Roger Dubuis this week returned to the mythology of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table when it unveiled the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II watch. Its first Excalibur Knights of the Round Table was unveiled in 2013 as a limited edition run of only 28 pieces.
Legend has it that Merlin declared: «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». Thus began the adventures, as the 12 Knights took the oath of allegiance to King Arthur, swearing to spare no effort, overcome any obstacle and return triumphant.
From the Middle Ages to the modern day, the universality of the legend of the Wizard and the Knights of the Round Table has remained popular. King Arthur valiantly defends his realm from his enemies and all the action takes place essentially in the mythical forest of Brocéliande.
The best, the noblest and the purest of men are at his side in combat, companions whose strength of arm is equalled only by their strength of character. The story of their exploits has marked history and eloquently honoured the cardinal values of strength and respect.
These are much the same aspirations that motivate Manufacture Roger Dubuis in its ongoing desire to make people dream and
its quest for its own particular Holy Grail: the uncompromising excellence epitomised in its 100% Poinçon de Genève certification.
The watch does away with the traditional hour-markers in favour of the twelve legendary Knights of the Round Table, each a small and unique bronze figurine about 6.5mm tall. Each takes about a day to make, from a three-dimensional casting in bronze to handfinished details that include three-dimensional micro-engraving.
The Round Table itself is made of engraved black jade. The knights stand on a white gold flange that was engraved and patined to give it a cobblestone paving effect.
The back of the watch sports a closed case design with a blue-lacquered coat of arms adorned with three golden crowns.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II specifications:
- Caliber: Roger Dubuis RD821 with self-winding mechanical movement
- Case diameter: 45mm
- Case thickness: 15.7mm
- Case material: White gold
- Glass material:
- Battery: Selfwinding with 48 hour power reserve
- Water resistance: 5 bar (50m)
- Case colours: White
- Strap: Black genuine alligator with white gold adjustable folding buckle
Whether such a watch is your thing or not, you cannot but marvel at the detail and amount of effort that went into making each one.
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table II will be, like its predecessor, limited to a run of 28 pieces. Each will sell for US$268,000 (about CA$325,000).
Sources : Roger Dubuis // ABlogToWatch