High-end luxury goods brand Roger Dubuis was established in 1995 by its namesake and Carlos Dias. The two founders have pooled their expertise to design a range of extraordinary timepieces. Roger Dubuis originally trained as a watchmaker and has been instrumental in designing complicated movements for Patek Philippe. In contrast Carlos Dias is a talented designer who worked for Franck Muller. From 2008 Richemont acquired 60% of the business and became the majority shareholder.
Back in August 2013 I wrote an article on my own website entitled ‘Only Watch 2013 Part II’. The editorial showcased five exceptional timepieces kindly donated by philanthropic brands to raise money supporting research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Overall the auction was an unbelievable success and raised €5,066,000 (approximately $6,875,322). The generous contribution from Roger Dubuis was the sensational La Monégasque. This wonderful timepiece is not only visually stunning but also contains a complex mechanical tourbillon movement. Even though it didn’t reach its reserve of €120,000 – €160,000 it did achieve a respectable price of €70,000.
The Excalibur Quatuor in Silicon is one of the company’s latest models and definitely my personal favourite. With a diameter of 48mm this watch is significantly larger than the La Monégasque. These proportions should appeal to a growing population of buyers that prefer chunkier timepieces. As the watch is constructed from Silicon (which is half the weight of titanium) it should feel very lightweight to wear. This material is also four times as hard as steel so durability shouldn’t be an issue. In my opinion this timepiece would look great with a smart dinner suit.
Aesthetically the façade of the Excalibur Quatuor in Silicon is absolutely magnificent. The skeleton dial superbly exposes the four delicately positioned sprung balance wheels. I love the two sub dials, which display the hour, minute and power reserve indicator. Other striking features include the masterfully sculpted silicon case and elegant crown. To manufacture a watch of this calibre required the involvement of master watchmakers, engineers and designers. Every part of this timepiece has been meticulously finished by hand. The result is a phenomenally good looking original watch designed for the connoisseur
To power the timepiece Roger Dubuis have developed the highly sophisticated Calibre RD101. This hand winding movement contains 113 jewels, measures 16¾ linges and is stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva. Each of the watch’s 590 components have been flawlessly assembled and decorated by hand. Functionally the Excalibur Quatuor in Silicon features hours, minutes and delivers a power reserve of 40 hours.
The brilliant Excalibur Quatuor in Silicon is limited to 3 pieces and has a hand stitched black alligator strap with matching silicon folding buckle.
You can see more watch reviews by Steve on his own website: www.totalwatchreviews.com
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