2012/12/17 - pre-SIHH 2013 - Roger Dubuis the Excalibur Table Ronde

 

A new interpretation of the legend

 

The Knights of the Round Table had a solemn motto: “Courage and generosity”. For Roger Dubuis, this is its purpose in life. Drawing inspiration from the exploits of King Arthur’s knights, the Geneva Manufacture has created a series of 88 exceptional pieces distinguished by their boldness and steeped in history. 12 heroes and their swords cast in gold encircle a striking enamelled dial while the automatic movement RD822 beats below. The scene is symbolic. Most of the adventures of the gallant knights were initiated in meetings at the round table.

Their courage knew no bounds, their faith was unshakeable, they were the Knights of the Round Table. Courage was their paramount value and according to the legend, they went from battle to battle, from victory to victory, upholding these values.While their heroism built their reputation, what confirmed their legendary status was their search for the Holy Grail.

Lancelot, the most valiant knight, was considered to be the purest of them all when he brought back the precious object to his sovereign. Thus was he granted the honour of a seat at the round table. Merlin declared: “Around this table, all in equality, will sit the most valiant knights. From this room, they will set out to seek challenges, to undo wrongs, to protect the weak and to bring down the proud.”

That was where all the adventures began, where the stories were told and where the magic bound them together forever. It was there that they took the oath of allegiance to King Arthur, swearing to spare no effort in their valiant quests, overcoming all obstacles, facing all perils and returning triumphant.

The pursuit of excellence

These are the same aspirations that motivate Roger Dubuis. The legend of King Arthur has been the inspiration for the Geneva watchmaker’s latest wonderful creation: the Excalibur Table Ronde. Produced in a limited series of 88 pieces, this watch presents a perfect reproduction of a scene from the Round Table. It fits the legend with its 45 mm case in pink gold and respects the design codes of the Excalibur collection: an impressive case, fluted bezel, robust crown guard and triple strap horns.

With its dynamic shape and sharp angles, the watch has a dial to match its strong, symbolic design. The hour markers are 12 authentic figures representing the Knights of the Round Table. Their swords, cast by hand in gold, and therefore unique, are crafted by gifted, passionate craftsmen. Artists and watchmakers have worked closely together to make this timepiece a work of art. At its centre, a dial in precious enamel forms a kaleidoscope of colours that emphasize even more the evocative power of the watch.

Among its list of technical achievements is the latest generation of the automatic-winding mechanical movement, the RD822 that displays the hours and minutes.

And because Roger Dubuis is committed to the ceaseless pursuit of excellence, the movement and the watch are stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

This unmatched quality recognition means that the Excalibur Table Ronde exceeds even the demanding standards of Swiss Fine Watchmaking and ensures that the future owner becomes part of the legend!

 

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