ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR MERLIN THE SHAPESHIFTER: WHERE ARTHURIAN LEGEND MEETS HAUTE HORLOGERIE

il y a 2 heures

4 min de lecture

From Arthurian legend to contemporary haute horlogerie, Roger Dubuis unveils Excalibur Merlin the Shapeshifter, a remarkable limited-edition timepiece celebrating the transformative powers of Merlin. Bringing together extraordinary craftsmanship, architectural complexity, and mechanical excellence, this exceptional creation concludes the Maison’s trilogy dedicated to one of mythology’s most fascinating figures.

Limited to just 28 pieces, the new Excalibur Merlin the Shapeshifter transforms the art of watchmaking into an immersive narrative, where ancient symbolism finds expression through precious materials, intricate engravings, and a striking three-dimensional dial.

The Final Chapter of Merlin’s Legend

For more than a decade, Roger Dubuis has explored the mythology of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table through its expressive timepieces. Each trilogy unveils a new chapter of this legendary universe, combining exceptional artistic crafts, architectural compositions, and uncompromising mechanical expertise.

The fourth book in this horological saga celebrates Merlin, the legendary enchanter, prophet, and adviser whose wisdom helped shape the destiny of King Arthur and his knights. Following Merlin the Omniscient in 2024 and Merlin the Enchanter in 2025, the Maison presents Merlin the Shapeshifter, the final chapter of the trilogy. This latest creation explores Merlin’s extraordinary ability to transform himself, drawing inspiration from the mythical white stag, a powerful symbol of metamorphosis and the passage between the visible and invisible worlds.

Through this evocative interpretation, Roger Dubuis continues to redefine expressive haute horlogerie, transforming a timeless legend into an extraordinary contemporary creation.

A Three-Dimensional Forest in Deep Green

The dial evokes the mythical forest where Merlin is said to have undergone numerous transformations and where the Lady of the Lake is believed to reside. Inspired by the architectural language introduced in the trilogy’s first chapter, its composition recalls the hexagonal formations of the Giant’s Causeway, reimagined as a dense, mysterious woodland.

At its centre lies an intricate construction of 57 individually crafted blocks, assembled from four different materials. Green CVD-treated elements, polished pink gold, transparent glass, and shimmering Crystalium create a multidimensional landscape of textures, reflections, and depth. Each component occupies a distinct height, producing a sculptural arrangement that changes with the light and reveals new perspectives from every angle. Rather than simply depicting a forest, Roger Dubuis captures its atmosphere through architectural layering, contrasting surfaces, and carefully orchestrated shades of green. The result is a dial that feels alive, inviting the observer to discover its complexity gradually.

Sculpting Merlin into Pink Gold

For the first time in the Knights of the Round Table collection, the narrative extends beyond the dial to encompass the case itself.

The 45 mm pink gold case becomes a canvas for entirely hand-engraved scenes portraying Merlin in two forms: as a wise human figure and as the legendary white stag. The sage holding a book subtly recalls the knowledge and omniscience explored in the trilogy’s opening chapter.

Executed in delicate micro-relief, these engravings extend around the caseband, revealing an extraordinary level of detail and transforming the watch into a miniature sculptural work. Around the dial, the twelve Knights of the Round Table stand as individual expressions of the Maison’s artistic mastery. Each pink gold figure measures approximately six millimetres in height and requires nearly three days of meticulous hand-finishing by an experienced engraver. From sculpting and engraving to the application of black patina, every stage enhances the knights’ textures, contrasts, and individual personalities. Additional narrative details complete the composition. Crown guards inspired by Excalibur, King Arthur’s legendary sword, reinforce the Arthurian theme, while the green crown evokes the enchanted forest of the white stag.

The RD821 Manufacture Calibre: Precision Meets Artistic Excellence

Behind the expressive exterior lies the RD821 automatic calibre, entirely developed, manufactured, and decorated by Roger Dubuis within its own Manufacture.

Engineered to accommodate the dial’s remarkable three-dimensional architecture while preserving the balanced proportions of the signature Excalibur case, the movement demonstrates the Maison’s ability to unite technical precision with artistic ambition.

Its 172 components receive meticulous hand-finishing, incorporating 14 distinct decorative techniques in accordance with the demanding standards of the Poinçon de Genève certification.

The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, equivalent to 4 Hz, and provides a 48-hour power reserve. Its 33 jewels and carefully executed finishes reflect the traditions of Geneva watchmaking, where the interplay between polished and matte surfaces remains an essential expression of craftsmanship.

Through the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, the openworked 360-degree oscillating weight reveals another dimension of the design. Inspired by the stained-glass windows of medieval castles, it extends the dialogue between mythological storytelling and mechanical architecture.

Exceptional Materials and Contemporary Haute Horlogerie

The 45 mm case is crafted from 750/1000 pink gold and fitted with a sapphire crystal ring beneath the bezel. Measuring 16.87 mm in thickness, the watch is water-resistant to 30 metres.

Pink gold hour and minute hands, finished with satin brushing, complement the rich green dial and its intricate sculptural composition.

An interchangeable calfskin leather strap, equipped with Roger Dubuis’ Quick Release System, offers practical versatility. The pink gold cover and triple-folding pink gold buckle complete the timepiece with a coherent expression of precious craftsmanship.

Every element contributes to the identity of a watch conceived not merely to measure time, but to tell a story through the meeting of materials, mechanics, and artistic imagination.

A Singular Vision of Expressive Watchmaking

Founded in 1995, Roger Dubuis has established a distinctive position in contemporary haute horlogerie through its philosophy of Hyper Horlogerie™. Combining technical performance, traditional Geneva craftsmanship, innovative materials, and an unconventional creative spirit, the Maison continually explores new ways to express mechanical watchmaking.

With Excalibur Merlin the Shapeshifter, this vision reaches a compelling conclusion. The final chapter of Merlin’s trilogy brings together mythology, hand engraving, architectural design, and mechanical expertise in a creation distinguished by its complexity and individuality.

Limited to only 28 pieces, the timepiece stands as a testament to the expressive possibilities of haute horlogerie, where craftsmanship becomes storytelling and a legendary figure is transformed into a work of art.

Excalibur Merlin the Shapeshifter is more than a tribute to Arthurian mythology. It is an exploration of transformation itself, where the enduring power of legend finds a new expression through the audacious imagination of Roger Dubuis.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/2ba13b_c50b60eb29924ed29690ba8d110a8350/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Patricia Holdener

Editor-In-Chief

Luxe Magazine Switzerland