Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon (RDDBEX1122)

This captivating new Central Monotourbillon vividly illustrates Roger Dubuis’ unique ability to bridge generations of watchmaking, achieving a perfect balance between the past and the future. Following the initial Orbis in Machina launched earlier this year, this latest edition, adorned with rubies and diamonds, made its debut at the Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2024, standing out prominently among Maison’s extravagant lineup of tourbillon designs. Instead of being daunted by the complexities of the Central Monotourbillon, Roger Dubuis’ watchmakers took an innovative approach, leading to two patent-pending systems that have redefined Maison’s Central Tourbillon engineering.

These innovations include a new “planetary system,” a specialised geartrain that has allowed for a more refined and compact mechanism, creating space for enhanced aesthetics. The second patent-pending innovation is a friction clutch release system that allows the hands to disengage when setting the time. With the Central Monotourbillon, the space typically used by the hands is occupied by the tourbillon’s cage. In this calibre, the hands are driven by ball bearings, and the friction clutch system, aided by a clip, ensures the hands can be safely disengaged, maintaining stability during time adjustments.

Conquering the central placement of the tourbillon has set the stage for a clean, ultra-modern design that radiates across the watch’s face. Departing from the sharp lines and angles typical of a Roger Dubuis skeletonised tourbillon, this creation embraces a circular form, with round lines and hypnotic concentricity that make it a standout in Maison’s collection. The Orbis in Machina’s roundness begins at the centre, with the watchmakers working outward to create a pure display of concentric circles in pink gold that indicate the seconds, minutes, and hours—a sublime reinterpretation of Maison’s signature skeleton style.

Each circle is set at a different height, creating a multi-level décor that offers glimpses of the skeletonised calibre beneath. The name “Orbis in Machina” reflects this circular orbit of the watch’s display and the revolving nature of the tourbillon—a fusion of movement and mechanical ingenuity that brings the concept to life. This edition of the Orbis in Machina is distinguished by the inclusion of diamonds and rubies, adding a unique sense of power, elegance, and sophistication to the timepiece.

To reflect the Central Monotourbillon’s esteemed reputation, the Maison has adorned the watch with 132 baguette-cut gems, not just for style, but to symbolise high-level success and determination. The embellishment includes 12 rubies and 48 diamonds on the dial, and a framework of 72 diamonds on the bezel. This stunning contrast of colours enhances the warmth of the watch’s 45mm 18K pink gold case and complements the red calfskin leather strap equipped with a Quick Release System.

The front of the Orbis in Machina tells only half the story. The transparent sapphire crystal case-back reveals the traditions and excellence of Geneva’s fine watchmaking, showcasing the duality that characterises Roger Dubuis. One standout feature is the selection bolt inspired by ancient “Ébauche” components from early 20th-century horology. This design allowed the watchmakers to place the winding and setting system at the movement’s bottom, creating more space above for the hour hand. The artistry and hand-finishing evoke a baroque aesthetic, rich in detail. Notable features include sliced bridges and rounded lines, deeply rooted in classic Geneva haute horlogerie.

The watch earns the Poinçon de Genève certification, a demanding signature in fine watchmaking that ensures provenance, and reliability, and that all visible surfaces of the movement are hand-finished. The Calibre RD115 boasts 19 specific finishing techniques across its 283 components, including elegant perlage, Côte de Genève, and snailing.