Roger Dubuis continues its epic horological quest through the second chapter of "The Tale of Merlin" with the new Excalibur Knights of the Round Table ‘The Enchanter Merlin’. This new watch limited to just 28 pieces transforms the mythical crystal palace built by Merlin for the ‘Lady of the Lake’ into a wearable work of art. According to Arthurian lore, Merlin used his enchanting powers to construct a glittering crystal palace for his beloved, situated on a lake surrounded by beautiful gardens. The palace's magical invisibility protected the Lady from prying eyes—a tale of devotion that Roger Dubuis has masterfully translated into horological form.
A Complex Unique Dial with Revolutionary Diamond Setting
The 45 mm pink gold case features a crown protector shaped like a sword guard, symbolizing Excalibur being drawn from the stone. A sapphire window beneath the bezel allows appreciation of the dial's dimensional complexity and shadow play, while the exhibition case back reveals a 360-degree oscillating weight that evokes medieval castle stained-glass windows.
The dial on the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table 'The Enchanter Merlin' represents perhaps one of the most complex dial constructions in contemporary watchmaking. Built upon a precisely machined 18K pink gold base plate, 56 individual columns create a dramatic landscape of varying heights from 0.2 mm to 3.7 mm. The composition includes:
9 columns in Murano-style glass
19 in polished white enamel
10 in matte white enamel
9 in rhodium-plated gold that are diamond-set
9 in polished 18K pink gold
The most striking innovation of this timepiece lies in its pioneering ‘invisibility’ diamond setting—a technique Roger Dubuis is employing for the first time. Nine rhodium-plated gold columns are crowned with hexagonal diamonds, each precisely clipped into hidden grooves at the top of the gold. This creates an almost illusory appearance where the diamonds seem to float seamlessly above their settings, echoing the mystical properties of Merlin's invisible palace. The hexagonal cut itself is a rarity in diamond craftsmanship. Unlike traditional rounded bottoms, these gemstones are shaped entirely to showcase their distinctive edges from every angle, maximizing their reflective properties and creating mesmerizing light play across the dial.
At the dial's foundation lies a layer of sparkling ruthenium crystals—Crystalium—from the rare platinum family. This crystallization creates the appearance of a glistening still lake, directly connecting the timepiece to Merlin's legendary story while showcasing Roger Dubuis' mastery of exotic materials.
Surrounding this crystalline tableau—table—stand twelve hand-engraved Arthurian knights, each a 6 mm-tall masterpiece of micro-sculpture. These guardians watch over the ‘Lady of the Lake’, positioned against a white Murano-style glass flange bearing the Roger Dubuis name and indexes in 18K pink gold.
The creation process for each knight is extraordinarily detailed. Beginning with elaborate sketches and meticulously sculpted resin prototypes, each figure is 3D scanned, then molded and cast in 18K pink gold. Master engravers then spend two to three days on each knight, carving the thinnest sword blades, etching the finest helmet details, and imbuing every figure with distinct personality. A subtle black patina enhances contrast and reveals the intricate textures within each miniature warrior.
The Movement
Powering this artistic triumph is the automatic Monobalancier RD821 calibre, entirely manufactured in-house. The 172-component movement showcases 14 distinctive types of hand-finishing, meeting the stringent requirements for Poinçon de Genève certification. On the case back, each watch features the same enduring quote engraved on every Knights of the Round Table model since 2013:
"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.”
The Art of Hyper Horology
With only 28 pieces available exclusively through Roger Dubuis boutiques, ownership represents entry into a rare fellowship of collectors. The timepiece is paired with a white leather strap featuring Roger Dubuis' Quick Release system, ensuring both comfort and convenience for the modern knight.
‘The Enchanter Merlin’ exemplifies Roger Dubuis' philosophy of "Hyper Horology"—the limitless pursuit of horological expression through technical innovation and artistic vision. Since the Knights of the Round Table collection's debut in 2013, each iteration has pushed boundaries while honoring the timeless values of courage, chivalry, and craftsmanship.
This latest chapter stands as testament to Roger Dubuis' ability to transform legend into living art, creating not merely a timepiece, but a crystalline portal to the mystical world of Arthurian romance. Available in a limited edition of only 28 pieces through Roger Dubuis boutiques.
Sticker Price USD 398,500. For more info on Roger Dubuis click here.
