Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table III

This new watch is certainly not the most discreet candidate we’ve covered this year. It is probably one of the most flamboyant models – to say the least. We also know that some of you won’t like it and will feel it is over-the-top and overdone. In all honesty, we can’t blame you. Yet, there’s something fascinating about the Knights of the Round Table watches by Roger Dubuis – the first one here and the second one here. Episode 3 of the series doesn’t disappoint either and reveals an incredible level of craftsmanship… really!

The Knights of the Round Table has become a recurring theme for Roger Dubuis – a quite rare one though. In 2013, the brand introduced the first watch in this series, followed in 2015 by a second iteration. The third one is about to be revealed, right here.

While the execution and the decoration are different, all three watches share the same historical concept. As most of you might know, Roger Dubuis’ main collection is named Excalibur, a reference to the legendary blade that was supposedly embedded in a rock by Uther Pendragon that could only be extracted by the true king – a reference to King Arthur. Alongside the Arthurian legend is another legend: ‘12 Knights took the oath of allegiance to King Arthur, swearing to spare no effort, overcome any obstacle and return triumphant’. It’s these 12 Knights of the Round Table that are depicted again in the third Opus of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table.

For the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table III, we find the same inspiration for the dial, where the central part represents the famous Round Table, surrounded by 12 knights proudly holding their swords. The first watch in the series showed a rather classic execution. The second one played on aged materials, including bronze. This third opus is much more flamboyant, modern and coloured, yet it appears to be a true masterpiece of métiers d’art.

The dial – or the table – is made from sculpted gold and translucent blue enamel in a 3D, low poly way. Originally used for making 3D models and scenes for video games, low poly art is a technique in which polygonal facets are used to create sculptures or paintings. Unlike traditional enamel dials that are made from solid metal (usually gold or brass) on which a thin layer of enamel is applied and oven-fired, the table on the dial of this watch is the result of solid blocks of sculpted enamel. For the 12 knights, we find the same angular style. Each is highly detailed, low poly-sculpted, engraved and hand-finished.

The medieval extravaganza of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table III is framed in the signature 45mm Excalibur case in pink gold, with its hallmark triple lugs and fluted bezel. It is teamed with a matching blue alligator strap. Underneath the solid gold case back is Calibre RD 821, an in-house automatic movement with a central rotor. Even if it is not visible, this engine is highly decorated and, like all Roger Dubuis watches, certified by the Poinçon de Genève.

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table III will be a limited edition of 28 pieces, priced at CHF 285,000. More details on www.rogerdubuis.com.