Conceived and committed to a radical and uncompromising approach known as Hyper Horology, maverick watchmaker Roger Dubuis has always delighted in pushing the boundaries of conventional watchmaking. This year, the marque has outdone itself with its latest concept creation – the Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph. To satisfy their aficionados, the brand has also debuted the Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium
Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph
Gravity is a force that can disturb precision – but also generate energy. With this pioneering concept watch, Roger Dubuis has exploited both effects, reinventing gravity regulation and taking full control of its strength. While many traditional Tourbillons compensate for the negative effect of gravity on one specific axis, Roger Dubuis has extended that ability across every surface. Positioned at 9 o’clock, the Conical Monovortex Tourbillon has a 360° trajectory, protecting the precision of the watch, no matter the position of the wearer’s wrist. Gravity is also fully utilised in the Turborotor Cylindrical Oscillating Weight. Sitting at 12 o’clock, this surprising component is positioned vertically, so that the entire force of gravity pushes down on the design like a spinning barrel. This keeps the winding of the watch efficient, as it embraces the power of gravity, and better suits all the natural motions of a wearer’s wrist.
Powered by the RD114 Calibre, the timepiece also celebrates the comeback of the Split-Seconds Chronograph. Cleverly constructed with a double column wheel system, it is enhanced with a Rotating Minute Counter, the 120° RMC. The counter, positioned at 3 o’clock, has an unexpected isotoxal shape. It includes a patent-pending display with a tripartite hand that carries the 0, 1 and 2, accurately rotating past the 0-9 digits on the right. Activate the chronograph so you can watch the RMC move in time. The complication can be admired through the caseback. The tachymeter scale features a highlighted 88, a nod to Mr. Roger Dubuis who held 8 as his lucky number, and whose first in-house calibre was a Chronograph.
The watch is housed in a 47mm casing made of hyper-tech MCF (Mineral Composite Fibre) in red. Exclusively developed by Roger Dubuis, this ingenious material is 2.5 times lighter than ceramic and 13% lighter than carbon. The energetic red colour is matched with pink gold, as well as titanium with black and grey coatings, and accents of carbon and the watch is presented on a perforated bi-material strap.
Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium
Crafted from titanium Grade 5, this timepiece is a strikingly light variation of the iconic original Excalibur MB, boasting peak levels of comfort, aesthetics, and performance. Thirty-three percent lighter than stainless steel and legendary for its strength-to-weight ratio, titanium boasts many benefits, from its naturally soft and hypoallergenic nature to its high anti-corrosion and anti-magnetic properties. To ensure that the timepiece is just as expressive at night as during the day, SuperLuminova is applied on the hour markers, the tips of the hands, and the logos.
To achieve a fully metallic look, the timepiece’s bracelet is also crafted with titanium. Expertly shortened links provide better adhesion to the wrist. The watch is adorned with a premium matte metallic sheen that is complemented by shiny polished bevels on the bracelet. The case’s central lug featured on the bracelet links demonstrate even more harmonious aesthetics. Hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève, each element of the timepiece is meticulously hand-finished with the utmost care. It is powered by the automatic RD720SQ, well-known for its breathtaking performance. The micro-rotor is designed to minimise vibrations while the remarkable inertia of its balance wheel maximises stability and reduces its sensitivity to shocks. The watch boasts an impressive 72 hours of power reserve. Completely skeletonised, the micro rotor is now an integral part of the design of the timepiece.
