In honor of Monsieur Roger Dubuis who just passed this past weekend as we brought you the news here, we are bringing you this hands-on review of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic in 18K pink gold and titanium. This new watch released earlier this year at the SIHH 2017 brings warm tones in an interesting dichotomy that combines the density of 18K pink gold with the lightness of titanium, all rounded out by a gorgeous grey strap that matches the bezel and the dial.
The Case & Dial
The case design stays true to the cues of the Excalibur line with its round shape, triple lugs and fluted bezel. The tripartite 45 mm case features a titanium graduated bezel and case back and a partially skeletonized 18K pink gold middle case. The fixed titanium graduated bezel features oversized numerals and black accents. The case ensures water resistance to 50 meters and the crown is made of 18K pink gold but vulcanized with a black o-ring.
The dial, featuring full skeletonization of the movement in both the baseplate and mainplate is an ode to transparency and the work that Roger Dubuis is very well known for. With an 18K pink gold flange with black minute track and round markers with superluminova, the color scheme warms up against the all grey of the rhodium plated movement. Between 10 and 11 o'clock, the micro-rotor winding mechanism takes the center stage with a white and gold surround that highlights its presence. At 4 o'clock, the Astral décor allows for full view of the mainspring inside its barrel.
The Strap
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic 18K Pink Gold & Titanium is delivered on a bi-material strap with black rubber base and grey embossed calf leather with grey and beige double contrast stitching. The strap is secured by an 18K pink gold folding clasp.
The Movement
Turning the watch around reveals the intrinsic beauty of the beating heart powering this timepiece. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton is powered by the automatic calibre RD820SQ. This in-house movement composed of 167 parts is the first Roger Dubuis movement to feature a micro-rotor. Equipped with 35 jewels, the movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph —4 Hz. The movement is fully skeletonized with the signature touches of Roger Dubuis with inner Astral-décor, skeletonized micro-rotor visible from the dial side, charcoal grey rhodium plated finishing and certified with the Poinçon de Genève.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic Gold and Titanium ref. RDDBEX0574 wears slightly bigger than its actual size and with remarkable wrist presence. The combination of the two metals in this watch, yields a very warm appearance as well as a very balanced weight on the wrist. For the price, you can't go wrong for the pedigree, it is as good as it gets. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic in Gold and Titanium is exclusively available in a limited edition of only 88 pieces.
Sticker Price CHF 85,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $87,000 USD. For more info on Roger Dubuis click here.
