Ever since the first Knights of the Round Table timepiece was unveiled in 2013, Roger Dubuis has continued to shape and refine the collection’s aesthetics – always with bravery in the face of difficulty. On this latest epic journey – a limited edition of 28 – the earth begins to crack once more, as twelve gallant heroes are summoned to defend their kingdom against an ice-bound threat
Today, the twelve micro-engraved knights are dynamic in their movement and individual in their posture. This is a scene frozen in the moment and charged with energy. As if the very next second will erupt into battle. To achieve such animated figures, the knights follow an exacting craftsmanship process that is elaborate and meticulous.
From the initial drawings, resin mock-ups of each warrior are created in perfect proportions. 3D scans are then taken, followed by moulding and casting in 18K pink gold, resulting in 6-mm tall knights. It is then down to the steady hand of the craftsmen to manually engrave each piece and bring its final appearance to life using exquisite artistry. This is a job that takes one to three days for each knight and requires patience.
The knights’ iconic search for the Holy Grail is known for taking them across distant terrains and perilous trails. Here, the group encounters an icy land, which sits above a deep and vivid lake. Yet again, the sense of movement is dramatically accomplished, as the dial cracks open to confront our knights with their latest threat. Starting with the outer flange, Roger Dubuis has framed the entire scene in a ring of transparent ice-blue glass, crafted following the Murano method. It took 6 months of in-depth research and trial to achieve this exact tone and provide the watch with such a captivating vibrancy.
This same ice-blue glass is used for the main disc, as well as the large blocks that rupture out from the lake. To attain the glistening effect of powdered snow, the blocks are coated with biscuit porcelain of Limoges – a very special technique that is well-regarded for its fine quality and hard exterior. Most notably, it delivers a contrasting matte finish, which aligns superbly with the shiny surfaces of the glass. The Roger Dubuis craftsmen then assemble each block one-by-one, piecing together a 3D puzzle of radical composition. Together with crafting the knights, this process takes one month to complete.
The 45 mm case is made from Titanium Damascus – in tribute to the ancient style of steel craftsmanship that goes back centuries. Using titanium gives the timepiece a luxurious and very modern edge, but it’s the Damascus approach that sets it apart. As a first step, the blacksmith stacks a series of Grade 2 and Grade 5 titanium plates together. Then, they are driven into a red-hot furnace, set at an extreme temperature. While the metal is still scorching, it is fiercely hammered, so that the initial layers form into one solid block.
Now, the block is heated and crushed, over and over again, to stretch and shape it. A fiery process that continues multiple times until the desired number of layers and folds are formed and the metal is then dipped into an acid bath – where upon the layers of the Grade 2 titanium begin to show through – creating an alluring wave pattern that flows throughout the metallic case. It’s a difficult step, but the aesthetic quality and durability surpasses the typical standard and ends in something far more fascinating for the wearer. Mounted on the Titanium Damascus case, the designers have added a bezel in polished titanium, which provides a striking contrast between the matte finish and unique pattern of the watch’s main body.
It would be a shame to create such detailed knights, and then hide them from view. For that reason, Roger Dubuis has created a window beneath the bezel, so that the wearer can always admire the figures from every possible angle. From above or from the side, something new can be discovered in every glance.
On the caseback, there is a view of the remarkable oscillating weight in blue – itself inspired by the stained-glass windows of medieval churches and castles. The tilted pyramid shapes are static and follow the triangular notches around the edges of the timepiece. At the centre, the skeletonised weight spins in motion. Although lighter and smaller than a typical oscillating mass, and even with a shorter lever arm, none of the performance has been lost.
This sublime timepiece is powered by the automatic Monobalancier RD821 calibre, made in-house at the Maison’s fully-integrated manufacture. Built with 172 components, and maintaining the highest standards of excellence, it features the hand-finishing of all parts, according to the criteria of the Poinçon de Genève – one of the most exclusive stamps of certification in watchmaking today.
Meanwhile, the crown and its protector are intentionally shaped like the guard of a sword, designed as if a blade is stuck inside the watch, just like the sword in the stone, which Arthur pulled free to signal his destiny as the true king. The watch is presented on a dark blue strap, equipped with a Quick Release System that enables the owner to give the watch their own preferred look.
