eturning to the pages of Arthurian legend, Roger Dubuis conjures its next horological tribute to the Knights of the Round Table. Inspired by folklore and crafted with watchmaking magic, this light-filled timepiece delivers the second chapter in “The Tale of Merlin", a quest that gallantly began in 2024.

Since 2013, the Knights of the Round Table collection has been a hallmark of Roger Dubuis’ expressive fine watchmaking. Each episode has stirred curiosity, while representing the values of courage and chivalry through technical innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

In 2024, the series turned its attention to the revered wizard Merlin, the founder of the Knights of the Round Table order, and a central figure in the legacy of King Arthur himself. The first chapter, “Merlin the Omniscient,” stepped out to the edge of the world, exploring Merlin’s fabled connection to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, from where he lifted the hexagonal blocks to build Stonehenge in honour of Arthur’s ancestor, the great King Pendragon.

Roger Dubuis brought this tale to life through a distinctive and complex dial made from 56 towering columns, including 28 made of genuine basalt. While telling its own compelling story, the design also set the stage for this second chapter, which continues the patterned dial effect in new form.

This second chapter plays into the deep love that Merlin held for the Lady of the Lake. To keep her protected and secure, it is said that he used his enchanting power to build her a glittering crystal palace, situated on a lake that was surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The illusion of the lake was so perfect, the palace appeared invisible to all prying eyes, making it impossible to find unless guided by the fairy. Another example of Merlin’s powerful ability to play with materials and transform them through magic.

Within the palace sanctuary, the Lady of the Lake was kept safe from harm. For Roger Dubuis, this story represents the power of devotion and honours those who will go to any length possible to protect the ones they love.

As an ode to Merlin’s crystal palace, the face of the new watch echoes the hexagonal patterns of the first chapter timepiece, but now with reflective new materials and dedicated techniques.

Each dial is constructed from a base plate of 18K pink gold, which has been precisely machined to produce a table of holes and hexagonal sections. The watchmakers have then set 56 columns into those spaces, including 9 in Murano-style glass, 19 in polished white enamel, 10 in matte white enamel, 9 in rhodium-plated gold, and 9 in polished 18K pink gold. Furthermore, these components are arranged in heights that vary from 0.2mm to 3.7mm, establishing a dramatic landscape of contrasts and intrigue.

The 9 columns in rhodium-plated gold also feature a hexagonal diamond placed at the top. This masculine cut is a rare sight in diamond craftsmanship. Instead of being rounded at the bottom, the entire gemstone has been shaped, ensuring that its distinctive edges are visible from every angle, and that its reflections are maximized to full effect. For the first time, Roger Dubuis has also used an “invisibility setting”, whereby each diamond is clipped into hidden grooves at the top of the gold. This ensures a seamless transition, and an almost illusionary appearance.

At the base of the dial, the Maison has introduced a layer of sparkling ruthenium crystals. As part of the rare platinum family, ruthenium is renowned for its high lustre and silvery-white glow. The crystallization of the metal is a complex art, highlighting Roger Dubuis’ knowledge of materials, and the Maison’s ability to create original and compelling effects on the wrist. Acting like a fine diamond powder, the pure ruthenium crystals give the appearance of a glistening still lake, connecting the dial to the heart of Merlin’s story.

Emphasizing the theme of protection, 12 Arthurian knights are positioned around the dial, watching over the Lady of the Lake. They stand in front of a white flange made from Murano-style glass. The flange itself is an elaborate construction of two parts and features the Roger Dubuis name and indexes in 18K pink gold.

Each knight marks his hour with a unique pose and presence. Rather than a static display, this is a scene captured in motion, where swords are raised, armour is fastened, and the character of each hero its etched into metal.

Creating the knights is a detailed process. It begins with elaborate sketches and meticulously sculpted resin prototypes, each built to exact proportions. These are transformed through 3D scanning, then molded and cast in 18K Pink Gold, producing each individual 6mm-tall figure.

The final step is in the hands of the master engravers, who patiently devote two to three days to each knight, carving the thinnest blades, etching the finest helmet lines, and bestowing every detail with personality. A touch of black patina softens the sheen, enhancing contrast and revealing the textures and depth within each miniature.

Roger Dubuis ensures that its knights can be viewed from all angles by placing a sapphire window beneath the bezel. By doing this, wearers can appreciate the detail of the craftsmanship and the play of shadows that the columns produce.

At its heart, the timepiece is driven by the automatic Monobalancier RD821 calibre, crafted entirely in-house at the Maison’s integrated manufacture. Comprising 172 assembled components, the RD821 boasts a compact design that leaves enough space for the knights who stand above. The calibre showcases 14 distinctive types of hand-finishing across its components, an essential criterion for earning the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification.

Around the calibre, the 45 mm case is crafted in 18K pink gold. It features a crown protector shaped like the guard of a sword, symbolising the legendary blade being pulled from the stone by Arthur to signal his destiny as true king.

When turning the watch over and looking through the caseback, the 360° oscillating weight evokes the intricate stained-glass windows of medieval castles, with its arms made in rhodium plated 18K pink gold. Despite being smaller and lighter than traditional rotors, it retains a dependable performance, proving that Roger Dubuis is able to balance expressive aesthetics and uncompromising function through its skeletonized designs.

Those who choose the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table, The Enchanter Merlin, will be joining an exclusive fellowship of Roger Dubuis owners. Only 28 of these watches will be produced, making ownership a rare privilege for fans of fine watchmaking.

The watch is worn on a white leather strap with a Quick Release system and features the same enduring quote on the caseback that has been engraved on every 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.”

These words have always signified the sense of togetherness that is felt between Excalibur Knights of the Round Tables owners, who share a bonded passion for legendary tales.