The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication

Roger Dubuis celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, a milestone that calls for a look back at its remarkable journey. While the brand’s history may not be long, it is undeniably rich and eventful. Today, however, the focus is on the latest revelation at Watches and Wonders Geneva: the Excalibur Grande Complication.

This new timepiece is the second of its kind in Roger Dubuis’ portfolio. The first debuted in 2009, shortly after the brand joined the Richemont Group, featuring an in-house grand complication calibre that combined an instantaneous in-line perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a flying tourbillon, a moon phase display, a dual-time function, and dual micro-rotors. The latest iteration retains the signature Excalibur case and core complications – perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and tourbillon – while introducing a few changes, and the watch comes just as powerful, even though, strictly speaking, it isn’t a grande complication (which traditionally means chronograph + chiming + calendar functions… but this isn’t the point)

Housed in a massive 45mm pink gold case with a thickness of 17.45mm, the new Excalibur Grande Complication maintains the collection’s distinctive aesthetic, including the bold bezel and signature three-lug design. A sapphire crystal caseback offers a glimpse into the movement, the guarded crown is a signature element, and a left-side pusher is used to activate the minute repeater.

The dial presents an intentionally complex arrangement, deviating from the more intuitive layout of its 2009 predecessor. Open sections expose the mechanics beneath, the bi-retrograde perpetual calendar display places the weekday scale on the left and the date scale on the right. The month disc sits between 11 and 12 o’clock, accompanied by a small leap year indicator. At 5:30, an aperture showcases the flying tourbillon with a titanium cage, and the seemingly asymmetrical layout is unified by an inclined double-surface flange, complete with a minute track and pink gold hands with black Super-LumiNova in a central position.

At the heart of the timepiece is the RD118 automatic movement, comprising 684 meticulously finished components. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, it offers a 60-hour power reserve and retains the signature double micro-rotor. With 21 distinct hand-applied finishes adorning its surfaces, the movement bears the Poinçon de Genève hallmark—a testament to Roger Dubuis’ commitment to haute horlogerie craftsmanship.

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Grande Complication is worn on a premium calf leather strap with a quick-release system. It is closed with a pink gold pin buckle. The Grande Complication is a limited edition of 8, exclusive to Roger Dubuis boutiques. Price is to be confirmed. For more, visit rogerdubuis.com.