Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon Pink Gold and White Gold
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.
The Brand Roger Dubuis
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, theExcalibur Twofold features a mineral composite fibre case and luminescent rubber strap.
Case & Materials of the Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon
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.
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.
The Movement inside the Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon
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.
Panerai is introducing a new piece to its Luminor collection: the Luminor Marina 44mm Guillaume Néry Edition (PAM01122). The watch celebrates the 70th anniversary of the birth of Luminor, which is a tritium-based substance with luminescent properties. 70 pieces of the watch are therefore available. Moreover, the new model comes with a 70-year warranty. Guillaume…
Swiss watchmaker Oris, from Hölstein, has teamed up with online platform and #SpeedyTuesday founder Fratello to launch their first limited edition of a Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date model. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze Fratello Limited Edition The Big Crown Pointer Date is a true classic timepiece from Oris and was first presented in…
The new OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black comes with a black ceramic case and dial. Unlike the ceramic-titanium version of the Diver 300M, OMEGA does not use titanium here, but relies solely on ceramic. OMEGA produces the dial from a single piece of ceramic, using a laser to define the details layer by layer.…
IWC Schaffhausen presents the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42. For the first time, the IWC calendar complication is integrated in an IWC-manufactured movement from the 82000-calibre family. The timepiece, which has a diameter of 42 millimetres, displays the calendar information on three subdials. IWC is also unveiling a boutique edition of the iconic 44-millimetre Portugieser Perpetual…
Last year, to mark the 60th anniversary of the very first Carrera from TAG Heuer, the watchmaker launched a series of spectacular new products – most notably the Carrera Glassbox Chronograph in gold. 60 years ago, we hadn’t yet been graced with Ryan Gosling’s existence, yet today, the actor is the main protagonist for the iconic watch. It's a…
I must confess, I am biased: mechanical watch aficionados, in my view, generally have a good relationship with the passage of time. This often goes hand in hand with a certain worldliness and a desire to fill one’s time with a wealth of experiences – preferably while travelling. Those who confirm my preconception will find…
Zenith expands its Chronomaster Sport collection with a new gemstone-set white gold model. The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow merges the functionality of a chronograph with the luxury of a colourful gemstone-set bezel. Following the rose gold version launched last year, this watch showcases Zenith's mastery in blending fine watchmaking with exquisite gem-setting. Case The case of…
Early in the new year, OMEGA is presenting a new Speedmaster inspired by the very first model of the collection. The OMEGA Calibre 321 Chronograph celebrates the 65th anniversary of the CK2915, which founded the Speedmaster collection. The new model largely resembles the original, but uses different materials in the details. What remains the same,…
Panerai presents a new model PAM01036 with dual time zone function that is strongly inspired by the Challenger of Record of the 36th America’s Cup. It expresses the affinity between Panerai and the Team that first launched the challenge to the Defender of the 36th America’s Cup, the final act of which is expected in Auckland, New…
The RM S14 Talisman Origine looks like something from a bygone era, with only the characteristic tonneau case hinting that this is indeed a Richard Mille timepiece. The piece is a tribute to the ‘Talisman Origine’; a talisman which, according to Richard Mille, was discovered in the heart of the Swiss Jura, and said to…
Japan’s rich cultural heritage evokes countless associations – yet fine watchmaking is rarely among them. This is hardly surprising: many still perceive the Far East as a challenge to the traditional world of mechanical timepieces. After all, it was Japan – more precisely, Seiko – that launched the first commercially produced quartz wristwatch, the 35SQ,…
On the occasion of the classic car event Le Mans Classic, Richard Mille presents the RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic, a limited special edition. The event was co-founded by the Manufacture and takes place every two years near Le Mans in France. The watch celebrates the return of the event in 2022, and accordingly…
Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has introduced a new chronograph watch – the Audemars Piguet [Re]master01 Selfwinding Chronograph 40 mm. It is the first piece to appear as part of the brand's new line. The new collection takes its inspiration from the aesthetics of AP's rare chronographs from the 1940s. Until 1951, every single AP watch…