Style / World of Watches (WOW)

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table IV is a Talisman of Knightly ideals and Chivalry

Lavish pink gold accompanied by deep red translucent enamel, punctuated with 12 legendary “Low Poly Art” knights, the latest Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table becomes a kind of wrist-worn talisman for quixotic ideals

Jul 09, 2019 | By Jonathan Ho

There’s power in symbolism and when it comes to Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Knights of the Round Table, that symbolism takes on a deeper meaning given its association with inspiring mythic high fantasy. While the legends of King Arthur are historically a Celtic fantasy, the tales’ re-interpretation during the 12th century grounded the stories of the Knights of the Round Table in Christian roots thanks to the works of French poets Robert de Boron and later, Chrétien de Troyes.

Biblically speaking, red is a powerful motif, representing the Pentecost and symbolising the Holy Spirit. During the Medieval era of poets Boron and de Troyes, it represented the blood of Christian martyrs and the religion’s most potent symbol, the crucifixion and the consequential spilling of the Lord’s blood. Gold symbolising hope, light, and purity, together with red recall the majesty of the King of Kings often appropriated by Royal Houses to be used in their tabards like the House of Plantagenet. Framed by the solid 45 mm pink gold case, the “dial” of the Excalibur Knights of the Round Table IV is composed of wedges of red 3D solid enamel and 18 carat pink gold blocks drawing potent analogy to not timeless chivalry and regal bearing.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table IV is a Talisman of Knightly ideals and Chivalry

Chrétien de Troyes mentions the Holy Grail in his poem Perceval, The Story of the Grail but it was Robert de Boron who transformed the Grail into a sacred object associated with the Christ. In fact, Boron’s backstory cast Perceval as a direct descendant of Joseph of Arimathea, the rich nobleman who donated his burial chamber for Jesus. In these Arthurian legends, the Knights of the Round Table quest for the Grail, the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Leaving aside religious connotation, the quest is itself an allegory for the constant pursuit of higher ideals.

The lavish pink gold accompanied by deep red translucent enamel, punctuated with 12 legendary “Low Poly Art” knights for each hour, bridges ancient traditions with contemporary expressiveness supported by potent cultural associations of royalty and knightly conduct, in essence, the latest Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table becomes the kind of wrist-worn talisman which telegraphs not just the intrepid spirit and inherent creativity of the Geneva manufacture but also the lofty principles and quixotic ideals of the wearer.

Automatic RD821SQ Calibre with 48 hours power reserve

Captivating both outside and in, the Limited Edition Roger Dubuis Excalibur Knights of the Round Table IV is powered by a self-winding calibre RD821 decorated to the standards and rigours necessitated for a calibre engraved with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.

Excalibur Knights of the Round Table IV Price and Specs

Movement Automatic RD821SQ Calibre with 48 hours power reserve
Case 45 mm pink gold case with 30 metres water resistance
Strap Leather
Price SG$388,000


 
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