PRE SIHH 2017: Roger Dubuis presents 3 new Excalibur

On the occasion of the SIHH 2017 Roger Dubuis presents 3 new models of the iconic collection Excalibur.

Excalibur Quatuor Cobalt MicroMelt

When it comes to progressive complications, the hand-wound 590-part RD101 Quatuor movement – beating at a frequency of 16 Hz (115,200 vph) with its four sprung balances and five differentials – is as progressive as they get… Not to mention outstandingly fast and effcient, since it achieves instantaneously what the tourbillon takes a full minute to accomplish – namely compensating for the rate variations caused by the effects of gravity on a watch.

2017 will see it welcome its very own disruptive material: cobalt chrome. This high-performance cobalt chrome alloy clothing the 48 mm-diameter case, bezel, case-back and crown is produced using the extremely exclusive MicroMelt® technology.

This process involves melting and atomizing the alloy into a fine powder by introducing the molten metal to a high-pressure stream of gas using a dedicated vacuum induction melting gas atomization unit. The Manufacture adopts this state-of-the-art material with watch wearers firmly in mind, since it is 100% biocompatible, extremely corrosion-resistant thanks to the spontaneous formation of a passive protective film, as well as outstandingly durable thanks to its multiphase structure and the precipitation of carbides.

In this bold, fresh interpretation of the Excalibur Quatuor, the gleaming cobalt chrome makes a pleasing contrast with the blue PVD-coated movement barrel cage and bridges, as well as the dial, hour-marker and alligator leather strap.

Dynamic red and white accents are provided by the printed speedometer-style minute track, the white gold skeleton hands with SuperLumiNova-filled red tips, as well as the red strap stitching.

Excalibur Spider Automatico Scheletrato

The Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic is a fresh blue/black/red expression of the talent and ingenuity deployed by the ‘pioneer of contemporary skeletons’, showcasing its ability to raise this workmanship to the rank of a contemporary art form.

In this new Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic version, cool colour contrasts are the keynote, achieved by DLC treatment of the case, and crown, vulcanised rubber details on the bezel, crown and container, along with red accents provided by the ring, crown, hand tips and strap stitching.

The theme of contrasts is also expressed through finishing textures, notably including polished chamfers and satin-brushed sides. To ensure optimal readability by night and day, the applied screws on the flange as well as the tips of the hands sweeping across the dial are enhanced with Superluminova.

The multi-material strap with its black rubber base and blue calf leather inlay is secured by a DLC-treated titanium folding buckle.

This model is driven by Calibre RD820SQ and produced in a limited edition of 88 pieces.

Excalibur 36

The Excalibur Essential 36 Automatic appears with an arrestingly beautiful black DLC-treated titanium case topped by a bezel set with 48 blue sapphires. The sparkling gems reflect and accentuate the cool gleam of the blue PVD-coated dial with its shimmering sun-brushed nish.

This elegant smaller-sized interpretation of the Excalibur carries the collection’s trademark fluted bezel and triple lugs, together with the radiating Roman numerals. The latter are “interrupted” by an ever-useful small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, complete with a discreet yet legible date display.

It is equipped with the RD830 calibre featuring a 22K pink gold rotor that may be admired in action through the transparent sapphire crystal case-back and ensures a 48-hour power reserve. DLC- treated titanium folding buckle.