The Roger Dubuis Excalibur The Kabuto Legacy, limited to 28 pieces, blends 17th-century Japanese history with high-end horology. Featuring 12 hand-engraved 18k pink-gold samurai helmets surrounding an abstract Edo Castle, the 45mm timepiece utilizes the Poinçon de Genève-certified RD821 calibre.
The Evolution of Narrative-Driven Horology
Roger Dubuis has established a signature design language by centering its Excalibur collection around circular motifs of power. Since the inaugural Knights of the Round Table edition launched in 2013, the brand has consistently utilized the 12-figure dial configuration to bridge the gap between mechanical watchmaking and storytelling.
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The watch dial features specific historical references, including the fern crest of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the crescent moon crest associated with Date Masamune, rendered in 18k pink gold.
Technical Specifications and Craftsmanship
The watch is built on the foundation of the Excalibur line, maintaining a 45mm diameter and a 16.87mm thickness. The case is constructed from 18k pink gold, featuring the brand’s recognizable fluted bezel and third central lug. Internally, the watch is powered by the RD821 automatic movement, which operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 48-hour power reserve.
Designers utilized blue calfskin for the strap, incorporating stitched leather tiles intended to mimic traditional samurai armor. This attention to detail extends to the caseback, where the crests of the 12 depicted samurai commanders are laser-engraved onto a blue-coated pink-gold ring. The watch carries a water-resistance rating of 30 meters.
Historical Authenticity in Luxury Timepieces
To move beyond aesthetic inspiration, Roger Dubuis engaged Frederik Cryns, a professor of Japanese history and a consultant for the series Shōgun. By grounding the design in the specific textile aesthetics of the Edo era—using deep blue CVD to represent traditional indigo dyes—the watch serves as both a functional movement and an artifact of historical representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units of the Excalibur The Kabuto Legacy were produced?
Roger Dubuis has limited the production of this model to 28 pieces worldwide.
What is the movement inside the Kabuto Legacy?
The watch is powered by the RD821 calibre, an automatic movement that is Poinçon de Genève-certified.
What historical figures are represented on the dial?
The dial features 12 famed samurai commanders from early 17th-century Japan, including Tokugawa Ieyasu, Honda Tadakatsu, and Date Masamune.
Where can collectors purchase this watch?
Interested buyers can find more information and inquiries regarding availability through the official Roger Dubuis website.
Are you a collector of thematic, limited-edition horology? Share your thoughts on the intersection of Japanese history and Swiss watchmaking in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest releases in high complications.
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