Roger Dubuis introduces its first two timepieces crafted from black ceramic – the Excalibur Double Tourbillon and Excalibur Monobalancier.
Though ceramic is used throughout the horological world already, Roger Dubuis’ solidly black ceramic timepieces stand out for a key reason: the maison’s signature shape. Achieving the exact desired design, with a martial that’s four times harder than stainless steel, was only possible because the entire manufacturing process was overhauled.
This is unheard of within watchmaking, with most ceramic cases usually designed to fit the material. Going the other way round not only demanded remarkable talent, but the transformative grinding taking ten times as long as any other of its pieces.
The process begins with a blend of powders made of Zirconia combined with 3% stabilising Yttrium, which results in its hyper-resistant hardness. These powders are then transformed, first into a blank, and then through a machining process six times lengthier than the standard. The subsequent sintering and heating take up to 48 hours. The final stage involves hand-finishing this immensely hard material. The end result is a case that’s hyper-resistant to daily scratches with a bold black finish.
Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Double Tourbillon, first presented in 2021, now gets a black ceramic case. Housed within this new ceramic case is the RD108 calibre and its two signature tourbillons. Both have been rebuilt with lighter materials and an enhanced differential to maximise the transmission of energy. This, in turn, optimises the power reserve to 72 hours.
The calibre’s sense of transparency and 3D depth is heightened by the Roger Dubuis star levitating freely above the barrel. Clean cut lines on both the 45mm case and movement create a strong visual identity and give the impression of a thinner look and feel.
This dynamic aesthetic is amplified by its decorations, hand-finished and bearing the Poinçon de Geneve; one of the most demanding signatures in fine watchmaking. A black calf-leather strap with a versatile Quick Release System completes the aesthetic of this new all-black timepiece, of which, only 28 pieces will be produced.
At Watches & Wonders 2022, Roger Dubuis introduced its enhanced Excalibur Monobalancier, completed with a series of mechanical and aesthetic improvements. Now, the Maison unveils the Excalibur Monobalancier in black ceramic.
This timepiece embodies Roger Dubuis’ “Hyper Horology” ethos, from the escapement wheel to the anchor, the micro-rotor to the balance wheel inertia and pallet-stones. The power reserve of the automatic RD 720SQ calibre has increased to an impressive 72 hours. The 42mm timepiece is designed with clean-cut lines, a fluted bezel, and sharp notches, while the signature star is reshaped to levitate freely above the barrel.
The decorations amplifying its expressive nature include the contrasting sandblasted, satin-brushed surfaces, and polished angles. All of which are certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. An embossed black calf-leather strap featuring a patented Quick Release System offers versatility and a perfect colour match for the new unmistakably black case.
