Roger Dubuis Excalibur Backlight MB
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Backlight MB RDDBEX1014 is the latest art-themed watch from the Genevan Maison synonymous with Hyper Horology. In this instance, the brand has united bright tones, UV-luminescence, diamonds and serious watchmaking know-how.
Savile Row
Savile Row in London is the home of sartorial excellence. A bespoke suit tailored on this prestigious street serves as a wonderful demonstration of no-compromise craftsmanship. The buttons on the jacket sleeves are fully functional and sewn on by hand. Despite being hidden from view, linings are stitched with the same care and precision as those areas which are visible. Everything is the product of experience and the deft application of time-served hands.
With such an amazing capacity to create matchless objects, it’s a shame that many clients select plain grey or black garments. It appears that conservatism is the order of the day and vibrant shades are denied the opportunity to breathe.
Roger Dubuis Geneva
Roger Dubuis, the prestigious watch firm, located on the outskirts of Geneva, is no stranger to craftsmanship. Indeed, it produces timepieces of the highest order. Moreover, many of its models carry the Geneva Seal, a certification standard independently audited by TimeLab and highly prized by watch aficionados. And yet, the Maison, known for ‘Hyper Horology’, embraces numerous colours and bold styling. The Swiss firm’s penchant for openworked watches, flamboyance and bright hues is manifest with the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Backlight MB RDDBEX1014.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Liu Wei MT
Last year, Roger Dubuis collaborated with the Chinese artist, Liu Wei, creating the aptly named Roger Dubuis Excalibur Liu Wei MT. The watch, an exemplar of urban-themed art, featured two panes of engraved sapphire crystal, lacquer and UV paint. The resultant composition looked highly original, brightly hued and playful, while encompassing a significant quotient of watchmaking know-how.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Backlight MB RDDBEX1014
The Excalibur Backlight MB RDDBEX1014 is yet another art-themed watch, enhanced with UV paint and brimming with vivacity. The skeletonised movement features ‘coloured micro-beams’, emanating from a diamond positioned at the epicentre of a star and spreading outwards towards a white minute track. Yellow, orange and whitish tones evoke thoughts of blooms, while the bezel is bedecked in diamonds.
Micro-beams
Under UV light, the micro-beams emit a luminescent glow and the watch delivers a combination of green and blue hues. The white gold case is endowed with brushed and polished surfaces which act like a foil, framing the brightly coloured scene presented centre stage.
RD720SQ movement
Beyond its thought-provoking design, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Backlight MB features the Manufacture’s RD720SQ movement. First seen last year in the Excalibur Monobalancier EON Gold, this self-winding calibre is packed with an array of refinements. Indeed, similar to the aforementioned Savile Row suit, the attention to detail goes beyond the visible surfaces.
Once again, Roger Dubuis demonstrates that playful design and serious watchmaking don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Backlight MB RDDBEX1014
- Case: white gold, diameter 42 mm, water resistance 5ATM (50m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes
- Movement: Calibre RD720SQ; self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 32 jewels; power reserve 72 hours.
- Strap: bi-material rubber base and calf inlay. Interchangeable with Quick Release System – QRS. White gold cover with stainless steel blades, triple folding, interchangeable with Quick Release System – QRS
- Price: £82,000 (RRP as of 25.1.2023) – Boutique exclusive