Elysium
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table is back—louder, rarer, and more architectural. The new “Enchanter Merlin” chapter transforms Arthurian lore into hyper-horology: 12 pink-gold knights around a sculptural “Table,” a dial that shimmers like a ruthenium-crystal lake, and an RD821 caliber finished to Poinçon de Genève standards and limited to 28 pieces and exclusively available in a boutique.
Why this will go viral (and sell out)
- 28-piece micro-run; boutique exclusive = instant scarcity.
- Debut of “invisibility” diamond setting: hexagonal diamonds clipped into hidden grooves for a seamless, floating top view.
- Fifty-six vertical columns (glass, polished & matte white enamel, rhodium-plated gold, pink gold) set at 0.2–3.7 mm for 3D drama.
- 12 unique 6 mm knights in 18K pink gold, engraved 2–3 days each, viewable laterally via a sapphire ring beneath the bezel.
- RD821 automatic Monobalancier, 4 Hz, 48 h, 14 hand-finishes, 172 components—Poinçon de Genève compliant.
Merlin’s Crystal Palace—on a wrist
As an ode to the palace Merlin conjured to protect the Lady of the Lake, the dial’s base plate (18K pink gold) is precision-drilled into hexagons that host 56 columns: 9 Murano-style glass, 19 polished white enamel, 10 matte white enamel, nine rhodium-plated gold (topped with hexagonal diamonds), and 9 polished 18K pink gold. Beneath it all, crystallized ruthenium delivers a mirror-still “lake.”
The Knights, reimagined
Each knight begins as a paper design, is then transformed into a resin prototype, scanned in 3D, and cast in 18K pink gold. It is hand-engraved with blades, helms, and armor lines, and finished with a black patina for added contrast. The sapphire window below the bezel lets you appreciate the full 360° scene—rare for a non-skeletonized watch.
Certified horology under the theatrics
Inside the 45 mm 18K pink-gold case sits the RD821 automatic movement, featuring a 4 Hz / 28,800 vph, a 48-hour power reserve, 172 components, 33 jewels, and a thickness of 3.5 mm. The movement features 14 distinct hand-finishes to meet the Poinçon de Genève, and a skeletonized 360° rotor evokes medieval stained glass while maintaining efficient winding.
Dimensions, wear & build quality
- Case: 18K pink gold, 45 mm diameter, 16.87 mm thick, 3 bar (30 m) water resistance
- Crystal & views: Sapphire crystal; sapphire ring under bezel for lateral viewing; open caseback; glass ring inside crown
- Hands: Pink gold, satin-brushed, white SLN centers
- Strap: White calf leather, Quick Release System (QRS)
- Buckle: Pink-gold triple-folding buckle, QRS
- Design cue: Crown protector shaped like a sword guard (Excalibur nod)
This is not a stealth piece—it’s a stage. The height is deliberate, the presence undeniable.
Edition & collector signal
- Limited edition: 28 pieces
- Distribution: Boutique exclusive
- Caseback oath (since 2013): “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals…”
Full Technical Specifications (RDDBEX1117)
Collection
Excalibur Knights of the Round Table – “The Enchanter Merlin” (Merlin chapter II)
Movement
In-house RD821 automatic (Monobalancier); 4 Hz / 28,800 vph; 48 h power reserve; 172 components; 33 jewels; 3.5 mm thick; 14 hand-finishes; Poinçon de Genève
Case
45 mm (18K pink gold); 16.87 mm height; 3 bar (30 m) water resistance; sapphire crystal; sapphire ring under bezel; open caseback; glass ring inside crown
Dial
12 micro-sculpted knights (~6 mm tall), all unique; 56 columns: 9 Murano-style glass, 19 polished white enamel, 10 matte white enamel, nine rhodium-plated gold with hexagonal diamonds, nine polished 18K pink gold; ruthenium crystals on main plate; white Murano-style flange with pink-gold logo and indexes
Hands
Pink gold, satin-brushed, white SLN
Strap & Buckle
White calf leather; Quick Release System; pink-gold triple-folding buckle with QRS
Edition
28 pieces, boutique exclusive
FAQs
What is Excalibur Knights of the Round Table?
A signature Roger Dubuis series that blends micro-sculpture, narrative dials, and Geneva-seal mechanics—here, the “Enchanter Merlin” chapter extends the legend in 45 mm pink gold.
What’s new in this chapter?
The “invisibility” diamond setting (first time for the Maison) and a dial architecture echoing Merlin’s crystal palace over a ruthenium-crystal “lake.”
