At the latest Watches and Wonders Shanghai, Roger Dubuis launched a new Excalibur Monotourbillon, offered for the first time in a white gold case.
The first watch with a tourbillon signed Roger Dubuis dates back to 2003, thanks to the RD03 calibre used on the Golden Square. Since then, the Geneva manufacture has developed and continued the finest traditions associated with this complication, including sumptuous calibres equipped with a double tourbillon device.
This is mainly thanks to the founder of the Maison, Monsieur Roger Dubuis in fact, a master watchmaker who perfected this historic complication and had the opportunity to propose it according to his own aesthetic parameters. Also in the calibre RD512SQ, animating this new Excalibur Monotourbillon, one can find many features typical of Roger Dubuis tourbillon movements. First of all, it is a flying tourbillon, which, unlike traditional tourbillons, is only mounted on one side, without a supporting bridge on top.
In addition, the generous dimensions of the Roger Dubuis tourbillon cage outline a distinctive approach and underline how much the Maison is inclined to play with design. This last-mentioned element houses a high-inertia balance, which helps to make the timepiece more resistant to wear. Adding to the iconic size of the tourbillon is another Roger Dubuis hallmark: its positioning at 7 o'clock. Plus, the cage is made of special materials. The lower part is titanium (antimagnetic and almost twice as light as stainless steel), and the upper part is cobalt chrome (also antimagnetic). The latter component stands out from the other elements of the movement because of the handcrafted, mirror-polished finish.
Excalibur Monotourbillon: the first time for white gold
This new Excalibur Monotourbillon in white gold is being produced in only 88 pieces, in homage to Monsieur Roger Dubuis' lucky number, 8.
With reference to the calibre RD512SQ that animates this Excalibur Monotourbillon, it should be noted that since 2009 the Maison has been using skeletonisation as the starting point for the creation of each design and not as an end point. In this way, even with sophisticated complications such as the tourbillon, the calibres stand out for their distinctiveness. It should also be added that the RD512SQ skeleton movement is visible from both the dial side and the back.
As has been the case with all Roger Dubuis calibres since 1999, also l'The RD512SQ (21,600 vibrations per hour, 72-hour power reserve) is awarded the Geneva Seal of Approval. For Monsieur Roger Dubuis, hand finishing was a way of preserving and defending the finest watchmaking traditions. To decorate this calibre, in line with the demands of excellence typical of haute horlogerie, 16 different types of hand finishing were used.
The watch takes a 42 mm 18-carat white gold case (a novel material for a Monotourbillon) enhanced by the presence of 60 brilliant-cut diamonds set on the bezel. The strap, made of calfskin, is white and has a quick-change system. The titanium folding clasp has a white gold cover. Water resistance is guaranteed up to 10 atmospheresThis is a high and unusual figure for a watch with a tourbillon device.
Priceon request.
