June 9, 2015: In 2013, the legend of King Arthur was the inspiration for a one-of-a-kind Roger Dubuis creation evocatively named Excalibur Knights of the Round Table. Now recently, Roger Dubuis has introduced a new interpretation of the watch.
For 2015, this stunning new 28-piece iteration is available exclusively in Roger Dubuis boutiques, featuring 12 exquisitely engraved and sculpted bronze knights positioned around a precious black jade dial. Masterfully engraved, this fresh expression of the Round Table legend adds even further weight to the evocative power of the piece.
Product Design Director Lionel Favre says, “In this standout model, the motto of the mythical knights, ‘Courage and generosity’ reflects the Roger Dubuis approach to its craft. It is nobly represented by the artists and watchmakers working in close collaboration to create an alliance of both traditions. The sum of this precision and craftsmanship consists of detail that is so fine and intricate it can only be appreciated when examined through a jeweller’s eyepiece.”
Creating the elaborate, intricately crafted dial alone took ten full months of development, research and trials. Here, in a stunning display of miniaturisation and precision, the 12 figures representing the legendary Knights of the Round Table with their swords form a perfect circle replacing traditional hour-markers.
This breathtaking miniaturisation, the work of highly skilled passionate artisans, produces 12 completely individual knights, each one only 6.5 mm tall and unique in its own right, representing one of the legendary figures. Requiring a day of work to make a single knight, each consists of a three-dimensional casting in bronze with finely sculpted, hand-finished details, including three-dimensional micro-engraving.
The satin white gold circular flange surrounding the centre of the dial is engraved and patinated. The decision to craft the Round Table in black jade came with its own set of complications in the domain of engraving. The results were well worth it however, with the stark contrasts achieved through the use of a brand-new engraving technique that produced a smooth finish with its own very particular set of nuances – and all without breaking this delicate material.
Nestled inside the 45mm white gold case beats the mechanical self-winding Calibre RD821 with its comfortable 48-hour power reserve. Like all Roger Dubuis timepieces, all 172 components of this calibre are hand-finished and stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.
Like the first edition, and emphasising the artistic DNA of this unique timepiece, the plain gold caseback developed by Roger Dubuis’ master craftsmen bears the solemn oath proclaimed by Merlin, engraved in a circle that echoes the one formed by the fabled figures appearing on the dial.
Framing a blue-lacquered coat of arms adorned with golden crowns, the reverse of the timepiece completes this vibrant tribute to the bravery of the Knights of the Round Table.
