Just in case men were feeling a little neglected at the SIHH 2016, considering that the main focus of the Roger Dubuis novelties was around ladies' pieces, the brand decided to present the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Skeleton in carbon and in stainless steel. First presented at the SIHH 2015, the Excalibur Automatic Skeleton became Roger Dubuis’ first non-tourbillon skeleton timepiece, powered by its first skeletonized automatic movement. For its brave new charge in 2016, this all-conquering model now appears in a spectacular new interpretation clad in a high-tech composite known as SMC —Carbon Fiber Sheet Moulding Compound.
In its latest iteration, the Excalibur Automatic Skeleton has been treated to some brand new gear that proves an ideal match for its avant-garde tech-watch approach. A lightweight material greatly appreciated in the aerospace industry with its need for fuel-efficient aircraft, sheet molding compound —SMC— boasts extremely high productivity and cost efficiency, while also enabling excellent part reproducibility and the possibility of creating components with complex shapes and integrated functions. SMC is produced by compressing carbon fibers with resin and steel molded at extremely high temperatures, which is then reworked and compounded with resin. The case, measuring 42 mm in diameter and 12.4 mm in thickness has a unique sheen and interesting feel to the touch. The case design stays true to the cues of the Excalibur line with its round shape, triple lugs and fluted bezel.
The skeletonized dial anthracite flange with red minute track is a perfect compliment to the industrial, ultra-sporty case construction. The flange features a white imprint of the brand name at 12 o'clock and the legend 'Poinçon de Genève' and Swiss Made also in white at 6 o'clock. The dial features white gold applied markers and skeleton hands in blackened gold. Honestly, this watch couldn't be sexier with its red tipped hands.
This collection embodies a decidedly different way of interpreting horological traditions
and as such lends itself particularly well to flaunting the vanguard role played by Roger Dubuis in the realm of contemporary skeleton-work. Each of the Manufacture’s pioneering skeleton calibres is designed from scratch and embodies a unique merging of form and functionality. Witness their unmistakable star shape that borrows from a recurrent theme in nature and man made design, characterized by tips that often point to the hour-markers and thereby also ensure pleasing legibility on the dial side. The automatic movement powering the new SIHH 2016 Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Carbon is the in-house calibre RD820SQ equipped with an openworked version of the signature Roger Dubuis micro-rotor introduced in 2005. The Roger Dubuis watchmakers also played with the height of the micro-rotor as well as raising the star shape to create fascinating 3D effects. Each of the 167 movement components is meticulously hand-finished on all faces in accordance with the stringent requirements of the
Poinçon de Genève certification. The movement features 35 jewels and provides a power reserve of 60 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph —4Hz.
The new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Carbon is fitted with a black alligator and rubber strap with black DLC Titanium adjustable folding clasp.
On the wrist, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Carbon wears slightly bigger than its actual size and with unparalleled wrist presence. Quite light on the wrist, the new Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Carbon is a real treat for the eyes of its owner and anyone else around it.
Sticker Price CHF 59,000 Swiss Francs. For more info on Roger Dubuis click here.
