The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome

Hyper Horology. A term coined by the Roger Dubuis manufacture that perfectly describes its complex and extravagant watchmaking style. The brand doesn’t shy away from uniquely creative and colourful expressions, regularly incorporating exotic materials stemming from the automotive or aeronautical world. Roger Dubuis’ latest adaptation of its cornerstone Excalibur collection not only incorporates a double tourbillon movement but also a rather special material. Known for its unique lustre and robustness, this particular type of material has been in use by Roger Dubuis on and off since 2017. Have you guessed what it is by now? Regardless, and without further ado, this is the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome.

The Excalibur case construction is a signature style for Roger Dubuis. It has been part of the brand’s DNA for years and comes in a wide range of materials. For this limited edition, Roger Dubuis turned to Cobalt Chrome, or rather Cobalt CarTech Micro-Melt BioDur CCM™ as it’s officially called. This unique alloy is mostly used in the automotive, aeronautic and aerospace industries and possesses several unique properties. It’s more scratch-resistant than gold, has a distinctive silvery-grey shine to it, and is highly resistant to corrosion and non-magnetic as well. Sounds like a perfect fit for the 45mm wide by 14.6mm exterior of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon!

The design of the case features the signature notched bezel, triple lugs and a notched crown protected by a pair of semi-openworked guards. As expected, it comes with a domed sapphire crystal on top, with a sapphire crystal caseback completing the see-through experience. Rated at 100m of water resistance, it’s comforting to know this rather complex watch can take a few punches, especially considering the robustness of Cobalt Chrome. The case is predominantly brushed, with polished bevels providing a touch of contrast.

Since the Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome lacks a traditional dial, time is read by centrally mounted straight-brushed white gold hands and a blued hour/minute ring on the outer perimeter. This ring wraps around the flying tourbillon escapements and is finished with applied hour markers. Each is finished with a Super-LumiNova insert, with more luminescent material to be found in the tips of the hands. Despite the openworked construction often making legibility somewhat challenging (some watches suffer more than others), time can still be read at a glance thanks to the bold indications and strong contrasts.

The tourbillon complication has been at the core of the Roger Dubuis manufacture for over two decades, making it a signature element for the brand. In this case, Roger Dubuis doubles down on it as well, thanks to the manually wound RD108 movement. This is regulated by two flying tourbillon escapements, with the top bridges of the tourbillon cages also made of Cobalt Chrome. Virtually all 319 components are in full view and sandwiched between blued star-shaped bridges. Everything, from the exposed elements of the keyless works to the barrel and the geartrain, is finished according to the extremely strict Poinçon de Genève standards. The movement operates at a frequency of 21,600vph and can store up to 72 hours of power reserve.

The rather sensational-looking Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome comes on a calfskin leather strap neatly tucked in between the triple lugs. It can be exchanged easily thanks to the integrated quick-release system and is closed by a titanium triple folding buckle. Limited to 28 pieces, the price is set at EUR 320,000 including VAT. It certainly isn’t for everyone, both in style and in price, but it’s a remarkable piece to see in person and one that combines all of the brand’s expertise into a highly expressive watch!

For more information, please visit RogerDubuis.com.