Roger Dubuis Reimagines Merlin’s Metamorphosis Through Haute Horlogerie

Roger Dubuis closes its Knights of the Round Table trilogy with Excalibur The Metamorph Merlin, a limited edition of 28 timepieces inspired by Merlin’s legendary ability to shapeshift. The creation transforms Arthurian mythology into an intricate work of Haute Horlogerie, combining a sculptural green dial, hand-engraved pink gold, and 12 miniature Knights of the Round Table.

The new timepiece represents the final chapter of Roger Dubuis’ Merlin trilogy. Following Omniscient Merlin in 2024, which explored the wizard’s all-seeing wisdom, and Enchanter Merlin in 2025, which focused on his mystical powers, the Metamorph Merlin turns to transformation and the symbolism of the mythical white stag.

At the heart of the watch is a three-dimensional architectural dial inspired by the mythical forest associated with Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. Roger Dubuis builds on the hexagonal design language introduced in the first chapter of the Knights of the Round Table series, using layered geometry and deep green tones to evoke the atmosphere of a dense enchanted forest.

The dial is composed of 57 individually crafted blocks made from four different materials. Green CVD-coated elements, polished pink gold, transparent glass, and Crystalium create contrasting textures and reflections, with every block positioned at a different height to create a constantly changing three-dimensional landscape.

Rather than creating a literal representation of a forest, Roger Dubuis uses architecture, materials and light to suggest its atmosphere. The resulting dial reveals different perspectives as the watch moves, giving the composition an almost living quality.

The craftsmanship extends to the pink gold case, which becomes part of the story for the first time in the collection. Entirely hand engraved, the case depicts Merlin in both human and animal form. One scene portrays the mythical white stag, representing metamorphosis, while another shows Merlin holding a book, connecting the new creation to the wisdom and omniscience explored in the earlier chapter of the trilogy.

Around the dial stand the 12 Knights of the Round Table, each measuring approximately six millimetres tall. Every pink gold knight requires around three days of meticulous hand finishing by a specialist engraver, including sculpting, engraving and black patina application. Each figure receives its own posture and personality.

Sword inspired guards flank the crown as a reference to Excalibur, while the green crown reflects the forest setting and the mythical white stag. Together, these details extend the Arthurian narrative throughout the watch rather than limiting it to the dial.

Powering Excalibur The Metamorph Merlin is the automatic Calibre RD821, developed, manufactured and hand finished entirely in house. The movement contains 172 components and features 14 distinct finishing techniques associated with the demanding standards of the Poinçon de Genève certification.

The movement operates at 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, and provides a 48 hour power reserve. It contains 33 jewels and measures 3.5 millimetres thick.

The 45mm case is crafted from 750 pink gold and features a sapphire crystal that allows the complex dial architecture to be viewed from multiple angles. An open caseback reveals the skeletonised 360 degree oscillating weight, inspired by the stained glass windows of medieval castles and continuing the connection between medieval mythology and mechanical watchmaking.

The watch is completed with a green calf leather strap that can be changed using Roger Dubuis’ Quick Release System. It features a pink gold triple folding buckle and is delivered in a Prestige Box. The case measures 45mm in diameter and 16.87mm in thickness, with water resistance rated at 3 BAR or 30 metres.

Limited to just 28 pieces, Excalibur The Metamorph Merlin brings the Knights of the Round Table trilogy to its conclusion through a combination of miniature sculpture, hand engraving, architectural design and in house mechanical watchmaking. It continues Roger Dubuis’ approach to expressive Haute Horlogerie by turning a legendary story into a highly detailed mechanical object.

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Adrienne Faurote

Editor in Chief · Haute Time

As a former New Yorker, now a “Miamian,” Adrienne Faurote joined Haute Living in August of 2021. She currently serves as the Haute Media Group Editor-in-Chief, overseeing all editorial platforms within the Haute Media Group while also maintaining her role as Fashion, Jewelry & Watch Director. Prior to her position at Haute Living, Faurote was the Market Editor at Marie Claire Magazine US, amassing over ten years in the industry, becoming an authoritative voice in all things fashion, jewelry, and watches.