‘A story of ice and fire’. Roger Dubuis are using this sentence to describe the latest member of the Knights of the Round Table family but swapped around, they could equally be used to describe the new Damascus Titanium 45mm and the ‘matching’ model that preceded it – last year’s Knights of the Round Table that was a combination of 18kt rose gold and black Murano glass.

The 18kt rose gold model had a dial of black Murano glass, the case colour, dial, use of red lacquer and a ring of red Murano glass, inside which the twelve micro sculpture knights were place, all combining for an effect intended to represent magma. Red glass was also set into the crown.

Now, we have a new (also limited) model in a 45mm sized Damascus titanium case, with a titanium bezel, saphire crystal ring, and blue Murano glass on the dial and in the crown. The ‘cracked’ look of the titanium dial crust is a combination of blue glass and white Limoges porcelain-coated glass (representing snow). The magma is a blue varnish, and the knights are rose gold with a flange made of blue glass. The dial has 117 parts.

We are more accustomed to Damascus steel being used for watch cases, but the principle remains the same The Damascus titanium case is created by layering Grade 2 and Grade 5 titanium plates, heating, hammering, and shaping the metal before an acid back, resulting in a solid block with a wave pattern that is then formed into the case.

As previously, there is a sapphire window on the side of the case which allows for a side view of the knights.

Powering it is the automatic Roger Dubuis Calibre RD821 which beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of 48 hours. With a blued skeletonised oscillating weight whose shapes are inspired by mediaeval church windows, finishing includes rhodium-plating and Côtes de Genève.

Coming on a blue calf strap with a titanium triple-folding clasp, the Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table Damascus Titanium 45mm is limited to twenty-eight pieces and has a price of CHF 300,000 (excluding taxes). If you are wondering – yes there are collectors who have more than one Knights of the Round Table model. If you’re one of the twenty-eight who have last year’s model, the temptation will be there, funds permitting, to get this as an unofficial ‘set’.

[Photo credit: Roger Dubuis]

Categories: Limited Editions, Roger Dubuis, Watch Profile, watches