Watch Of The Week: Roger Dubuis’ Latest Knights of the Round Table Timepiece

In the world of watchmaking, legends are not only told through intricate craftsmanship but are also inspired by timeless tales of valor, chivalry, and camaraderie. Roger Dubuis has embraced the age-old lesson of shared mastery by transforming a diverse set of skills into a timepiece of hyper-expressivity. In this latest evolution of the Knights of the Round Table collection, Roger Dubuis embarks on an epic journey where twelve gallant heroes are summoned to defend their kingdom against an icy threat.

The Round Table, according to legend, symbolizes equality, with every seat playing an even part. Roger Dubuis embodies this philosophy when creating the newest interpretation of the Knights of the Round Table. The heart of their Manufacture serves as its own Round Table, where visionary designers, courageous watchmakers, and dedicated artisans contribute to a compelling story of excellence and awe.

Since the introduction of the Knights of the Round Table timepiece in 2013, Roger Dubuis has continually refined and perfected the collection’s aesthetics. Today, the twelve micro-engraved knights come to life with dynamic movement and individual postures, infusing the watch with a sense of action and energy. Crafting these intricate figures is a meticulous process that involves resin mock-ups, 3D scans, and manual engraving, a task that takes one to three days for each knight. The precision required in detailing the knights’ swords and armor showcases the artisans’ exceptional skill.

The knights of this collection embark on a quest that leads them to an icy land above a deep and vivid lake. The sense of movement is vividly portrayed as the dial cracks open to reveal this frozen scene. Roger Dubuis has masterfully crafted the entire scene, framing it in a ring of transparent ice-blue glass crafted using the Murano method. Achieving the perfect tone for the glass took six months of research and trials, demonstrating the Maison’s commitment to perfection. Biscuit porcelain of Limoges coats the large blocks emerging from the lake, creating a glistening effect of powdered snow. Assembling each block one by one is a month-long challenge that showcases the Maison’s dedication to exquisite detail.

The watch’s 45mm case is crafted from Titanium Damascus, paying homage to the ancient art of steel craftsmanship. This choice of material gives the timepiece a luxurious and contemporary edge. The Damascus process involves stacking titanium plates, heating them, hammering them, and repeating this process multiple times to create a mesmerizing wave pattern that flows throughout the case. The acid bath technique used in the final step reveals the layers of Grade 2 titanium, resulting in a captivating and durable finish that sets this watch apart.

To showcase the detailed knights from every angle, Roger Dubuis has added a window beneath the bezel, allowing the wearer to admire the figures’ craftsmanship. On the caseback, a view of the oscillating weight in blue, inspired by stained-glass windows of medieval churches and castles, adds to the watch’s allure.

Loyalty to innovation and performance is inherent to both the Knights of the Round Table and Roger Dubuis. The watch is powered by the automatic Monobalancier RD821 caliber, featuring 172 components and the hand-finishing of all parts, adhering to the criteria of the Poinçon de Genève. The crown and its protector, shaped like the guard of a sword, pay homage to the legendary sword in the stone.

With only 28 limited edition pieces available, the Knights of the Round Table by Roger Dubuis is a watch that reveals the united abilities of an entire Maison with history.