Roger Dubuis Monotourbillon Dr Woo Episode III

The intersection of high-end watchmaking and contemporary art often produces fascinating results, but few partnerships are as conceptually aligned as the one between Roger Dubuis and the Los Angeles-based tattoo artist Dr. Woo. Their ongoing collaboration has yielded its third and most intricate creation yet: the Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III. This timepiece is a complex narrative device, a mechanical sculpture that tells a story of cosmic exploration, universal connection, and meticulous craftsmanship, limited to a mere 28 examples for the entire world.



This latest chapter builds upon a creative dialogue that began in 2021. The first collaboration introduced Dr. Woo’s distinct aesthetic to the Excalibur Monotourbillon, exploring the idea of time as our most precious commodity. In 2023, the partnership ventured further with a ceramic Excalibur Monobalancier that contemplated the celestial dance of our own solar system. Throughout this journey, recurring visual cues have formed a unique collaborative language: the artist’s signature spider, a spaceship tracing the brand’s star emblem, and a mysterious set of symbols that invite personal interpretation.



Episode III propels this narrative into the unimaginable depths of space. The core inspiration for the watch is Messier 51a, a grand-design spiral galaxy more commonly known as the Tourbillon Galaxy or Whirlpool Galaxy. Located approximately 31 million light-years from Earth, its magnificent, swirling arms—famously captured by the James Webb Space Telescope—are cosmic factories, giving birth to new stars. This celestial phenomenon provides a powerful metaphor for the watch itself, connecting the rotational precision of the tourbillon complication with the grand mechanics of the universe.



The story begins not on the dial itself, but on the surface of the sapphire crystal. Here, a pink gold spaceship, created through a sophisticated 3D galvanic growth process, appears to traverse the watch face. Its trail, shaped like the iconic Roger Dubuis astral signature, carries a poignant message subtly metallized into its form: “We Come in Peace.” This initial detail sets the stage for a deeper exploration, transforming the wearer from a simple observer into a participant in a galactic peace mission.



Further enhancing this multi-layered narrative, Dr. Woo’s signature spider emblem is delicately placed at the 10 o’clock position. It is not merely printed but created through precise laser engraving and subsequently filled with black ink, a direct homage to the artist’s single-needle tattoo technique. Adjacent to this, at 9 o’clock, three pink gold metallized nebulas seem to hover on the underside of the sapphire glass, acting as luminous clouds of gas and dust that guide the eye toward the dial’s most hypnotic feature.



Between the 10 and 11 o’clock markers lies a component representing a temporal gateway or “black hole.” Crafted from stainless steel and treated with pink gold, this spiraling element is laser-engraved to create a powerful visual effect of depth and motion. It serves as the symbolic entry point to the corridors of time, inviting the wearer to journey from the wrist to the distant Tourbillon Galaxy that inspired the entire creation.



The journey continues on the reverse side of the timepiece. The open caseback reveals the “exit” of this temporal passage. The spiral component, now filled with black coloring, is surrounded by an expansive, radiating chequerboard pattern metallized onto the rear sapphire crystal. This design masterfully conveys the concept of spacetime distortion and the immense scale of the cosmos. Encircling this visual spectacle is an engraved message from the artist, a hopeful transmission to any lifeform that might intercept it: “Let’s work together to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos and unlock the secrets of the universe. To whoever finds this message, know that we are seekers of knowledge and explorers of the unknown.”



At the heart of this cosmic vessel beats the manually-wound RD515 calibre, a movement that showcases the technical prowess of the Roger Dubuis manufacture. The signature flying tourbillon, prominently displayed at the 7 o’clock position, has been thoughtfully re-engineered to align with Dr. Woo’s artistic vision. Its lower cage is milled from lightweight titanium to enhance efficiency, while the upper bridge has been reduced to a minimalist, three-armed form crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel. This upper portion is shaped into a spiral, directly echoing the form of the Tourbillon Galaxy.



