SIHH 2013 – Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor 16Hz

One of the most important watch exhibitions started, and the first model that I will introduce to you is an incredible Rogert Dubuis timepiece.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor in Rose Gold

The Excalibur Quatuor 16Hz from Roger Dubuis is housed in a large-sized 18-karats rose gold case or in a limited edition silicon case. I must say that I have never seen before silicon used in high-end watch cases, but according to the Roger Dubuis – Silicon has been chosen for its unique low weight and its incomparable hardness. This material is half the weight of titanium, yet it is 4 times harder. Both versions come with diameters of 48mm.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor in Silicon

Excalibur Quatuor World Premiere of a New Complication

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor 16Hz is powered by the Caliber RD0101 hand wound mechanical movement which consists of 590 individual components and provides full 40 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

Caliber RD0101 Hand Wound Mechanical Movement

This is a very complex watch from mechanical aspect. Its dial is dominated by the four visible balance wheels, as well as with hour and minute sub-dials in the center. Balance wheels are set in each quadrant of the watch, and mounted at 45 degrees. It is important to mention that they do not rotate like tourbillons.

The escapements work in pairs to compensate immediately for the rate variations caused by the changes in position. Three of five differentials link the balances in the gear train, smoothing out the influences of gravity in real-time and providing an average of the positions for even greater accuracy. The fourth differential controls the power reserve transmission, while the fifth connects the rewinding stem and the two parallel barrels.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor – 590 Components of Movement

Further, as each balance operates individually, the frequency of the watch is incredibly high 4 x 4Hz, or totally 16 Hz which is 115,200 vibrations per hour. The Caliber RD0101 provides the usual set of functions with additional two crescent moon power reserve indicators shown on the image below.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor in Rose Gold – Dial

The power reserve display is a patent pending method of indicating the power reserve. As the double display showing the crescent of the moon turns at the same speed as the barrels – 4.25 revolutions per day – the needle also turns, but more slowly. As the power reserve reduces, the hand follows the barrels’ rate of discharge, positioning itself precisely on the two moon crescents.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor in Rose Gold – Caseback

Roger Dubuis movement developer, Gregoy Bruttin, says, “The most important step in creating this piece was the work we did seven years ago on the Double Tourbillon. It took a long time to make it work, but it showed that, with a differential, we could successfully average (the rates of) two (timekeeping elements) to improve accuracy”.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor in Silicon – Dial

In 2005, RD launched Excalibur line of watches characterized with dynamic forms, sharp angles and the sheer power of its designs. This year, the Genevian watchmaker pays homage to this iconic collection with some exceptional creations inspired by the world of the Warrior, the legendary figure of a time when courage and honour were the supreme values.

I will have more information about other RD novelties very soon. Stay tuned!

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