Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon

February 22nd, 11:00am February 22nd, 11:47am

Marina OliveiraDirectora/Editor in Chief | Revista Turbilhão

SIHH & Baselworld

15 years after its debut, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon receives a new interpretation.

Over the past 15 years, the Excalibur collection has become the key line for Roger Dubuis and the platform of excellence to better express its vision of “hyper watchmaking”. 15 years after its debut, the brand now presents a new version of the signature model of that collection: the Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon.

The imposing 45 mm case of the new model is available in three versions – rose gold, white gold, as well as a version set with baguette cut diamonds. All versions are limited to eight pieces each. The case now appears thinner, 13 mm thick, watertight to 100 meters and with more angular projections when viewed in profile. The trademarked fluted bezel also returns. Also noteworthy are the notches on the bezel that are now a design signature and are repeated in other parts of the case and dial.

Skeletonized dials and movements of modern architecture are the signature of the Excalibur line. In 2021, Roger Dubuis takes this concept even further, through new models. The bridge of the star-shaped movement now appears free from its functional form on the dial side, merely decorative floats above the barrel and is located between the flange and the movement plate. This construction further enhances the 3D architecture of the updated RD108SQ caliber. The star-shaped bridge crosses other bridges placed at different levels. The lines in the skeletonized movement are clearer and the polished angles and edges play well with the light.

In addition to this “floating” three-dimensional star, the most striking visual characteristic of the dial is the presence of two flying tourbillons. The flange curves into the abyss of the skeletonized dial and the notch-like motif mentioned earlier (on the bezel) returns in the shape of the hour markers rhodium-plated and Super-Luminova-filled. This motif can also be seen on the star-shaped bridge, the hour wheel bar and the crown.

The new Caliber DFT RD108SQ holds the prestigious Geneva Seal. This movement is a reinterpretation of the RD105SQ, which was the first skeletonized movement with a double flying tourbillon connected to a differential. The escapements vibrate at 2 x 3 Hz (21,600 vph) and are connected to a new differential that allows for more accurate timing.

The lower part of the tourbillon cage is made of lightweight titanium, while the upper parts are made of mirror-polished chrome-cobalt. Since both tourbillon takes a minute to complete a revolution, the tourbillon cage on the right side displays the elapsed seconds. This movement comprises 319 pieces and features hand-polished surfaces. With regard to finishing, traditional touches such as circular granular surfaces can be noted, as well as modern techniques, such as sandblasting on the star-shaped bridge and bridges with 5N coating.

The new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon comes with a black leather strap with a quick-change system that allows you to change the bracelets without any tools.