You might also notice the small “Poinçon de Genève” (Seal of Geneva) on the Roger Dubuis movements that are visible through the dial. This is not only an indicator of origin meaning that the watches were constructed in the canton of Geneva in Switzerland, but also related to their decoration and even performance. At the top of the ladder, when it comes to a tourbillon-based watch at Roger Dubuis, is the double tourbillon. Two tourbillon systems sit side-by-side on the dial. Does this add functionality or utility to the movement? Not really. In theory, two tourbillons should offer even more “rate result averaging,” but its really about showing off the complexity of the technique and the artistry thereof.
While the Roger Dubuis calibre RD01SQ Roger Dubuis Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon movement isn’t new, it does come in a new case for 2015 in the sporty looking black and red Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon ref. DBEX0481 watch. Each of the tourbillons operates at 3Hz and has a power reserve of 50 hours. Larger than the single Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Flying Tourbillon, this model has a 47mm wide case in titanium with some black DLC-coated elements. The combination of colors with the bright red tones make it looks as though Richard Mille helped design a Roger Dubuis. As much as it looks like a cool dive watch, the 50 meters of water resistance means that it is okay for a light wade in the pool, but I personally wouldn’t take it past the sink while washing my hands when it comes to water exposure. This new 2015 Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon will be limited to 188 pieces.
Replica Roger Dubuis is an aspirational brand, and it is a show-off brand, but in my opinion, it is one of the “good ones” – with actual merit behind their movements and a degree of pedigree totally unavailable in a lot of brands who produce products for consumers eager to show off their tastes and status at this level. My only hope is that in the next few years, Roger Dubuis carefully considers the personality of the brand and works to consolidate their core message and theme to make what they do and what they are about a bit more clear to everyone else.