Roger Dubuis introduces "The Metamorph Merlin," the concluding chapter in its Merlin-themed series, a collection known for blending haute horlogerie with legendary narratives. This timepiece distinguishes itself by integrating Merlin's shapeshifting tale directly onto its case through elaborate hand-engraving. It exemplifies the brand's commitment to exceptional artistry and mechanical innovation, building upon the iconic Excalibur line and its "Knights of the Round Table" editions.
Since its debut in 2005, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur series has been synonymous with bold design and mechanical prowess, laying the groundwork for the brand's distinctive "hyper horology." The "Knights of the Round Table" collection, first launched in 2013, brought the Arthurian legend to life with intricately micro-sculpted gold knights encircling a Grand Feu enamel table. Following the "Omniscient Merlin" and "Enchanter Merlin" editions, "The Metamorph" completes this trilogy, celebrating Merlin's power to change forms, notably with hand-sculpted elements on the watch case for the first time.
The narrative of Merlin's transformative magic is central to the Arthurian legend. Mythology tells of Merlin aiding King Uther Pendragon in assuming Gorlois's appearance to seduce Igraine, leading to King Arthur's birth. Merlin, a master of disguise, frequently adopted various forms, including that of a majestic white stag, rather than appearing as a conventional wizard.
A significant innovation in "The Metamorph Merlin" is the extension of its storytelling beyond the dial to the watch case itself. The right flank of the case features a recessed area intricately hand-engraved in micro-relief, illustrating Merlin's transformation from human to stag. The left side is adorned with knights, including one heroically battling a dragon. The twelve rose gold knights, each meticulously hand-sculpted to 6mm in height, are depicted with unique medieval weaponry, with King Arthur, wielding Excalibur, positioned at noon.
The opulent 45mm rose gold case, characteristic of the Merlin editions, incorporates a prominent sapphire crystal ring beneath the notched bezel. This ring, contributing to the watch's 16.87mm thickness, offers a side view of the dynamic dial and the reverse of the knights. Enhanced by a domed sapphire crystal, these transparent elements bathe the scene in light. The crown and its guards are sculpted to resemble a sword hilt, further enriching the Arthurian theme.
Departing from earlier editions that featured a physical table at the center, the "Knights of the Round Table" series evolved towards more abstract dial compositions. This progression is evident in the Merlin editions, which showcase dramatic hexagonal columns of varying heights and materials. The verdant green palette of "The Metamorph" evokes the dense forest where Merlin famously transformed into a stag. This three-dimensional tableau is composed of 57 individually crafted elements, including polished pink gold, transparent glass, and green CVD-coated glass, complemented by shimmering green-coated Crystalium flooring inlays. Time is precisely indicated by openworked pink gold hands with green Super-LumiNova inserts, harmonizing with the gold markers on the flange behind the knights.
The watch's reverse side reveals the Poinçon de Genève-certified automatic movement through its sapphire crystal case back. The in-house calibre RD821 features a golden skeletonized 360° rotor, drawing inspiration from historical stained-glass windows, which efficiently transmits energy to the barrel, providing a 48-hour power reserve.
This exclusive edition is limited to 28 pieces, each paired with a green calfskin strap and a pink gold triple-folding buckle. The strap features a quick-release system for effortless interchangeability. Pricing information is available upon request.
This particular Roger Dubuis creation masterfully intertwines complex watchmaking with legendary lore, delivering a unique piece that is both a mechanical marvel and a storytelling triumph. The intricate details on the dial and case, coupled with advanced engineering, make this timepiece a significant addition to the "Knights of the Round Table" collection.