Roger Dubuis introduces radiant ceramic editions of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon and Excalibur Monobalancier. Roger Dubuis’ ceramic is solidly black inside and out, four times harder than stainless steel, and only diamond can mark it
Though ceramic is used throughout the horological world already, Roger Dubuis’ ceramic timepieces stand out with a display of true prowess for a key reason: a refusal to compromise on the maison’s signature shape. Taking ceramic from raw form to the distinctive case it’s known for demanded remarkable talent, with the transformative grinding taking ten times as long as any other of its pieces.
The process begins with a blend of powders made of Zirconia combined with 3% stabilising Yttrium that results in its hyper-resistant hardness. With commitment and dedication, the hyper-skilled engineers transform these powders first into a blank and then through a machining process six times lengthier than the standard. While essential, the subsequent sintering and heating takes up to 48 hours. Yet making a striking technical and aesthetic statement is always a must for any Roger Dubuis timepiece. That’s why the final stage involves hand-finishing this immensely hard material, which demands extreme craftsmanship and meticulous care to conquer. The effort is worth it; not only is the case hyper-resistant to daily scratches, this step achieves the immutably bold black finish.
An obsession with designing the future of Hyper Horology led to the evolution of the enhanced Excalibur Double Tourbillon in 2021. Now, Roger Dubuis unveils its latest variation in radiant black ceramic. Housed within this new ceramic case, the RD108 calibre and its two signature tourbillons are a feat of enhanced precision and technical prowess. Both tourbillons are rebuilt with lighter materials and an enhanced differential to maximise the transmission of energy. This ultimately optimises the power reserve to 72 hours – perfect for leaving it off over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the calibre’s sense of transparency and 3D depth is accentuated by the Roger Dubuis star levitating freely above the barrel. Clean-cut lines on both the 45mm case and movement create its strong visual identity and give the impression of a thinner look and feel. This dynamic aesthetic is amplified by its decorations, hand-finished with precision and rewarded with the Poinçon de Geneve – one of the most demanding signatures in fine watchmaking.
Hyper durable and expressive, the latest variation of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon debuts with a radiant black ceramic case, striking in its intensely high scratch-resistance. With just 28 available, a black calf-leather strap with versatile Quick Release System completes the spectacular aesthetic of this new all-black timepiece.
For Watches & Wonders 2022, Roger Dubuis introduced its enhanced Excalibur Monobalancier, completed with a series of mechanical and aesthetic improvements. But this was only the prelude to the main event. Now, the Maison proudly unveils the radiant black ceramic Excalibur Monobalancier. From the escapement wheel to the anchor, the micro-rotor to the balance wheel inertia and pallet-stones, the visionary engineers and watchmakers multiplied its technical enhancements in order to push the performance of the automatic RD 720SQ calibre to its maximum, increasing its power reserve to an impressive 72 hours. Reinterpreted with contemporary flair, the 42mm timepiece is designed with clean-cut lines, fluted bezel, and sharp notches, while the signature star is reshaped to levitate freely above the barrel.
A contemporary approach is further evident in the decorations amplifying its expressive nature, including highly contrasted decorations, such as sand-blasted, satin-brushed surfaces, and polished angles, all of which are certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. An embossed black calf-leather strap featuring a patented Quick Release System ensures ultimate versatility while offering a perfect colour match for the new unmistakably black case.
With a timepiece displaying hyper durability, expressiveness, and extreme craftsmanship, the new Excalibur Monobalancier black ceramic edition demonstrates the Maison’s ultimate mastery of the most contemporary and advanced technical materials.
Having encased two of its iconic calibres in ceramic and shaping it into the distinctive form that defines the Maison’s timepieces, Roger Dubuis’ unrivalled mastery and fearlessness in taking on the most difficult challenges is once again solidified. The latest black ceramic masterpieces show the Maison not only shapes the future of horological design, it is the future of horological design.
