Roger Dubuis unveils four exclusive tourbillon watches at Watches & Wonders Shanghai, showcasing innovation and craftsmanship in haute horlogerie.
Swiss luxury watchmaker Roger Dubuis has unveiled four extraordinary tourbillon timepieces at the prestigious Watches & Wonders Shanghai event.
These exquisite creations, each a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and haute horlogerie, have set the watch world abuzz with their unique designs and technical prowess.
A Symphony of Complications: The New Tourbillon Collection
Roger Dubuis, known for its avant-garde approach to watchmaking, has once again pushed the boundaries of traditional horology with its latest offerings.
The four new tourbillon watches, each bearing the coveted Poinçon de Genève certification, showcase the brand’s expertise in creating complex, visually striking timepieces that appeal to the most discerning watch enthusiasts.
For collectors who invest in such intricate complications, using watch winders to preserve complex tourbillon movements becomes an essential part of maintaining the precision and longevity of these exceptional timepieces.
Orbis in Machina: A Tale of Two Faces
The star is the Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon. A contemporary face and dial, a baroque case back, an homage to the first Roger Dubuis.
The watch’s most striking feature is its rare central position monotourbillon, a complication mastered by only a handful of watchmakers worldwide. This technical marvel is housed in a 45mm pink gold case, creating a visually arresting centrepiece that draws the eye immediately.
And to make it even more beautiful, the Orbis in Machina is set with 72 baguette diamonds on the bezel, a frame for the central tourbillon. The open case back, in sapphire crystal, shows the mechanics of the watch, cut-out bridges and round lines, very Geneva.
Gregory Bruttin, Product Strategy Director at Roger Dubuis, explains the philosophy behind the Orbis in Machina: “We wanted to create a watch that encapsulates the essence of Roger Dubuis – a perfect blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. The Orbis in Machina is a testament to our ability to push boundaries while respecting our heritage.”
Limited to just eight pieces worldwide and available exclusively through Roger Dubuis boutiques, the Orbis in Machina is destined to become a coveted collector’s item.
Excalibur Double Tourbillon: A Tribute to an Icon
The Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome pays homage to one of Roger Dubuis’ most iconic complications – the skeleton double-flying tourbillon. This new iteration showcases the brand’s mastery of materials, featuring a 45mm case crafted from Cobalt Chrome, a material known for its exceptional durability and lustre.
The watch’s blue CVD-coated flange provides a striking contrast to the intricate skeleton movement, creating a visual depth that is both modern and captivating. The double-flying tourbillon, visible through the open-worked dial, is a feat of engineering that demonstrates Roger Dubuis’ technical prowess.
“The Excalibur Double Tourbillon has always been a flagship model for us,” says Nicola Andreatta, CEO of Roger Dubuis. “With this new version in Cobalt Chrome, we’ve elevated it to new heights, combining cutting-edge materials with our signature skeleton design.”
Like its Orbis in Machina counterpart, the Excalibur Double Tourbillon Cobalt Chrome is limited to 28 pieces worldwide and is available exclusively through Roger Dubuis boutiques.
Excalibur Monotourbillon Blue Hour: Capturing Twilight’s Magic
The Excalibur Monotourbillon Blue Hour is a poetic representation of the moments between day and night. This 42mm pink gold watch features a bezel set with 50 baguette-cut blue sapphires and 10 diamonds, arranged to capture the blue hour, that magical time after sunset when the sky is blue and serene.
The monotourbillon, positioned at 7 o’clock, adds a technical flourish to the watch’s aesthetic appeal. This placement creates a perfect balance on the dial, drawing the eye without overwhelming the overall design.
“The Blue Hour is a celebration of those transient moments of beauty in nature,” explains Roger Dubuis’ Head of Design, Lionel Favre. We wanted to capture that ephemeral quality in a timepiece that would be both a technical marvel and a work of art.
Limited to 28 pieces worldwide and available exclusively through Roger Dubuis boutiques, the Excalibur Monotourbillon Blue Hour is a stunning example of how haute horlogerie can draw inspiration from the natural world.
Excalibur Monotourbillon White Gold: Timeless Elegance
Rounding out the quartet of new releases is the Excalibur Monotourbillon White Gold. This 42mm timepiece exudes classic elegance with its white gold case, which is further elevated by the addition of 60 round-cut diamonds.
The monotourbillon, again positioned at 7 o’clock, provides a captivating focal point on the dial. The skeleton movement, a hallmark of Roger Dubuis’ designs, allows for an unobstructed view of the watch’s inner workings, showcasing the brand’s commitment to both form and function.
“The Excalibur Monotourbillon White Gold represents the perfect fusion of traditional watchmaking and contemporary design,” says Jean-Michel Pelletier, Chief Marketing Officer at Roger Dubuis. “It’s a piece that will appeal to those who appreciate classic aesthetics but desire something with a modern edge.”
This model is limited to 88 pieces worldwide and, like its counterparts, is available exclusively through Roger Dubuis boutiques.
Technical Mastery and Artistic Vision
All four new tourbillon watches from Roger Dubuis are certified by the Poinçon de Genève, one of the most prestigious hallmarks in the world of haute horlogerie. This certification is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece.
The movements powering these watches are marvels of engineering. For instance, the RD512 calibre found in the Excalibur Monotourbillon models boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve, thanks to tourbillon carriages made from titanium and cobalt chrome. This innovative use of materials not only enhances the watch’s performance but also improves its durability.
Each movement is painstakingly finished by hand, with artisans applying up to 19 different finishes to create a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow. This attention to detail extends to every component, no matter how small or hidden from view.
Limited Editions: Exclusivity Redefined
Roger Dubuis has always prided itself on creating timepieces that are as rare as they are beautiful. The limited nature of these new tourbillon watches – ranging from just 8 pieces for the Orbis in Machina to 88 for the Excalibur Monotourbillon White Gold – ensures that each owner possesses a truly unique piece of horological art.
“Our clients are connoisseurs who appreciate not just the technical aspects of a watch, but also its exclusivity,” explains Andreatta. “By creating these highly limited editions, we’re offering them something truly special – a piece of Roger Dubuis’ history.”
The Future of Haute Horlogerie
With these four new tourbillon releases, Roger Dubuis has once again demonstrated why it remains at the forefront of contemporary watchmaking. By combining traditional complications with innovative materials and designs, the brand continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in haute horlogerie.
As the watch industry evolves, Roger Dubuis seems poised to lead the charge into a new era of creativity and technical innovation. These latest releases are not just timepieces; they are a statement of intent from a brand that refuses to rest on its laurels.
“We’re always looking to the future,” concludes Andreatta. “These new tourbillons are just the beginning. We have many more surprises in store for watch lovers around the world.”
For those fortunate enough to acquire one of these limited edition masterpieces, they will possess not just a watch, but a piece of horological history – a tangible representation of Roger Dubuis’ relentless pursuit of excellence in the art of watchmaking.
As the curtains close on Watches & Wonders Shanghai, it’s clear that Roger Dubuis has once again captured the imagination of the watch world. These four new tourbillons stand as a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit, technical mastery, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of haute horlogerie.
