Magic & Materials: Experiencing the New Excalibur Knights of the Round Table at the Roger Dubuis Lounge

This month, I’ve been on a whirlwind tour for Watchonista. First, I was reporting on the ground from Geneva Watch Days. Next, it was off to the UK for the Concours of Elegance event at Hampton Court. Then, before returning stateside, I made my way back to Switzerland for one last project and frankly, to bask in the whiff of autumn that was starting to breeze through Geneva.

Here, I enjoyed dinner and dancing with colleagues who have become friends, like our own Ash Longet, but I was also able to take a few meetings. One of these was at the new Roger Dubuis lounge positioned in the heart of downtown Geneva, where I was able to preview the latest Knights of the Roundtable limited edition that comes to you today.

This warm and inviting lounge features touches of Roger Dubuis audaciousness, from the choice of rich colors to the lush fabrics used throughout. I was immediately struck by the geometric, mirrored installation prominently positioned behind the couch, designed to mimic the iconic cobblestone streets right outside the door of this central location.
 

As I made my way in a bit further, I noticed a selection of two exceptional pieces from Mr. Roger Dubuis’ personal collection on display to the left of the bar: one wristwatch and one pocket watch. Adjacent to the bar itself was a case of wines from the region, specifically curated for their meaning and connection to the brand.
 

This is not a traditional boutique; it’s a lounge in every sense of the word where collectors and friends can relax, enjoy a thoughtful refreshment, and soak in the depth of the Maison.

That’s exactly what I came to do – to preview the brand’s latest novelty, which comes to you today. Yes, getting a first look at the lounge following its soft opening that week was a privilege, but the real draw was coming to view the next chapter in Roger Dubuis’ storied Knights of the Roundtable saga.
 

This was my first occasion to view one of the models in the metal, and its depth and attention to detail quite literally took my breath away. Here, you have the second installment in Book IV, “The Tale of Merlin,” with the first – The Omniscient Merlin – coming to us last year.
 

This edition draws inspiration from the love story between the wizard and the Lady of the Lake. As the story goes, Merlin used his ability to play with materials and transform them through magic (something Roger Dubuis knows a bit about, even without the whimsical power to cast spells). This allowed the wizard to create a crystal palace to protect the Lady of the Lake, which appeared invisible unless guided by a fairy.
 

This imagery comes to life in the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table, The Enchanter Merlin timepiece, thanks to a combination of materials. These include an interplay of polished 18-karat rose gold, Murano-style glass, polished white enamel, matte white enamel, rhodium-plated gold, sparkling ruthenium crystals, and diamonds.
 

Surrounding this mosaic of materials echoing the lake and crystal palace are the signature 12 knights, each cast in 18-karat rose gold before the final touch of a master engraver who brings each figure to life.

The Knights of the Round Table series certainly isn’t for everyone. These bold timepieces are works of art more than wristwatches, with a case spanning 45mm and an incredible thickness of 16.87mm thanks to the sapphire crystal that extends beneath the bezel so the knights can be viewed at all angles.

This limited edition is produced in a run of just 28 pieces with pricing available upon request. For more information, visit the Roger Dubuis website.