From the mythical Knights of the Round Table, Roger Dubuis has embraced this ageless lesson of shared mastery transforming their diverse skills into a timepiece of hyper expressivity. Introducing the latest evolution of the Knights of the Round Table ‘Ice and Fire’, a 28-piece limited edition, the earth begins to crack once more, as twelve gallant heroes are summoned to defend their kingdom against an ice-bound threat.
Capturing all the qualities of valor, chivalry, and faithfulness, the creativity has taken another surging step forward, conquering a wintry Arthurian adventure, complete with a frozen landscape and exquisite character portrayal. In every detail, we reveal incredible know-how at work, all drawn from the inspiration of this famous and immortal fable.
Ever since the first Knights of the Round Table timepiece was unveiled in 2013, Roger Dubuis has continued to shape and refine the collection’s aesthetics always with bravery in the face of difficulty.
Today, the twelve 18K pink gold micro-engraved knights are dynamic in their movement and individual in their posture. Each one is infused with personality, presenting the overall watch as a stage for action. This is a scene frozen in the moment and charged with energy. As if the very next second will erupt into battle. To achieve such animated figures, the knights follow an exacting craftsmanship process that is elaborate and meticulous. From the initial drawings, resin mock-ups of each warrior are created in perfect proportions. 3D scans are then taken, followed by molding and casting in 18K pink gold, resulting in 6 mm tall knights.
However, it is then down to the steady hand of the craftsmen to manually engrave each piece and bring its final appearance to life using exquisite artistry. This is a job that takes one to three days for each knight and requires patience. When detailing the slimmest swords or the subtle nuances of armor, skill of the highest level is required.
It would be a shame to create such detailed knights, and then hide them from view. For that reason, Roger Dubuis has created a window beneath the bezel, so that the wearer can always admire the figures from every possible angle. From above or from the side, you’ll discover something new with every glance.
The knights’ iconic search for the Holy Grail is known for taking them across distant terrains and perilous trails. Here, the group encounters an icy land, which sits above a deep and vivid lake. Yet again, the sense of movement is dramatically accomplished, as the dial cracks open to confront our knights with their latest threat.
Starting with the outer flange, Roger Dubuis has framed the entire scene in a ring of transparent ice-blue glass, crafted following the Murano method. It took 6 months of in-depth research and trial to achieve this exact tone and provide the watch with such a captivating vibrancy. Another signal that the Maison is dedicated to perfection and leaves no stone unturned when trying to enrich the wearer’s view.
This same ice-blue glass is used for the main disc, as well as the large blocks that rupture out from the lake. To attain the glistening effect of powdered snow, the blocks are coated with biscuit porcelain of Limoges that most notably, delivers a contrasting matte finish, which aligns superbly with the shiny surfaces of the glass.
Even with the materials mastered, the ambitious creation of the dial requires one further step, as the Roger Dubuis craftsmen assemble each block one by one, piecing together a 3D puzzle of radical composition. It’s a challenge that, together with crafting the knights, takes one month to complete, and all the perseverance in our watchmaking kingdom.
The 45 mm case of this watch is therefore made from Titanium Damascus in tribute to the ancient style of steel craftsmanship that goes back centuries. Perfect, you might say, for a watch that is immersed in the mythical inspiration of the past. Using titanium gives the timepiece a luxurious and very modern edge. But it’s the Damascus approach that sets it apart. As a first step, the blacksmith stacks a series of Grade 2 and Grade 5 titanium plates together. Then, they are driven into a red-hot furnace, set at an extreme temperature. While the metal is still scorching, it is fiercely hammered, so that the initial layers form into one solid block.
Now, the block is heated and crushed, over and over again, to stretch and shape it. Cut, fold, heat, and repeat.
A fiery process that continues multiple times until the desired number of layers and folds are formed. Finally, the Maison subjects the metal to one final process: an acid bath. As the metal is dipped into the solution, the layers of the Grade 2 titanium begin to show through creating an alluring wave pattern that flows throughout the metallic case.
Mounted on the Titanium Damascus case, the designers have added a bezel in polished titanium, which provides a striking contrast between the matte finish and the unique pattern of the watch’s main body. Meanwhile, the crown and its protector are intentionally shaped like the guard of a sword, designed as if a blade is stuck inside the watch, just like the sword in the stone, which Arthur pulled free to signal his destiny as the true king.
On the case back, there is a view of the remarkable skeletonized oscillating weight in blue inspired by the stained-glass windows of medieval churches and castles. The tilted pyramid shapes are static and follow the triangular notches around the edges of the timepiece. The watch is powered by the automatic calibre RD821SPS that bears the Poinçon de Genève. RD821SPS. This automatic in-house movement is composed of 172 parts and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.
Combining comfort, color, and bold versatility, the watch’s strap is presented in dark blue. The addition of a Quick Release System means that the wearer can change the strap out in seconds, and give the watch their own preferred look.
Almost as rare as the Grail itself, only 28 of these limited edition watches will be made available.
Sticker Price $348,000 USD. For more info on Roger Dubuis click here.