Can I see the knights from the side?
Yes. A sapphire ring beneath the bezel reveals the scene from lateral angles.
Water resistance?
3 bar (30 m)—splash-proof only.
Specific Highlights
- 12 pink gold knights crafted using micro-sculpture.
- Centre table inspired by Merlin’s crystal palace for Vivian (Lady of the Lake).
- RD821 automatic Monobalancier with skeleton oscillating weight.
Movement — RD821 (Automatic)
| Calibre | RD821 · Automatic, self-winding |
|---|---|
| Finishing | 14 distinct hand-finishes including those required by the Poinçon de Genève. |
| Frequency | 4 Hz · 28,800 vph |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Components | 172 |
| Jewels | 33 |
Case — 18K Pink Gold (45 mm)
| Material | 18K pink gold with sapphire crystal ring under the bezel; open caseback; glass ring inside crown |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 45 mm |
| Thickness | 16.87 mm |
| Water Resistance | 3 bar (30 m) |
Dial — Knights & Crystalium®
| Knights | 12 micro-sculpted pink-gold knights (~6 mm tall), each uniquely engraved |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 56 blocks made of pink gold, glass, enamel and white gold; white-gold blocks set with hexagonal-cut diamonds |
Limited to 28 pieces Boutique Exclusive Poinçon de Genève
MR. ROGER DUBUIS • DOWNLOAD THE PRESS KIT • PRESS RELEASES
An Inspired Childhood (1938 → 1957)
Born in 1938 in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland, Roger Dubuis grew up among skilled village craftsmen. Passing the church belltower daily, he recalls: “I used to pass the clock in the belltower of the church. And then, badaboom, I fell in love with that mechanism. That’s how my passion for watchmaking was born.”
Watchmaking proved to be his destiny. A local watchmaker mentored him, and at 15 he joined the École des Arts et Métiers in Geneva, earning his watchmaking diploma in 1957. His student number, 208, was engraved on his tools for life; the “8” later became the Maison’s lucky number, often guiding limited-edition sizes.
For his final coursework, his diploma movement—Calibre 208—was awarded the Poinçon de Genève, setting his bar for excellence from the very beginning.
Becoming an Entrepreneur (1957 → 1990s)
After graduating, Roger joined Longines, repairing chronographs for nine years, then moved to Patek Philippe in the Grand Complications workshop for fifteen years.
Parallel to his positions, he restored antique watches for private collectors, the Musée de l’Horlogerie, and auction pioneer Osvaldo Patrizzi. During the quartz crisis, he co-founded the Groupement Genevois des Cabinotiers (1977) to preserve high watchmaking while staying viable: “I was scared. I thought it was the end of watchmaking.”
Following a health setback and recovery, he joined movement designer Jean-Marc Wiederrecht (M.E → P.M.E), adding his childhood nickname “Placide” to the company name. Their friendship and complementary skills led to the retrograde display patent (1989).
A Maison in His Name (1995 → 2010)
In 1995, at a favorite restaurant, he met entrepreneur Carlos Dias. Their conversation sparked a new Manufacture (SOGEM → Manufacture Roger Dubuis SA), pushing boundaries and bringing their shared vision to life.
Upon leaving P.M.E, he retained half the company assets, including use of the retrograde patent—crucial for the Maison’s first references. The 1996 Hommage chronographs earned Besançon Observatory certification and the Poinçon de Genève. As always, he championed transmission: teaching watchmakers in La Chaux-de-Fonds and educating enthusiasts in horological culture.
He left the Maison in 2003, but in 2007 joined Les Maîtres du Temps: Chapter One (tourbillon, monopusher chronograph, retrograde date/GMT, rolling day and moon bars) with Christophe Claret & Peter Speake; then Chapter Two (2009) with Daniel Roth & Peter Speake (big date, rollers for days and months).
The perfect coda arrived in 2010 when, now part of the Richemont Group, the Maison invited him back as an advisor & brand ambassador, coaching watchmakers and representing the Maison’s soul.
Epilogue & Ethos (2010 → 2017)
Roger Dubuis passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy of expert savoir-faire and the fond memories of those he inspired. His wish endures: “that this philosophy of quality, respect, tradition, and art will remain in the future.”
Quality Respect Tradition Art
Press Releases & Downloads
- MR. ROGER DUBUIS — brand heritage hub
- DOWNLOAD THE PRESS KIT — high-res assets & official texts
- PRESS RELEASES — latest Maison communications
Mr. Roger Dubuis
