In the sphere of high-end watchmaking, certain creations move beyond the technical to become wearable pieces of narrative art. Roger Dubuis has consistently operated in this territory, blending audacious mechanics with expressive, often theatrical, design. The latest entry into its long-running saga of Arthurian legend, the Knights of the Round Table Merlin the Enchanter, continues this tradition. This timepiece is the second chapter in a sub-series dedicated to the powerful sorcerer Merlin, shifting the focus from his connection to ancient stone circles to the deeply personal tale of his devotion to the Lady of the Lake. It is a work that leverages material science, micro-sculpture, and complex dial architecture to tell a story of magic and protection.
The identity of Roger Dubuis as a watch manufacturer is deeply rooted in a concept it terms "Hyper Horology." This philosophy eschews subtlety in favor of bold, intricate, and technically complex creations that are immediately recognizable. Since its founding in 1995, the Geneva-based Maison has prioritized an integrated manufacturing process, giving it complete control over both the mechanical and aesthetic aspects of its timepieces. This autonomy allows for the kind of boundary-pushing designs seen across its collections, particularly within the Excalibur line, which serves as the canvas for the Knights of the Round Table series.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
A critical component of the brand's credibility is its unwavering commitment to the Poinçon de Genève, or Geneva Seal. This prestigious certification is not merely a mark of origin but a comprehensive standard of excellence that governs the finishing, construction, and performance of every single component of a watch movement. For a brand as creatively unrestrained as Roger Dubuis, adhering to these stringent, traditional criteria creates a compelling tension between avant-garde expression and classical watchmaking discipline. This duality is foundational to understanding how a piece as fantastical as the Merlin the Enchanter can also be a serious feat of horological engineering.
The Knights of the Round Table collection first appeared in 2013, immediately establishing itself as a unique platform for the brand's artistic capabilities. The core concept has remained consistent: twelve micro-sculpted knights, each representing an hour marker, positioned around a central dial that depicts a scene from Arthurian lore. Each new edition has explored different aspects of the legend, using innovative materials and techniques to reinterpret the famous table. This series is a testament to the brand's ability to sustain a creative narrative over many years, building anticipation with each new release.
The preceding model, which kicked off the Merlin-focused story in 2024, was titled "Merlin the Omniscient." That timepiece drew inspiration from the legend of Merlin constructing Stonehenge using hexagonal basalt blocks from the Giant's Causeway. The dial was a complex, three-dimensional structure made of 56 columns, including several crafted from actual basalt. This established a distinctive hexagonal pattern and a sense of architectural depth that directly sets the stage for the new chapter. The Enchanter Merlin picks up this visual thread but transforms it with a completely new set of materials to tell a very different part of the sorcerer's story.
The narrative driving this new creation is the legend of Merlin’s love for Viviane, the Lady of the Lake. According to the tale, Merlin used his immense power to construct a magnificent, invisible palace of crystal for her on a lake, a sanctuary hidden from the outside world where she would be safe. This act of devotion and magical protection is the conceptual heart of the timepiece. The watchmakers at Roger Dubuis sought to translate the essence of this shimmering, hidden haven into the physical components of the dial, using light, reflection, and rare materials to evoke a sense of enchantment.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
The execution of this vision begins with the dial's base, a plate of 18K pink gold that is machined to accommodate a complex arrangement of 56 separate blocks or columns. These columns, which vary in height from a mere 0.2 mm to a substantial 3.7 mm, create a dramatic and dynamic landscape across the dial. The arrangement feels both structured and organic, a miniature cityscape of varying textures and finishes that draws the eye inward toward the center. This intricate three-dimensional marquetry is not just decorative; it is the stage upon which the entire story unfolds.
The materials chosen for these columns are central to the watch's narrative. The assortment includes nine blocks of transparent Murano-style glass, 29 blocks of white enamel forged in fire, and several more made of rhodium-plated gold and polished 18K pink gold. The interplay between the transparent glass, the pure matte and polished finishes of the enamel, and the metallic luster of the gold creates a spectacle of light and shadow. The oblique setting of some blocks further accentuates the perspective, giving the dial a sense of profound depth that shifts and changes as the watch moves on the wrist.
Adding to the mystical theme, the base of the dial, visible between the blocks, is coated with a layer of sparkling ruthenium crystals. Ruthenium is a rare metal belonging to the platinum group, known for its bright, silvery-white glow. The process of crystallizing the metal is a complex one, resulting in a surface that glitters like a fine diamond powder. This application is meant to represent the glistening surface of the lake upon which Merlin’s crystal palace was built, connecting the physical watch directly to the core of its mythological inspiration. It’s a subtle but powerful detail that showcases the Maison's mastery over unusual and challenging materials.
