Roger Dubuis is no stranger to creating bold, daring timepieces by blending cutting-edge horological science with unique design ideas. The watchmaker’s latest creation is for those who want to stand out from the crowd. Meet the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight, an incredible model that pays tribute to Asia’s biggest cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing. These great metropolises completely transform as the sun sets with the cityscape lit up with millions of bright, vibrant neon lights. The Excalibur Blacklight captures the spirit of these grand cities with its unique design that transitions in a similar way at the boundary between day and night. The recognizable Roger Dubuis design bathed in subtle tones and exuding toned-down, dignified character transforms to a playful piece with its caliber and flange wrapped in a “kaleidoscopic livery of other-worldly colors.”
Powering the Excalibur Blacklight’s is Maison’s innovative automatic skeleton RD820SQ caliber. However, it is covered in a web of crystalline UV-reactive sapphire micro-structures intricately woven into the skeletonized caliber. In the dark, the entire timepiece gleams with vivid colors like the neon-lit cities. To create the masterpiece, Roger Dubuis teamed up with one of the city’s last neon masters, Wu Chi Kai. “Neon art is obviously something very close to my heart, and it is something that gives Hong Kong its flavor and metropolitan feel,” said Wu. “The art of neon is also one that requires attention to detail, experience and craftsmanship – skills and character that I respect in the watchmakers of Roger Dubuis. As a neon maker, I can truly appreciate how Roger Dubuis has used this very special art and technique to bring to life the Excalibur Blacklight.” The boutique-exclusive timepiece is limited to just eight examples. There is no word on the pricing as of yet.
