Roger Dubuis has accustomed its followers to the annual unveiling of world premieres from its ever-busy innovation pipeline , which represents the almost ‘ organic ’ result of the Manufacture ’ s ongoing investments in Research & Development .
2017 is no exception , as the Manufacture introduces its ‘ Dare to be Rare ’ concept summing up its bold approach to watchmaking and its determination to take the road less travelled . This perpetually forward- looking attitude is expressed through a combination of ‘ progressive complications and disruptive materials ’ inspired by performance-oriented industries .
These overarching principles are vivi- dly summed up in two ground-breaking Excalibur models developed in collaboration with Pirelli , as well as through a pair of world- rst innovations . The Maison also proudly presents dynamic new iterations of models that have already found their place on tech- and design-lovers ’ wrists around the world .
Excalibur , the iconic and deliberately extravagant Roger Dubuis collection , is embedded in the DNA of the Maison . It epitomises the boldly adventurous nature of a Manufacture that has always been determined to stay several laps ahead of the pack . It also provides the perfect showcase for the Astral Skeleton principle
of star-patterned skeleton movements , now frequently paired with the signature Spider concept that extends openworking beyond the calibre to encompass key external watch elements .
Visitors to the SIHH will immediately pick up the engineeringdriven vibe rocking the Roger Dubuis world and entirely in sync with the explosive , iconoclastic stage-setting . The deliberately destabilising decor showcases the Maison ’ s talent for shattering codes and blasting conventions , fragmenting them into apparently disparate splinters and then reassembling them in entirely novel ways – as exempli ed by a stunningly avant-garde visual interpretation of the Manufacture itself .
The Roger Dubuis ‘ disruptive materials and progressive complications ’ mantra is forcefully expressed through its ongoing challenge to all-comers : Dare to be Rare . Earth , water , air and re : the elemental , alternately smouldering and scorching forces of aesthetic and technical designs are brought to blazing life in a devastatingly beautiful Excalibur eruption .
enabled it to develop a P ZeroTM tyre program designed to achieve excellence . All these qualities were bound to appeal to an equally world première-oriented Manufacture that has long since been accustomed to blazing a trail in its designated eld – and beyond .
Complementing this experiential-oriented attitude , Pirelli aims to leverage its technical knowledge in leading drivers to the ideal , differentiated solution for their “ wheels ” that will procure maximum driving pleasure . And in much the same way , the Manufacture devotes its skill in architectural and technical mechanics to delivering a wearer experience extending far beyond the timepiece itself , to embrace an entire lifestyle . Another of the strong values shared by the two pioneering rms is their commitment to placing their resolutely state-of-the-art approach to their respective domains at the service of an exclusive lifestyle .
And what better way for Roger Dubuis to both literally and metaphorically ‘ attach ’ a model to an incredible experience than to t timepieces with straps featuring rubber inlays from certi ed Pirelli winning motorsport tyres having competed in real races – and adorned with legendary tread motifs reproducing the pro le of a Pirelli CinturatoTM inter- mediate tyre ?
The powerful connection with a specific emblematic event location is further symbolised by the blue colour of the two dedicated ‘ Pirelli ’ timepieces launched at the SIHH 2017 and also picked up in the strap stitching .
The Excalibur Spider concept , which extends the unique Roger Dubuis skeleton principle beyond the movement to encompass external elements such as the bezel and ange , provides the ideal showcase for this signi cant colour coding scheme – even extending to the outer rims framing the luminescent tips of the openworked hands .
This unprecedented concept delivers meaningful collector ’ s items that will be teamed with equally authentic moneycan ’ t- buy experiences . When the nest engineers from two separate yet interlinked elds of expertise – in this case the automotive and watchmaking industries – share their vast knowledge , comprehensive know-how , sophisticated research and innovative drive , the only ‘ limits ’ are the exclusive series and race-tyre numbers .
Craters , ssures , seething magma , an interplay of geometry and asymmetry reminiscent of the Astral Skeleton signature ... all herald a tectonic shift , a quantum leap into the next Excalibur aeon .
Tearing up the tarmac
2017 also sees the big unveil of a spectacular new luxury alliance between two partners who have long since grasped the fact that exclusive service leaves a lasting imprint on hearts and minds – as well as on racing tracks and connoisseurs ’ wrists . Pirelli is a pioneer in technical and industrial innovations and is the sole supplier of premium tyres to the world ’ s agship motorsports competitions .
Within an eminently elitist world , this ubiquitous transversal role gives it unique access to the entire range of players , meaning all the prestigious teams and drivers engaged on the circuit . Its consistently avant- garde , innovative approach has
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