Back to the Table: Roger Dubuis Unveils Excalibur Knights of the Round Table IV
Swiss haute horologerie brand Roger Dubuis is well known for its uncommon and innovative designs, as well as its interesting use of materials, three-dimensional dials, and gemstones. This month, the luxury watchmaker unveiled its newest Excalibur Knights of the Round Table watch— the fourth addition to this super-limited series (ref. RDDBEX0785). The latest watch features many of the recognizable features seen on previous iterations of this design, now updated with the brand’s latest-generation movement and a fully gem-set dial.
The new watch uses a 45-mm rose gold case, with an uncommonly fluted bezel surrounding the dial and a matching crown protected by subtle guards. The case is integrated with the black alligator strap via three pronged lugs, and secured to the wrist with a rose-gold adjustable folding buckle. Moving to the dial of watch— which is clearly its crowing jewel — we find a fascinating three-dimensional design complete with an assortment of whites, ruby reds, and rose golds. On the outer edges are 12 figures meant to represent the twelve legendary knights of King Arthur’s court, each produced via a Low Poly design art inspiration whereby 3D figures and images are developed using a minimum number of polygons— an interesting minimalistic design choice in what is clearly a maximalist luxury design. Each of the figures are cast in rose gold and finished by hand, with their pointed swords acting as hour indicators.
The remaining sections of the dial are decorated with 3D solid enamel or rose-gold blocks, with the angled outer section and inner flatter section distinguishing the inner section of the “round table” from the outer edges. The round table of the watch serves a dual symbolic role in the myth of King Arthur, not only being the meeting place of the 12 knights of legend, but also representing the island of Avalon where Arthur first drew Excalibur. Passing over the dial and indicating the time are two slim triangular hands with round back ends.
Inside the new model is Roger Dubuis' latest time-only movement, the new automatic Caliber RD821. The movement is comprised of 172 components, completely hand finished and partially visible via a stylized sapphire caseback. The caseback not only features another motif to the round table, but is also engraved on its edge with the knights’ pledge put forth by the wizard Merlin, as told by Roger Dubuis and found on all of the watches in the Knights of the Round Table series: “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud.”
Pricing for the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table is available upon request, with production slated to be limited to 28 editions.
