Roger Dubuis The Omniscient Merlin
Roger Dubuis: Knights of the Round Table – The Omniscient Merlin
The legendary watchmaker Roger Dubuis has expanded its iconic Knights of the Round Table collection with a new piece dedicated to the masterful sorcerer and counsellor of King Arthur: The Omniscient Merlin. Originally launched in 2013 with the Excalibur Automatic Limited Edition, the collection celebrates Arthurian legends, each timepiece crafted to capture the mystery, valor, and legacy of these timeless fables. This latest piece focuses on Merlin, who, as Arthur’s guiding force, helped shape the destiny of the Round Table knights. True to Merlin’s mystical character, the Omniscient Merlin watch is a powerful testament to craftsmanship, innovation, and the boundless imagination of hyper-horology.
A Dial Rich in Myth and Intricacy
The dial of the Omniscient Merlin is nothing short of a miniature architectural marvel. Crafted from an 18K pink gold base plate, it features 56 meticulously placed tower blocks that bring the round table to life. These aren’t just any blocks, though; they’re layered with contrasts and textures, with each block hand-mounted to create depth and dimension. Roger Dubuis has combined high craftsmanship with creative materiality, incorporating elements like authentic basalt, Murano glass, and solid pink gold into the design.
The detail work on the tower blocks is another nod to Merlin’s magical world, with each segment treated with a combination of lasering, sunray patterns, and matte finishes. The blocks vary in height from 0.2mm to 3.7mm, creating an illusion of an expansive medieval fortress and establishing a dial that tells a story of intrigue and adventure at every glance.
Iconic Knights as Hour Markers
A signature feature of the Knights of the Round Table collection is its unique hour markers—twelve micro-engraved knights, each crafted from 18K pink gold and positioned in unique poses around the dial. In this piece, the knights are further accentuated with a delicate black patina that softens their shine, giving them an antiqued quality befitting the Arthurian era. They stand as proud sentinels, swords in hand, guarding the hour, with each knight marking a passage of time like a moment in history. These knights are set upon a black PVD-treated pink gold pathway engraved in a hexagonal pattern, reinforcing the unity and strength of the legendary Round Table.
Design and Mechanics United in Timekeeping Excellence
Encased in a commanding 45mm frame, the Omniscient Merlin incorporates a rose gold bezel that supports the collection’s medieval design motif. Topping the piece is a sapphire crystal, engineered to provide pristine clarity while protecting the intricate workings of the watch. A standout feature is the Murano glass crown in black, fitted with a sword guard-inspired crown protector, giving the watch an aura of medieval armory and paying homage to Merlin’s mastery over mystical artifacts.
Within this mythical exterior lies the Monobalancier RD821 automatic calibre, an in-house marvel that showcases Roger Dubuis’ commitment to watchmaking excellence. The RD821 calibre, known for its intricate design and advanced functionality, includes 14 types of hand-finished details—a necessary requirement for the Poinçon de Genève, an exclusive certification symbolizing the highest levels of Swiss watchmaking.
The back of the Omniscient Merlin is no less extraordinary. Flip the watch over, and a 360° oscillating weight is revealed, crafted to evoke the stained-glass windows found in medieval castles. This weight not only complements the Arthurian theme but also highlights the artistry and dedication to detail for which Roger Dubuis is celebrated.
A Limited-Edition Masterpiece
Limited to only 28 pieces, the Omniscient Merlin is destined for the select few who not only appreciate timepieces but seek something that represents both art and legend. The watch comes with a black calfskin leather strap, complete with a pink gold folding buckle and equipped with Roger Dubuis’ Quick Release System, allowing owners to interchange straps with ease and maintain the piece’s timeless versatility.
The Omniscient Merlin timepiece is a celebration of storytelling and the art of watchmaking—a modern myth encapsulated in luxury, for those who, like Merlin himself, transcend ordinary time.
At a Glance – Key Features
- Dial and Case Design
- Material: 18K pink gold base plate with 56 tower blocks, each hand-mounted.
- Materials Used: Includes basalt, Murano glass, and solid pink gold for a varied and textured appearance.
- Knights as Hour Markers: Twelve micro-engraved knights in 18K pink gold, positioned around the dial, each in a unique stance, treated with a black patina.
- Case Size: 45mm with a rose gold bezel and black Murano glass crown.
- Movement – RD821
- Type: Automatic, self-winding movement.
- Functions: Displays hours and minutes.
- Power Reserve: 48 hours.
- Craftsmanship: All components are hand-finished per the Poinçon de Genève criteria, showcasing the highest standard of Swiss watchmaking.
- Decor: Rhodium-plated “Côtes de Genève” decoration.
- Technical Details
- Number of Parts: 172.
- Jewels: 33 rubies to enhance movement longevity.
- Dimensions: Diameter of 11 1/2”’; thickness of 3.43 mm.
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), ensuring precision timekeeping.
- Back and Strap
- Oscillating Weight: 360° inspired by stained-glass windows from medieval castles.
- Strap: Black calfskin leather with a pink gold folding buckle and Quick Release System.