For the first time, Roger Dubuis has incorporated an "invisibility setting" for the diamonds featured on the dial. Nine of the rhodium-plated gold columns are topped with a hexagonal-cut diamond. This specific cut is uncommon and chosen for its sharp, defined edges, which maximize light reflection from all angles. The invisibility setting involves clipping each diamond into hidden grooves at the top of the column, eliminating the need for visible prongs or bezels. This creates a seamless, almost illusionary effect, as if the diamonds are floating, further enhancing the magical, crystalline quality of the dial.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
Of course, the defining feature of the collection remains the twelve knights. For this edition, they stand as vigilant protectors of Viviane’s sanctuary. Each of the twelve figures, standing approximately 6 mm tall, is cast in 18K pink gold and represents a specific knight from the legend, from King Arthur at 12 o'clock to Sir Galahad at 11. Each knight is sculpted in a unique, dynamic pose, with swords raised and armor detailed, capturing a scene in mid-motion rather than presenting a static display of figures.
The creation of each tiny warrior is an intensive process that marries modern technology with traditional artisanship. It starts with detailed sketches and sculpted resin prototypes, which are then 3D scanned to create molds for casting in pink gold. The most time-consuming part comes next, as master engravers spend between two and three days finishing each individual knight by hand. They painstakingly carve the fine details of the armor, sharpen the miniature weapons, and etch the personality of each hero into the metal. A final application of black patina adds contrast and brings out the texture and depth of the engraving.
Positioned around the landscape of blocks, the knights stand before a white flange made from Murano-style glass, which itself is an intricate two-part construction bearing the Roger Dubuis name and gold indexes. A sapphire window fitted just beneath the bezel allows light to enter from the side and provides an alternative viewing angle of the scene within. This small but significant design choice allows the owner to appreciate the full three-dimensionality of the dial and the interplay of shadows cast by the columns and knights.
The case housing this intricate scene is a 45 mm structure crafted from 18K pink gold. Its design is characteristically bold, with sharp lines and a brushed finish. A notable detail is the crown protector, which is shaped to resemble the guard of a sword, a direct reference to the legendary Excalibur blade that Arthur pulled from the stone. Despite its artistic complexity, the watch maintains a practical water resistance of 3 bar, or 30 meters, suitable for daily wear.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
Driving the timepiece is the automatic Monobalancier RD821 calibre, an in-house movement composed of 172 components. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and provides a 48-hour power reserve. With a thickness of just 3.43 mm, the movement’s compact design is crucial, as it leaves ample vertical space within the case for the dial's deep, multi-layered construction. Every component of the calibre is hand-finished to the exacting standards of the Poinçon de Genève.
Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the movement displays traditional decorations such as rhodium-plated surfaces with "Côtes de Genève" striping. The 360-degree oscillating weight, or rotor, is a work of art in itself. Its skeletonized form is inspired by the stained-glass windows of medieval castles, with arms made from rhodium-plated 18K pink gold. This design is not only visually expressive but also functional, demonstrating the brand's ability to merge aesthetic ambition with reliable performance.
Engraved around the caseback is the quote that has graced every Knights of the Round Table watch since the first edition: "Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud." This inscription serves as a unifying element for the collection and a nod to the community of collectors who follow the series.
The watch is fitted with a white premium calf leather strap, a choice reflecting the brand's policy to move away from exotic leathers. The strap is built with significant volume to integrate seamlessly with the powerful lines of the case and lugs. It features a Quick Release System, allowing the owner to change straps easily without tools. The buckle is a triple folding clasp made from 18K pink gold, which also incorporates the quick-change mechanism.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
The Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table Merlin the Enchanter is a boutique exclusive, produced in a highly limited edition of just 28 pieces worldwide. This scarcity ensures its place as a rare and sought-after piece for dedicated enthusiasts of the brand and the collection. As is common for creations of this caliber, the price is available only upon request, a final detail that underscores its position at the upper echelon of fine watchmaking. It is a piece for those who share a passion for legendary tales and the horological magic used to tell them.
Case: 45 mm Pink gold 750/1000; sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; open case back with sapphire crystal; 3 bar (30 m) water resistance.
Movement: Automatic Calibre RD821; 48-hour power reserve; 28,800 vph (4Hz); 172 components; 33 jewels; finished to Poinçon de Genève criteria.
Dial: 12 micro-sculpted 6 mm 18K pink gold knights; 56 blocks made of pink gold, glass, enamel, and white gold set with hexagonal-cut diamonds; Ruthenium crystal base plate.
Strap: White premium calf leather strap; 18K pink gold triple folding buckle; interchangeable with Quick Release System (QRS).
Price: Price Upon Request
Reference Number: DBEX1117
Notes: Boutique exclusive limited to 28 pieces. Features an "invisibility setting" for the diamonds for the first time. The dial is inspired by the legend of the crystal palace Merlin built for the Lady of the Lake.