Bold, unexpected, and forever at the forefront of expressive design, Roger Dubuis is a watchmaker like no other. This year, in Roger Dubuis’ latest novelty, contrasts are revealed; harmony is created. The new Orbis in Machina presents a dual perspective of Roger Dubuis’ iconic tourbillon craftsmanship. The astonishing creation embraces both heritage as well as modern engineering, emphasising the duality of the design, and creating a visible link between watchmaking generations. The story is told from front to back and reveals the art of tradition matched by the cutting-edge architecture of today
Orbis in Machina
The new Orbis in Machina is a nod to the revolving nature of the tourbillon, and the circular orbit of the watch’s display. The manual-winding Calibre RD115 – with 283 components and 29 rubies – housed inside the timepiece is a Flying Tourbillon. The watchmakers, inspired by the ancient “Ébauche” components of high horology, have placed the winding and setting system at the bottom of the movement, liberating more space for the hour hand. To increase resistance to magnetic fields and keep perfect control of the weight, the lower tourbillon cage is in anti-magnetic titanium while the upper tourbillon cage is in mirror-polished Cobalt Chrome. The power reserve is optimised to 72 hours.
The flying tourbillon sits neatly at the centre. Starting at the middle, contrasting concentric circles in pink gold and grey indicate the seconds, minutes, and hours. The 3D discs for the minutes and hours displays are prominent and contrasted by open-worked flying hands – mounted on ball bearings – that are double-sided and sharp. This particular display required the invention of a patent-pending system, which can safely disengage the hands and allow the watch to be set with assured stability. A similar double-sided approach has been taken for the flange, which houses the hour indications on the outer perimeter. All of the circles are set at different heights, delivering a multi-levelled décor. The artistry and hand finishing seen through the caseback is almost baroque in its appearance, with elaborate detailing. Crafted with an 18K pink gold case and bezel and presented on a black leather strap with a quick release system, the Orbis in Machina is limited to only 88 pieces.
