Roger Dubuis Encapsulates the Enchantment of Merlin

The maison assembles its Knights of the Round Table at Giant’s Causeway.

Knights of the Round Table, the Omniscient Merlin. Photo: Roger Dubuis

In the remote region of Northern Ireland, a shoreline exists where the Atlantic Ocean collides with broken terrain formations resembling hexagons. The Giant’s Causeway features hexagonal pillars that emerge from the sea, resembling a natural puzzle, with its distinctive formation inspiring folklore and stories. Included is the narrative of Merlin, the mythical wizard of Arthurian legend, who is reputed to have once been present on this coastline. He could see the powerful enchantment of the basalt stones, elevating these hexagonal formations from the sea and arranging them with captivating geometry.

Roger Dubuis encapsulates this exquisite enchantment in their latest creation, Knights of the Round Table, the Omniscient Merlin. The Maison has integrated basalt into the watch and curated an array of exceptional materials to fashion a dial that replicates this enchanting landscape on a smaller scale.

Fifty-six unique bricks are meticulously assembled by hand, each strategically placed at varying heights to reflect the intricate and historical terrain. Basalt, pink gold, black grass in the Murano style, and transparent glass are arranged on an 18K pink gold base plate, interacting and contrasting to provide a dynamic interplay of shadows and light. Subtly angling certain blocks enhances the depth of the dial, circumventing a conventional honeycomb impression.

Knights of Arthur

Each figure showcases a different personality. Photo: Roger Dubuis

This establishes the context for the principal event. Twelve knights stand poised at the watch's perimeter, each asserting an hour point with a distinctive stance. Upon closer examination, one may discern a distinct personality behind each figure at the Round Table. Each knight needs up to three days of precise craftsmanship to incorporate the intricacies of the slender weapon or the subtleties of a weathered helmet.

Side profile. Photo: Roger Dubuis

It is now appropriate to return to reality and discuss the more pragmatic features. The watch possesses a formidable presence—measuring 45mm in diameter and 16.87mm in thickness—yet it appears lighter and more compact in reality than the specifications imply. This illusion is partially attributed to the ingeniously crafted front sapphire crystal that extends beneath the bezel, permitting light to penetrate and providing a clear lateral perspective of the dial. The caseback features a 360-degree oscillating weight, inspired by the stained-glass windows of the medieval period. The engraving surrounding this is arguably the most challenging you will ever encounter on a watch.

“Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud.”

This remark inspires the automatic Monobalancier RD821 caliber, which operates steadily at 28,800 vibrations per hour and possesses a power reserve of 48 hours.

Image: Roger Dubuis

The Omniscient Merlin is the inaugural release to the public in Roger Dubuis' Knights of the Round Table collection, which includes numerous more timepieces. Only 28 pieces have been produced; the invitation is extended, yet the decision to secure a seat at this rare round table rests alone with you.