Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights Of The Round Table (2024 Edition)

With the latest release from Roger Dubuis, a new chapter in the storied Knights of the Round Table collection unfolds. This time, the Maison turns its attention to the legendary wizard Merlin, a figure entwined with the Arthurian legend. The Omniscient Merlin watch transports wearers into the mythical landscapes of Merlin’s world, where the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland meets intricate Swiss watchmaking.

Set in Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, the story behind the watch draws from Arthurian lore, imagining Merlin standing on this mystical terrain, gazing at the hexagonal basalt formations that seem born of magic. Legend tells that Merlin transported these stones to form Stonehenge, honoring King Pendragon, Arthur’s uncle. Roger Dubuis’ watch design echoes this powerful scenery with a dial that recreates the unique hexagonal rock formations in rich detail. Crafted in 18K Pink Gold, the dial is a masterpiece of handwork and artistic ingenuity. Each of the 56 blocks on the dial, meticulously set and varied in height, forms a mesmerizing scene that invokes the spirit of Merlin’s imagined influence over nature.

Roger Dubuis achieves a striking depth and visual texture through the use of distinct materials like authentic basalt, Pink Gold, Murano-style black glass, and transparent glass, all set to form the watch’s “Causeway.” The scene is given further depth with a vanishing point at the center of the dial, enhancing the illusion of dimension, as each material complements the others to evoke Merlin’s magical landscape. The process of creating this layered, textured design involves a high level of artisanal expertise, as each block is assembled with careful precision to avoid a standard honeycomb look, resulting in a dial that is more sculpture than watch face.

Around the dial, twelve knights—each crafted in micro-engraved Pink Gold—stand in battle-ready poses. These miniature figures represent hour markers and are sculpted with attention to every detail, from the armor they wear to the expressions on their faces. Roger Dubuis’ craftsmen begin with resin models, which are then carefully cast in 18K Pink Gold before undergoing a labor-intensive finishing process. Each knight takes one to three days to complete, with artisans engraving even the finest details by hand, including swords and armor patterns.

A black patina gives the knights a dignified look, bringing out every contour and shadow, highlighting the depth and character of each figure. Standing on a pathway made of black PVD-treated Pink Gold, they are arranged in a perfect circle, echoing the legendary Round Table and symbolizing the unity and strength of these iconic figures.

The Omniscient Merlin watch is powered by Roger Dubuis’ in-house automatic Monobalancier RD821 caliber, a movement crafted with 172 components and meticulously finished to meet the Poinçon de Genève certification, an esteemed hallmark in watchmaking. This intricate mechanism, designed with a compact form factor, allows room for the detailed artistry of the knights while maintaining optimal functionality. The case measures a bold 45mm in Pink Gold, with a crown protector resembling a sword guard—a nod to the Excalibur legend, symbolizing Merlin’s role in shaping King Arthur’s destiny.

The Omniscient Merlin watch is the first of a trilogy dedicated to Merlin, reflecting Roger Dubuis’ ongoing exploration of Arthurian mythology. This limited edition of only 28 pieces makes it an exclusive piece for collectors and enthusiasts. Inscribed on the caseback is the timeless phrase: “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak, and humbling the proud.” The strap is crafted from premium black calfskin leather with a Pink Gold folding buckle, equipped with a Quick Release System for ease of use. On the back, a 360° skeletonised oscillating weight inspired by medieval stained glass adds a captivating view of the mechanism in motion.