Roger Dubuis | Black Ceramic
Hyper expressive. Hyper mechanical. Hyper technical. The Geneva-based company is presenting two pieces crafted in black ceramic, a first in its collections. The cases of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon and Excalibur Monobalancier are thus attired in this durable and resistant material, becoming ideal companions for daring adventurers.
Conquering ceramic
Roger Dubuis’ ceramic is solidly black inside and out, four times harder than stainless steel. It is designed to keep up with the world’s most fearless trailblazers. No matter where the chase for the next thrill takes them, this is a material crafted to withstand their adventures, not only today but also tomorrow and beyond.
Though ceramic is used throughout the horological world already, Roger Dubuis’ timepieces made in this material stand out with a display of prowess for a key reason: a refusal to compromise on the Maison’s signature shape. Achieving the exact design desired was only possible because the entire manufacturing process was overhauled. This is unheard of in the watch industry, with any ceramic cases usually designed to fit the material. Not for Roger Dubuis. Taking ceramic from its raw form to the brand’s emblematic case demanded remarkable talent, with the transformative grinding taking ten times as long as any other of its models.
The process begins with a blend of powders made of Zirconia combined with 3% stabilising Yttrium that results in its hyper-resistant hardness. With commitment and dedication, the engineers transform these powders first into a blank and then through a machining process six times lengthier than the standard. While essential, the subsequent sintering and heating takes up to 48 hours. Yet making a striking technical and aesthetic statement is always a must for any Roger Dubuis timepiece. That’s why the final stage involves hand-finishing this immensely hard material, which demands extreme craftsmanship and meticulous care to conquer. The effort is worth it, as not only is the case hyper-resistant to daily scratches, but this step achieves the immutably bold black finish.
Refusing to tarnish or reduce in intensity over time, Roger Dubuis’ radiant black ceramic is where hyper durability meets hyper expressivity in a single timepiece.
A double tourbillon adorned black
In 2021, the Manufacture created a sublimated version of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon. Today, it unveils its new variation in luminous black ceramic.
Housed within this new ceramic case, the RD108 calibre and its two signature tourbillons are rebuilt with lighter materials and an enhanced differential to maximise the transmission of energy. This ultimately optimises the power reserve to 72 hours – perfect for leaving it off over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the calibre’s sense of transparency and 3D depth is heightened by the Roger Dubuis star levitating freely above the barrel. Clean-cut lines on both the 45mm case and movement create its strong visual identity and give the impression of a thinner look and feel. This dynamic aesthetic is amplified by its decorations, hand-finished with precision and rewarded with the Poinçon de Genève.
Durable and expressive, the latest variation of the Excalibur Double Tourbillon debuts with a radiant black ceramic case, striking in its intensely high scratch-resistance. With just 28 available, a black calf-leather strap with versatile Quick Release System completes the aesthetic of this all-black timepiece.
The must-have black Monobalancier
For Watches & Wonders 2022, the brand introduced its enhanced Excalibur Monobalancier, completed with a series of mechanical and aesthetic improvements. The Maison now unveils the black ceramic Excalibur Monobalancier.
From the escape-wheel to the pallet-leverf, the micro-rotor to the balance-wheel inertia and pallet-stones, the engineers and watchmakers of the Manufacture multiplied its technical enhancements in order to push the performance of the automatic RD 720SQ calibre to its maximum, increasing its power reserve to an impressive 72h. Reinterpreted with contemporary flair, the 42mm watch is designed with pure lines, fluted bezel and sharp notches, while the signature star is reshaped to levitate freely above the barrel.
A contemporary approach is further evident in the decorations amplifying its expressive nature, including highly contrasted decorations, such as sandblasted, satin-brushed surfaces and polished angles, all of which are certified by the Poinçon de Genève. An embossed black calf-leather strap featuring a patented Quick Release System ensures ultimate versatility while offering a perfect colour match for the new unmistakably black case.
With a watch displaying hyper durability, expressiveness and craftsmanship, the Excalibur Monobalancier black ceramic edition demonstrates the Maison’s ultimate mastery of the most contemporary and advanced technical materials. This is the timepiece of today.