Roger Dubuis introduces the new Knights of the Round Table: The Omniscient Merlin

Picture yourself standing at Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway, where hexagonal basalt columns rise from the churning sea like nature's own chess pieces. Legend says the great wizard Merlin once stood here, drawing power from this mystical landscape before transporting these very stones to create Stonehenge—a monument to King Pendragon that would set in motion the events leading to Arthur's destiny.

Through an unprecedented fusion of traditional métiers d'art and modern innovation, Roger Dubuis has captured this pivotal moment in their new "Knights of the Round Table: The Omniscient Merlin" timepiece. This isn't merely a watch; it's the first chapter in a trilogy dedicated to history's greatest enchanter.

The Alchemy of Artistry: A Landscape of Legend

Upon first glimpse of the dial, one witnesses horological magic manifesting in breathtaking detail. At its heart lies a foundation worthy of Camelot itself—an 18K pink gold base plate, precisely machined and treated with black PVD, creating a dramatic stage for what can only be described as architectural sorcery made real.

From this noble foundation rises a masterpiece of craftsmanship that would have captivated Merlin himself: 56 meticulously crafted columns, each positioned by hand with quintessential Swiss precision. The artisans have woven together an extraordinary tapestry of materials that tells its own story. Twenty-eight blocks of authentic basalt forge a direct connection to the mystical Giant's Causeway, while nine blocks of solid pink gold add warmth and nobility to the landscape. Ten blocks of Murano-style black glass provide mysterious depths that seem to hold secrets of their own, complemented by nine blocks of transparent glass that dance with ethereal light, creating an ever-changing play of shadows and brilliance.

These elements, rising from a mere 0.2mm to a commanding 3.7mm in height, create a mesmerizing topography that draws the eye inexorably toward a central vanishing point. It's a feat of perspective that transforms mechanical art into optical poetry, much like the legendary landscapes of Arthurian Britain themselves.

The Knights' Eternal Vigil: Guardians of Time

Surrounding this mystical terrain stand twelve knights, each a masterpiece that marries micro-engineering with artistic devotion. Cast in 18K pink gold and standing proudly at 6mm tall, these warriors transcend mere decoration—they are sculptures in miniature, each one a testament to the pinnacle of horological artistry.

The creation of each knight is a journey worthy of the quests they represent. Master artisans spend between one and three days in meticulous hand-engraving to perfect each guardian's unique personality. Every warrior strikes an individual pose, their battle stances suggesting both movement and purpose, frozen in a moment of eternal readiness. The microscopic detail lavished upon their weapons and armor would impress the most demanding medieval armorer, while a carefully applied black patina brings depth to every crease and contour, revealing the smallest nuances of their martial bearing.

These noble figures stand their eternal watch upon a path crafted from black PVD-treated pink gold, its surface adorned with engraved hexagonal patterns that echo the mystical causeway before them. At their appointed hour marks, these guardians maintain their vigilant poses, their very presence suggesting both watchfulness and readiness for action—a perpetual reminder that true nobility, like true horology, requires both patience and preparedness.

Together, these elements create more than a timepiece—they forge a miniature world where the legends of yesterday meet the craftsmanship of today, where each glance at the time becomes a journey into a realm where magic and mastery are one and the same.

The Artisan's Workshop: Where Timekeeping Meets Timelessness

Deep within Roger Dubuis' Geneva manufacture, the sophisticated automatic Monobalancier RD821 calibre represents the beating heart of this masterpiece. This feat of engineering comprises 172 precision-crafted components, each one a testament to the maison's relentless pursuit of excellence. What truly sets this movement apart, however, is the extraordinary attention to detail evidenced in its finishing—fourteen distinct types of hand-finishing techniques are applied across the movement, meeting the exacting standards required for the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification, watchmaking's equivalent of knighthood.

The movement is crowned by an innovative skeletonized oscillating weight that rotates a full 360 degrees, its design drawing inspiration from the ethereal beauty of medieval stained glass windows. This technical achievement manages to be both lighter and more compact than traditional oscillating masses while maintaining perfect functionality—a prime example of Roger Dubuis' mastery in merging aesthetic ambition with technical precision.

The 45mm pink gold case makes its own bold statement, featuring a crown protector that pays homage to one of Arthurian legend's most pivotal moments. Shaped like the guard of Excalibur itself, this detail serves as a daily reminder of the moment young Arthur proved his worth by drawing the sword from stone, transforming from aspirant to king through a single act of destined valor.

The Modern Round Table: A Legacy of Excellence

Today's gentleman who acquires this exceptional timepiece joins a select brotherhood that bridges centuries of noble tradition with contemporary luxury. Like the knights of old, these 28 chosen owners become custodians of something far greater than mere possessions. This limited collection represents a convergence of values that transcend time—where medieval ideals meet modern sophistication.

The watch's creation mirrors the very virtues it celebrates. Just as medieval master craftsmen dedicated their lives to perfecting their art, Roger Dubuis' contemporary artisans spend days crafting single components, each one a meditation on excellence. This dedication to craft speaks to a deeper truth: that true luxury isn't measured in precious materials alone, but in the countless hours of human expertise poured into every detail.

The spirit of brotherhood that defined Arthur's round table finds new expression in the exclusive fellowship of owners. Each timepiece bears Merlin's timeless words about bravery and equality on its caseback, a reminder that true nobility comes not from possession but from character. Like the enchanter himself, Roger Dubuis pushes the boundaries of what's possible, using modern innovations to create mechanical magic that would have astounded even Camelot's court.

Consider how the meticulous assembly of the 56 columns on the dial reflects the disciplined training of a medieval knight—each element perfectly placed, each detail considered, each component contributing to a greater whole. The robust construction beneath the artistic facade mirrors knightly strength, while refined touches like the sapphire crystal and quick-release strap system demonstrate how practical functionality can coexist with artistic excellence.

The Continuation of Legend

Since 2013, Roger Dubuis has been crafting chapters in the Knights of the Round Table saga. This latest edition transcends mere timekeeping to become a philosophical statement about the endurance of excellence. The watch reminds us that while dragons may be confined to legend, the quest for perfection remains eternal.

In an age of mass production and instant gratification, this creation stands as a testament to the value of patience, skill, and devotion to craft. For the 28 individuals who will wear this piece, it represents membership in a modern round table—a brotherhood of those who understand that true luxury isn't merely about precious materials or limited numbers, but about the preservation and advancement of timeless values.

The "Knights of the Round Table: The Omniscient Merlin" isn't just a spectacular achievement in watchmaking; it's a bridge between epochs, a reminder that whether in Camelot's great hall or today's corridors of power, the principles of excellence, courage, and dedication to something greater than oneself remain the true markers of nobility.