Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Grande Complication Is The Ultimate Statement Watch

For three decades, Roger Dubuis has been synonymous with audacity in high watchmaking. The brand blends avant-garde design with complex mechanical artistry. Their timepieces have consistently pushed boundaries. Previous releases, such as the Excalibur Diabolus in Machina, showcase both technical prowess and striking aesthetics. Now, celebrating its 30th anniversary, they present the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication. This extraordinary creation cements its legacy while redefining what a contemporary Grand Complication can be.

The Excalibur Grande Complication is a statement piece in every sense. Encased in 45mm of pink gold, its bold proportions house an array of horological marvels. Each detail demands exceptional precision. The case’s sharp, angular architecture is accentuated by a mix of satin-brushed and polished surfaces, capturing light at every angle. A sapphire crystal caseback offers a full view of the intricate movement within. The watch remains visually striking from every perspective. The pièce de résistance, however, is the skeletonised dial. It reveals the breathtaking mechanics that make this watch a true marvel.

At the heart of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication is the RD118 calibre, a newly developed in-house movement. It brings together three of the most revered complications in watchmaking: a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater and a flying tourbillon. Each of the 684 components is meticulously hand-finished to meet the exacting standards of the Poinçon de Genève. This achievement speaks volumes about the watch’s craftsmanship. The movement offers a 60-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability alongside its mechanical sophistication.

The perpetual calendar is a standout feature, engineered with impeccable precision. It is capable of accurately tracking leap years and varying month lengths. Thus, it will not require manual correction until the year 2100. Unlike traditional date displays, this one employs a Biretrograde system—a hallmark of Roger Dubuis. In this system, the calendar hands elegantly sweep back to zero at the end of each cycle, adding an element of theatricality to timekeeping.

Another defining characteristic of the Excalibur Grande Complication is its exceptional minute repeater. Regarded as one of the most challenging complications to master, this function chimes the time on demand. It transforms the watch into an acoustic instrument. Roger Dubuis’ watchmakers have meticulously tuned the gongs to produce a distinctive chime, ensuring crisp, harmonious tones that resonate with perfect clarity. Activated by a pusher on the left side of the case, the repeater follows an “all or nothing” safety mechanism. This prevents accidental engagement that could damage the movement. This innovation exemplifies the Maison’s dedication to both technical mastery and user-friendly design.

Sitting between 5 and 6 o’clock is a flying tourbillon, a signature feature of Roger Dubuis’s timepieces. It is designed to counteract the effects of gravity. The tourbillon is constructed from ultra-lightweight titanium, ensuring precision and efficiency. Its open-worked architecture draws inspiration from the brand’s Celtic Cross motif, blending mechanical ingenuity with artistic expression. More than just a functional element, the tourbillon is a visual spectacle. It reinforces Roger Dubuis’ reputation for pushing the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking.

Limited to just eight pieces, the Excalibur Grande Complication is an ultra-rare collector’s item. Fitted with an interchangeable 3D brown calfskin leather strap, the watch is secured by a pink gold pin buckle. It seamlessly balances opulence and wearability. Its exclusivity, combined with its mechanical sophistication, ensures that it will be a highly sought-after masterpiece among horology connoisseurs.

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication is not just a watch—it is a testament to Roger Dubuis’ enduring philosophy of innovation and expressive watchmaking. By combining three of the most complex complications into a single, harmonious movement, the Maison once again asserts its place at the forefront of haute horology. With an aesthetic that is as bold as its mechanics, this release is a fitting tribute to 30 years of boundary-pushing craftsmanship. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, it represents the pinnacle of what modern watchmaking can achieve.

More details at Roger Dubuis.

​Oracle Time 

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