Roger Dubuis Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon: Bold and Brazen
7 min read
What would it feel like to get an insight into the future of Hyper Horology? Where adrenaline rushes, your heart races, and you know something big is about to happen. A brand that stands bold and brazen with the likes of Richard Mille. You guessed it right. It’s none other than Roger Dubuis, the brainchild of two brave visionaries.
Upending the Haute Horlogerie or "Hyper Horology" (as they call it) scene since 1995, Roger Dubuis instantly made an impression and propelled the brand into a famous specialist in architectural skeletonized movements, striking a fine balance between careful watchmaking expertise and avant-garde design.
Right from its inception, Roger Dubuis is looked upon as a watch-making wonder that exudes an audacious attitude that is solidly supported by an integrated Manufacture. From the world’s first double skeleton tourbillon debutante to its repeater tourbillon, Roger Dubuis has carved quite a niche for itself in the world of contemporary watchmaking. However, the ultimate manifestation of its inventive spirit, flagrant contempt for convention, and irrepressible daringness is the renowned Excalibur Collection.
Needless to say, extravagance of this calibre comes at a price. That aside, the constant dilemma in my mind is if this bold, impertinent and incisive brand could make to my collection would I leap at the opportunity? Let's start with the new bolder and better Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon that was recently introduced. The various questions that do arise are - Is it worth it? Am I missing out on a unique timepiece? Does it empower my senses? Let’s find out.
LEVEL-UP
Roger Dubuis believes in making every second of life epic. Their watches are reserved for an exclusive tribe that believes in the worth of living larger than life at every step. Boundary-pushing technical mastery combined with an inbred love of extravagance to illustrate, time and time again, that Roger Dubuis is, without a doubt, the most exhilarating way to experience Hyper Horology.
And, with its new Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon, this symbol of watchmaking has been brought to a whole new level in Hyper Horology with the Maison's most recent iteration; a masterpiece that cannot be ignored, just like its wearers.
This 2021 novelty is unsurprisingly eye-catching and jaw-dropping. A vision into the post-COVID era of watch-making and haute horology.
Finding kinship with disruptive souls
Are you the one who breaks rules, showcases radical knowledge, and obsesses over the future of design daily? Well, I am. And this watch surely does appeal to me. The timepiece is reinvented with refinement and flair using current and technical materials, and it is enhanced with attentive care.
The new design features clean-cut lines on both the case and the movement, making it a contemporary yet futuristic timepiece for the wrist. The calibre is rebuilt from bottom to top in an architectural marvel that sees the Roger Dubuis star now levitate freely above the barrel, giving the impression of a slimmer look and feel while intensifying the sense of transparency and depth. Don't get me wrong. It may seem lightweight but has an extreme presence on the wrist.
A characteristic two-line pattern is used to establish a strong visual identity, which can be observed between the notch on the crown and bezel, the star's arms, the tourbillon's cage, the hour's marking on the flange, and the hands, all of which look to meet but never do. The Poinçon de Genève, the most difficult signature in fine watchmaking, necessitates the manual decoration of every component of the watch, as well as unusual and antinomic decorations in modern haute horlogerie, such as circular-brushed top surfaces and polished angles, which demonstrate Roger Dubuis' visionary approach.
Sure it screams the motto NO RULES, OUR GAME loud and clear but, are you bold enough to wear this masterpiece on your wrist. Worried about the weight? Well, to ensure your comfort, with the new RD512SQ calibre the weight has been reduced to an optimal effect by using a titanium lower tourbillon cage, which is twice as light as stainless steel, and a mirror-polished Cobalt Chrome upper tourbillon cage.
Why should you consider the Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon?
Well, for starters, the 88 pieces will only be available to a select few to flaunt on their wrists.
The switch between bold and classy is now easy with the Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon. Roger Dubuis teamed up with the URBAN ART TRIBE, a group of two urban culture creatives–tattoo artist Dr. Woo and graffiti artist Gully—to highlight what happens when norms are broken and creativity is unleashed.
The Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon 42mm in its titanium case is the Roger Dubuis signature. The embodiment of their obsession with creating the future, it’s the design that inspires all others. Uncompromising in its exceptional mechanics and iconic aesthetics, the Excalibur exceeds all expectations.
Well, if you ask me if it’s worth the value proposition? Nodding my head in denial, yet wanting the watch anyway. It’s a blazingly intriguing collection. With downsizing the case and movement, Roger Dubuis has spared no price or feature. The watches still feature a flying tourbillon and elaborately adorned movement components befitting a Geneva Seal.
Its versatility to suit the wrists of both men and women has certainly got the ball rolling and all apprehensions aside, a Roger Dubuis on your wrist speaks volumes of your personality and will, without a doubt, make heads turn.
Final Verdict
So although it is 42mm large, it is relatively sleeker and lighter on the wrist. People often refrain from considering a Roger Dubuis whilst thinking about their next addition, as it is looked upon as an unattainable and audacious wrist machine that stays in the safe more than it adorns the wrist. Although leaving it in the safe for a few days won't interfere with the workings of that watch. With a radically optimized 72 hours power reserve, you always have the option of leaving the watch unworn over the weekend without the stress of resetting it on a Monday morning.
However, I'd really recommend you give this one a go. I had the Excalibur Single Flying Tourbillon on my wrist for a day and I can concur that contrary to the perception, given the size and architectural structure of this watch it did not interfere in any of my daily chores and activities.
It is light and sleek and still made quite a powerful statement on my wrist, in fact, gave me a sense of empowerment. With that daring and sultry appeal, it will most definitely grab the attention of any watch lover who is bold enough to disrupt the stereotypical image of this contemporary era. Do I see it as a possible addition to any well rounded collection? Well, it was certainly enough to strike my fancy and make it to my 2021 wishlist.
Approximate price: ₹ 1,21,20,000
