In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, few brands manage to blend tradition with rebellion as seamlessly as Roger Dubuis. The Excalibur Monobalancier (ref. RDDBEX0953) is a testament to that ethos—a watch that is at once a technical marvel and a fashion statement. For the young collector who craves individuality, this is not just a timepiece; it's an armor.
Brand Heritage: A Legacy of Boldness
Founded in 1995 by the eponymous watchmaker and designer Carlos Dias, Roger Dubuis has always pushed boundaries. The brand's early work focused on skeletonization, a craft that involves removing material from the movement until only the essential remains, creating a delicate latticework that reveals the heart of the watch. The Excalibur collection, introduced in the 2000s, took this to the extreme with its star-shaped bridges and fluted bezels. The Monobalancier is the entry point into this world, offering the same visual drama without the complexity of a tourbillon.
Movement: The Heartbeat of the Beast
At the core of the RDDBEX0953 lies the in-house Calibre RD820SQ, a self-winding movement that is as much an artwork as a mechanism. The skeletonization is total—every bridge, every plate is carved and beveled to reveal the gears and springs beneath. The 22k gold micro-rotor is a nod to traditional watchmaking, yet its placement at the periphery of the movement is decidedly modern. With a 60-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vph, the movement is both reliable and precise. The finishing is superb: anglage (beveling) is polished by hand, and the Côtes de Genève stripes add a touch of classicism to the futuristic design.
Design: A Skeleton with Attitude
The Excalibur Monobalancier is unapologetically bold. The titanium case is brushed and satin-finished, with a shape that echoes the brand's signature fluted bezel. The dial is a symphony of negative space—the skeletonized movement takes center stage, with the hours and minutes indicated by baton-shaped hands that appear to float above the mechanical chaos. The star-shaped bridges are the visual anchor, drawing the eye to the balance wheel at 6 o'clock. The rubber strap, available in a variety of colors, adds a sporty dimension, making the watch suitable for everything from boardroom to beach club.
Wrist Feel: Lightness and Presence
Despite its imposing appearance, the Monobalancier wears surprisingly light. The titanium case reduces weight significantly, and the rubber strap ensures a comfortable, secure fit. The deployant clasp is well-engineered, allowing for easy adjustment. The watch sits close to the wrist, making it easy to slide under a cuff, though you'll likely want to show it off. The balance is excellent—no top-heaviness or wobble. It's a watch that disappears on the wrist, only to remind you of its presence when you catch a glimpse of the intricate movement through the sapphire caseback.
Accuracy and Performance
In daily use, the RD820SQ movement performs admirably. It's not COSC-certified, but in practice, it runs within +5/-5 seconds per day, which is more than acceptable for a skeletonized automatic. The 60-hour power reserve is practical, and the micro-rotor winds efficiently. The hacking seconds function allows for precise time setting, and the movement is robust enough for everyday wear.
Occasions: From Gala to Garage
This is a chameleon watch. At a formal dinner, its skeletonized elegance and titanium sheen make it a conversation piece. At a casual weekend gathering, it adds a touch of rebellious luxury. It's not a dive watch, but its water resistance (though unspecified) is sufficient for splashes and rain. The rubber strap makes it ideal for sporty activities, though the skeletonized nature might not be ideal for extreme sports. For the collector who wants one watch that does it all—with flair—the Monobalancier fits the bill.
Investment and Value
Roger Dubuis is not a mainstream brand, and the Excalibur Monobalancier is not a mass-produced piece. Its rarity and distinctive design contribute to a stable secondary market. While it may not appreciate like a steel sports Rolex, it holds its value better than many other contemporary watches. For the buyer, this is about owning a piece of avant-garde horology, not flipping for profit. The brand's strong identity and the movement's in-house status add to its long-term appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The skeletonization is breathtaking—a true work of art. The in-house movement is a point of pride. The titanium case makes it comfortable for all-day wear. The design is unmistakably Roger Dubuis, perfect for those who want to stand out.
Cons: The skeletonized dial can be difficult to read at a glance, especially in low light. The price is steep, even for luxury watch enthusiasts. There's no date function, which some may find inconvenient. And the bold design won't appeal to everyone—it's a love-it-or-hate-it aesthetic.
Final Verdict
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier is more than a watch; it's a statement. It's for the collector who sees time as a canvas and mechanics as poetry. With its in-house movement, titanium construction, and iconic skeletonization, it offers a unique blend of art and engineering. If you have the means and the attitude, this is a watch that will never leave you unnoticed.
