Roger Dubuis stands as a beacon of bold, ground-breaking design in the world of watchmaking. Since its inception in 1995, this Maison has dared to blend timeless traditions with audacious interpretations, perpetuating the finest craftsmanship while continuously pushing the boundaries of horological innovation.
Inspired by the visionary dream of Mr Roger Dubuis himself, who sought to craft unique timepieces for an exclusive circle of friends, the Maison's journey has always been defined by a relentless pursuit of exclusivity. This quest for distinction lives on through the Maison's pioneering concept of Hyper Horology™.
At Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024, Roger Dubuis unveils the next chapter in its extraordinary journey, showcasing tourbillon artistry like never before. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in four exhilarating new releases, each a testament to the Maison's mastery of intricate tourbillon mechanics and breath-taking aesthetics.
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
Enter the Orbis in Machina: a masterpiece that epitomizes the essence of Roger Dubuis' iconic tourbillon craftsmanship. This remarkable creation seamlessly intertwines heritage with modern engineering, celebrating the duality of design and forging a tangible connection between past and present generations of watchmaking.
The Orbis in Machina is more than just a timepiece; it's a narrative of contrasts and harmony, meticulously narrated through its intricate construction. From front to back, tradition meets innovation, weaving a captivating story that pays homage to the Maison's rich heritage while embracing the cutting-edge architecture of today.
True to its name, Orbis in Machina symbolizes the cyclical nature of the tourbillon, mirroring the circular orbit of the watch's display. It's a fusion of movement and mechanical ingenuity, breathing life into a concept that transcends mere horology, embodying the very spirit of Roger Dubuis' visionary craftsmanship.
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
Advancing the Legacy of Tourbillon Excellence
For over two decades, Roger Dubuis has been synonymous with tourbillon mastery, cultivating its own range of in-house tourbillon movements that stand as testament to its unwavering commitment to horological excellence.
The latest milestone in this journey is the manual-winding Calibre RD115, proudly showcased within the Orbis In Machina timepiece. Comprising 283 meticulously crafted components and adorned with 29 rubies, the RD115 represents a pinnacle of innovation in Flying Tourbillon technology – a hallmark of Roger Dubuis since 2003. Its visual allure is matched only by the complexity of its construction.
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
Founder Mr. Roger Dubuis's philosophy of drawing inspiration from the past to shape modern marvels finds expression in the watch's selection bolt, inspired by the ancient "Ébauche" components of haute horology. This innovative approach relocates the winding and setting system to the bottom of the movement, creating ample space above for the hour hand to glide freely.
Innovation extends to material selection as well, with the lower tourbillon cage crafted from anti-magnetic titanium – twice as light as stainless steel – ensuring enhanced resistance to magnetic fields. The upper tourbillon cage, fashioned from mirror-polished Cobalt Chrome, further reduces the weight of the tourbillon by 16%. With a power reserve optimized to 72 hours, this timepiece exemplifies precision and longevity.
Distinctive Design Elements
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
The central positioning of the tourbillon in this latest creation offers watchmakers a canvas for artistic expression, leading to a departure from convention and the exploration of new design realms.
This departure is evident in the watch's rounded contours and profound depth, a departure from the iconic Roger Dubuis placement at 7 o'clock. The flying tourbillon takes centre stage, fostering a mesmerizing concentricity that captivates the eye. Thanks to a patent-pending planetary system, the mechanism is not only streamlined but also more compact, granting a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from previous tourbillon iterations.
In summary, the Orbis in Machina represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where meticulous craftsmanship meets visionary design, resulting in a timepiece that transcends the ordinary and heralds a new era in watchmaking excellence.
Embracing Innovation: The Central Monotourbillon
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
Within the realm of watchmaking, encountering the Central Monotourbillon is a rare delight. Its creation presents a myriad of challenges, from reimagining hand displays to redistributing movement components around the central tourbillon.
Enter Roger Dubuis, fearlessly embracing these challenges with creativity and precision. The result? A 45mm timepiece that is both contemporary and captivating from every angle.
At the heart of this masterpiece lies a design philosophy that radiates aesthetic purity. Starting from the centre and radiating outwards, contrasting concentric circles in pink gold and grey delineate the seconds, minutes, and hours, offering a fresh reinterpretation of the skeleton style. This deliberate arrangement elevates the tourbillon to its rightful place at the core of attention.
The 3D discs for minutes and hours display command attention, complemented by open-worked flying hands, mounted on ball bearings, that are both double-sided and impeccably sharp. To achieve this intricate display, a patent-pending system was devised, ensuring secure disengagement of the hands for precise time setting.
This commitment to innovation extends to every detail, including the flange housing the hour indications on the outer perimeter, which adopts a similar double-sided approach.
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
But the ingenuity doesn't stop there. Each circle is meticulously set at different heights, creating a mesmerizing multi-levelled décor that beckons the wearer to explore further. As glimpses of the skeletonized calibre beneath are revealed, it underscores the mastery of modern craftsmanship at Roger Dubuis.
In summary, the Central Monotourbillon stands as a testament to the Maison's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological artistry. With each intricate detail meticulously crafted, it embodies the pinnacle of innovation and sophistication in contemporary watchmaking.
An Exquisite Showcase of Craftsmanship: The Orbis in Machina's Caseback
Roger Dubuis stands at the forefront of horological innovation, pioneering transparent case backs across its entire collection. This bold move offers enthusiasts an unrestricted view into the Maison's mechanical world, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship behind every component and reaffirming its commitment to Poinçon de Genève certification.
In the Orbis in Machina, the sapphire crystal case back serves as a window to Geneva's finest watchmaking tradition. Unlike the watch's front, the view from the back pays homage to detailed heritage, captivating connoisseurs of high horology with its intricate design. It's a juxtaposition of two distinct yet complementary sides, emblematic of Roger Dubuis' ethos.
The Orbis in Machina. Credit: Roger Dubuis.
The artistry displayed through the case back borders on baroque, with elaborate detailing exuding an air of opulence and exclusivity. Noteworthy are the sliced bridges and rounded lines, reminiscent of classic Geneva haute horlogerie. A total of 19 finishing techniques, including perlage, Côte de Genève, and snailing, are employed, showcasing the Maison's dedication to perfection.
This dynamic skeletonized approach culminates in the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification, a hallmark of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship in fine watchmaking. It sets the standard for excellence and reliability, elevating the Orbis in Machina to the pinnacle of horological artistry.
A Rarity by Roger Dubuis
Crafted with an 18K pink gold case and bezel and adorned with a black leather strap featuring a quick-release system, the Orbis in Machina seamlessly combines aesthetics with performance. As Roger Dubuis' first Central Tourbillon timepiece within its main collection, it is set to be released in a limited series of only 88 editions.
For collectors and connoisseurs alike, this immaculate timepiece embodies the essence of Roger Dubuis – a blend of heritage and modern innovation. It is a watch of contrasts, reflective of the Maison's unparalleled reputation.
