A quick look at Roger Dubuis' new watches for 2024!

Here is a summary of the new watches that Roger Dubuis announced at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024. The company's four new releases this time are all tourbillon models. They include eye-catching models such as the "Orbis in Machina," which features a centrally placed flying tourbillon, and the "Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon," which combines originality and aesthetics with its skeletonized face.

"Orbis in Machina"

　Since its founding in 1995, Roger Dubuis has adopted the concept of "Hyperhorology™" and has taken an original approach by combining traditional watchmaking techniques with innovative interpretations. At Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024, four models equipped with a tourbillon were announced. The leading model is the "Orbis in Machina."

　The Orbis in Machina is characterized by a structure that houses a flying tourbillon in the center and displays the time on concentric circles.

　The watch is equipped with the hand-wound Caliber RD115, a movement comprised of 283 parts and 29 rubies, the same as all Roger Dubuis tourbillons produced since 03. In 03, Roger Dubuis introduced the Monotourbillon (RD03), the brand's first in-house, manufacture-made flying tourbillon. In contrast to the brand's iconic design, which is positioned at 7 o'clock, the flying tourbillon in this latest model is centrally located, with seconds, minutes, and hours displayed on concentric circles moving outward from the center of the dial. The striking 3D discs for the minutes and hours are indicated by sharp, double-sided, openworked flying hands mounted on ball bearings.

　This mechanism is a new, patent-pending planetary system that is simpler, more compact, and more refined, freeing up more space and creating a visually striking difference from traditional tourbillons.

　The central monotourbillon is a rare complication even in luxury watches, as the manufacturing process poses numerous challenges, such as redistributing the movement's components around the tourbillon itself while simultaneously exploring alternative ways to display the hands. This timepiece reinterprets the see-through finish of previous models, placing the tourbillon centrally to create a sense of space and highlight it.

"Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon"

　The Excalibur Titanium Monotourbillon features an ergonomic, minimalist design. It expresses Roger Dubuis' unique approach to see-through technology, and strives for comfort, lightness, and durability. It is a versatile piece that can be worn in a wide range of situations, from business to private.

　The watch is powered by the handcrafted Caliber RD512SQ, featuring a monotourbillon at 7 o'clock. Like all tourbillons produced by Roger Dubuis, it features a flying tourbillon cage comprised of 63 components. The lower cage is crafted from lightweight titanium, while the upper cage features a bridge inspired by the brand's signature Celtic cross. Mounted on only one side of the bridge, the flying tourbillon poses significant structural challenges due to the lack of support from the upper bridge, but these challenges are overcome to enhance the watch's aesthetic appeal. The upper cage is crafted from a non-magnetic cobalt-chrome alloy, while the lower cage is crafted from lightweight titanium.

　The transparent face is adorned with the Astral signature. The movement components are decorated with 16 different types of decorations by skilled artisans, and the Geneva Seal is engraved at the 3 o'clock position.

　The watch is primarily made of grade 5 titanium, a difficult-to-cut material, but it's notable for the way it's crafted into distinctive shapes and unique appearances, such as the case, notched bezel, and triple-row bracelet. The bracelet has a subdued matte metallic sheen and polished chamfered edges.

"Excalibur Sunrise Double Tourbillon"

　Inspired by the morning sky, the Excalibur Sunrise Double Tourbillon is an energetic design featuring a vibrant gemstone gradation and a double tourbillon mechanism.

　The 18K pink gold case is set with 108 gemstones: 72 on the bezel, 27 on the Astral Signature, and 9 on the flange, creating a gradation of vibrant red garnets, orange spessartite, and yellow sapphires.

　Two flying tourbillons are mounted within the see-through framework. They are connected to the second wheel of the gear train via a differential gear, which adjusts the balance of each tourbillon while reducing the effects of gravity and averaging precision. Furthermore, the tourbillon carriage is made of titanium and cobalt chrome, improving magnetic resistance. This new design improves performance and ensures a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The watch is engraved at the 3 o'clock position in accordance with the Geneva Seal.

"Excalibur Dragon Monotourbillon"

　The Excalibur Dragon Monotourbillon is a new model that combines a monotourbillon with a three-dimensional, powerful dragon motif, based on the Chinese zodiac sign for the year 24.

　The main feature of the watch is the dragon, boldly placed soaring above the see-through movement. This is skillfully expressed by combining 27 brass parts to create a three-dimensional effect. The sides of each part are adorned with a lustrous black lacquer, while the pink gold-plated surfaces are polished. The sapphire crystal case back is also adorned with a flowing dragon, metallized from the inside.

　The lower part of the tourbillon cage of the Caliber RD512SQ is made of non-magnetic titanium, which is twice as light as stainless steel, and the upper part of the tourbillon cage is made of a non-magnetic cobalt-chrome alloy with a mirror polished finish. These features not only improve magnetic resistance, but also reduce the tourbillon's weight by 16% and ensure a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

　The pink gold case, measuring 42mm in diameter, fits comfortably on the wrist. It is fitted with a pink gold galvanically treated, highly resistant brass flange, and the dial features black Super-LumiNova™ indices. The black calfskin leather strap features a quick-release system for quick strap changes.