallmark and an indication of the crown position can also be seen.
The hands are mounted on double-sided ball bearings. A patented system had to be designed so that they can be released to set the time. The central time display creates new space, which the watchmakers leave skeletonised.
The movement captivates with its combination of traditional Geneva watchmaking and innovative spirit. The calibre RD115 consists of 283 components and is characterised by its almost baroque aesthetics with split bridges. The large wheel, which is connected to the mainspring barrel and serves to position the winding and setting system at the lower end of the movement and thus gain more space for the time display, is striking. The cage of the tourbillon is made of titanium and cobalt chrome, both of which are anti-magnetic and ensure a low weight. This gives the watch a power reserve of 72 hours. To fulfil the requirements of the strict Poinçon de Genève, the Maison decorates each individual part by hand. There are 19 finishing techniques on display, including perlage, Côte de Genève and sunburst.
The watch comes on a black leather strap with a quick-change system. The Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina is the first central tourbillon in the main collection, but is only available in a series of 88 pieces.
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