In the enchanting realm of haute horlogerie, a name echo with as much magnificence and artistry – Roger Dubuis. With a reputation for crafting timepieces that bridge the worlds of myth and reality, the Maison’s latest release, “Knights of the Round Table – The Omniscient Merlin,” embodies this ethos splendidly. Within this intricate creation, one can find not just a watch, but a portal into a legendary world coloured with chivalrous valor and magical reverie. Join me as we embark on a journey through Roger Dubuis’ newest opus.
The Reverence of Roger Dubuis
Founded in 1995, Roger Dubuis quickly solidified itself as a trailblazer in the domain of Hyper Horology™, a term coined for its boundary-pushing designs and technical mastery. As an epitome of Swiss horological excellence, Roger Dubuis‘ creations never fail to garner reverence for their intricate craftsmanship and radical aesthetics. The Maison adopts a philosophy where pleasure intermingles with audacity, sparking an innovation that revolutionizes traditional watchmaking.
The Legend of the Knights
Infused into the very essence of Roger Dubuis‘ identity is a timeless narrative—the legendary Knights of the Round Table. Originally debuting in 2013, this series pays homage to the storied assembly of Arthurian lore, where courage and equality were heralded as sacred tenets. Arthur’s knights, with their noble quests and gallant exploits, serve as enduring metaphours in contemporary culture. Roger Dubuis aptly captures this timeless allure, breathing life into legends of yore with each new iteration of the collection.
Crafting the Case: A Triumphant Artifact
The watch case, at first glance, manifests as a tangible artifact straight out of Merlin’s magical realm. Crafted in precious pink gold, its 45mm diameter stands as a testament to both grandeur and subtlety. The case features a crown protector, reminiscent of a sword’s guard—symbolizing Merlin’s legendary intervention in Arthur’s divine fate. The watch’s open caseback and sapphire crystal construction allow for an unimpeded view of the intricate craftsmanship within—a fitting showcase of the Maison’s penchant for transparency and detail.
An Enthralling Dial: A Portal to Myth
Undoubtedly, the pièce de résistance of the Omniscient Merlin timepiece is its dial, a masterful reenactment of the mystical Giant’s Causeway. Each hexagonal block is meticulously assembled to form a captivating tableau of Arthurian grandeur. Roger Dubuis employs a rich palette of materials—authentic basalt, pink gold, and Murano-style glass—each block assembled by hand with an intricacy that mirrors natural beauty.
In the heart of the dial, twelve micro-engraved knights take their stand, each animated with tension and life as they hold their unique poses around the round table. These knights, born from intensive craftsmanship, embody the legendary valor of Arthur’s heralded comrades. Their creation involves days of skillful engraving, resulting in 6mm figures adorned with a black patina, accentuating the relief and depth.
Surrounding this regal assemblage are the towering blocks of the Causeway, angled thoughtfully to enhance depth and dimension. This sophisticated marquetry offers a seamless transition from narrative to artistry, confirming Roger Dubuis‘ mastery in storytelling through design.
Movement: The Symphony Within
Beneath this mesmerizing dial lies the beating heart of the timepiece: the RD821 automatic Monobalancier calibre. True to Roger Dubuis’ dedication to creating horological marvels, this in-house movement is a symphony of precision and elegance. Crafted from 172 components, the RD821 balances functionality with aesthetics, allowing ample room for the knights to take the spotlight. Its 14 types of hand-finishing are a testament to the Maison’s meticulous attention to detail, fulfilling the stringent demands of the Poinçon de Genève certification.
At a frequency of 4 Hz, the RD821 ensures a seamless rhythm that animates the watch with vitality. Coupled with a robust power reserve of 48 hours, the movement harmonizes form and function with exceptional finesse. The watch’s caseback also reveals a 360° oscillating weight, inspired by medieval stained-glass artistry. Despite its reduced size, this component exemplifies Roger Dubuis’ virtuosity in skeletonized design—where weight and form exist in perfect symphony.
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Time and Legend
The “Knights of the Round Table – The Omniscient Merlin” stands not only as a timepiece but as an emblem of Roger Dubuis‘ artistic acumen and horological expertise. It bridges the divide between past and present, enveloping wearers in a mythical reverie that transcends time. Through its opulent design and intricate craftsmanship, it continues the Maison’s legacy of storytelling, immortalizing the legendary bromance of Arthurian knights for generations to come.
For collectors and admirers alike, adorning the Omniscient Merlin is akin to embracing a saga of valiant quests and noble principles—an experience that encapsulates Roger Dubuis’ avant-garde vision of watchmaking. Echoing Merlin’s magic and foresight, this piece conjures an irreplaceable aura of belonging, uniting its wearers in an exclusive fellowship—a legacy sealed by the brilliance of Roger Dubuis.
Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table – The Omniscient Merlin Technical Specifications
Ref. RDDBEX1094 – Boutique Exclusive
• Limited edition of 28 pieces
• Boutique exclusive
• Poinçon de Genève
Description
• The Excalibur Knights of the Round Table is a quest involving among the highest degree of know how in all that a watch can offer design, technique and exclusivity The very recognizable face of the watch is made of twelve micro sculptures the Knights placed around a dial the Table The Knights are handcrafted and represent the 12 characters involved in the quest.
The table is made of gems or precious materials or materials requiring specific techniques, and symbolizes the unity and equality of the Knights Underneath the face of the watch is an automatic calibre, manufactured in the Roger Dubuis workshops and certified by the Poinçon de Genève, one of the most demanding certifications in Haute Horlogerie
Specific Highlights
• 12 p ink gold knights crafted using micro sculpture
• Centre table inspired by the Giant’s Causeway located in Northern Ireland, an important site in the Arthurian legend
• RD 821 automatic M onobalancier with skeleton oscillating weight
Movement
• RD821
• Automatic, self winding
• The Manufacture skillfully crafts 14 distinct finishes in house on this RD821, including those tailored for the Poinçon de Genève certification. These finishes are meticulously applied to every surface of every single component of every calibre , creating a captivating interplay of matte and polished surfaces. This meticulous process enhances the play of light, that has become the hallmark of Geneva fine watchmaking
• 4 Hz / 28’800 Vibrations per Hour
• 48 Hours Power reserve
• Diametre lines: 11’ ½
• Thickness: 3.5 Millimeters
• Number of pieces: 172
• Number of rubies: 33
Case
• Pink gold with sapphire crystal ring under the bezel. Open case back. Glass ring inside the crown
• Diametre: 45 Millimeters
• Thickness: 16.87 Millimeters
• Water resistance : 3 BAR
Dial
• 12 micro sculpted knights of approximately 6 mm height All 12 knights are different one from another
• 56 blocks made of pink gold, glass and basalt, the latter being the stone of which the Giant’s Causeway is made
• Blocks are sized in the range of 0 2 mm to 3 7 mm Besides the blocks are oblique, accentuating the perspective effet on the dial
Hands
• Hour and minute hand in pink gold, with satin brushed surfaces and black SLN in the centre
QRS Strap
• According to our non exotic policy, Excalibur collection is adorned with a premium calf leather
strap, interchangeable thanks to Quick Release System
Buckle
• Pink gold cover with pink gold triple folding buckle interchangeable with Quick Release System