The technical excellence of the RD515 extends beyond its central complication. The movement provides a robust 72-hour power reserve, ensuring the watch continues its mission for three full days without winding. The entire calibre is certified by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, or Geneva Seal. This hallmark is not merely a statement of origin but a guarantee of exceptional quality, durability, and decorative artistry. Every one of the movement's 193 components has been meticulously finished by hand, employing 16 different types of decoration.



The dynamic nature of the cosmos is further expressed through another animated feature on the dial. At the 1 o’clock position, the circular cover of the mainspring barrel features a matte-black background adorned with pink gold transfers depicting planets and nebulae. This disc rotates slowly as the watch unwinds, and more rapidly when the crown is used to wind the movement, causing the miniature galaxy to evolve and reveal different facets throughout the day.



The foundation for this intricate display is a 42mm case constructed from a striking bi-material combination of 18K pink gold and Grade 5 titanium. This pairing offers the visual warmth and prestige of gold with the resilience and light weight of titanium, creating a balanced and comfortable wearing experience. The pink gold bezel is laser-engraved with Dr. Woo’s enigmatic symbolic language, deepening the personal connection between the artist and the owner.



The use of these two materials extends to the integrated bracelet, which features satin-brushed surfaces and polished bevels for a sophisticated and modern look. The central links of the bracelet are also engraved with Dr. Woo's symbols, ensuring the design language is coherent throughout the entire piece. For practicality and versatility, the bracelet is equipped with a Quick Release System, allowing it to be changed easily without the need for tools. The clasp is a secure folding buckle made from titanium.



The collaboration is a testament to the shared philosophies of two masters in their respective fields. Dr. Woo has redefined the art of tattooing with his distinct single-needle style, known for its incredible complexity, fine lines, and flawless geometry. His approach mirrors that of Roger Dubuis, a brand that has consistently reinterpreted the traditions of Swiss watchmaking with a modern, expressive, and technically audacious flair. As the artist himself notes, “I love that Roger Dubuis does watchmaking in its own way. That flair for individuality is how I approach my own work and it’s where we find common ground.”



Roger Dubuis has carved a unique niche in the world of high watchmaking, championing a philosophy it calls "Hyper Horology." This approach is characterized by avant-garde aesthetics, radical mechanics, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a mechanical timepiece. The brand’s expertise in complex mechanisms, particularly the tourbillon, is world-renowned, making it the perfect technical canvas for Dr. Woo’s artistic vision.



This timepiece is an exercise in theatrical storytelling, combining advanced mechanical engineering with playful, profound artistry. It is a piece that demands close inspection, revealing more of its secrets the longer one looks. The layering of details on, under, and through the sapphire crystal creates a sense of real depth that few watches can match.



The Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III is a boutique-exclusive edition, underscoring its special status within the Roger Dubuis collection. With production strictly limited to 28 pieces, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of a truly unique creative partnership. This level of artistry, technical innovation, and extreme rarity comes with a price tag of approximately $170,500, reflecting its position as a significant work of contemporary horology.



Case: 42mm diameter case in titanium and 18K pink gold. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on front and back. Pink gold bezel with laser engravings. Water resistance of 10 bar (100 m).

Movement: Manual-winding RD515 calibre with a monotourbillon at 7 o'clock. Features a 72-hour power reserve. Comprised of 193 components and certified with the Poinçon de Genève.

Dial: Grey double surface flange with pink gold hour markers. Sapphire crystal dial with pink gold metallization featuring a spaceship, spider, and nebulas.

Strap: Integrated bracelet in 18K pink gold and titanium with satin-brushed and polished finishes. Features an interchangeable Quick Release System and a titanium clasp.

Price: ~$170,500 USD / €186,000

Reference Number: DBEX1125

Notes: Limited edition of 28 pieces. This is the third collaboration between Roger Dubuis and tattoo artist Dr. Woo, inspired by the Tourbillon Galaxy.