Comments:
Bold applications at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock guide your eye, and printed indices on the central bezel allow reading of time. The combination of grinded and polished surfaces as well as dark and bright elements creates a good amount of tension without over-doing it. I particularly like how the balances are contorted in the polished cavities surrounding them:
Of course, one cannot expect a watch to be thin if the escapements do not lie in a horizontal position. Nevertheless, RD managed to make the watch appear well-proportioned. The relative dimensions of case thickness, lugs, crown as well as bezel and case back all contribute to this outcome.
I was quite surprised to experience this watch on my wrist. Sure it has presence, but it is not demanding one's attention in an inordinate way. In fact, for what it is the wearability is quite good. And I love the liveliness this watch has on the wrist!
I hope you liked this presentation. More to come soon!
SIHH 2013: Roger Dubuis - a true chronometric marvel [Live Pics!]
Manufacture Roger Dubuis today lifted the veil on a truly remarkable new watch called the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor :
In short, the watch concentrates on the key tasks of a watch, that is to keep time as precise and as consistent as possible.
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-01-20 15:20:21 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-01-21 09:38:36 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-03-01 10:23:07
In short, the watch concentrates on the key tasks of a watch, that is to keep time as precise and as consistent as possible.
To this end, the Manufacture Roger Dubuis invested 7 years of research. The outcome is a pièce de résistance featuring:
- 4 complete escapements
- 16 Hz overall frequency
- 5 differentials to coordinate the escapements, barrels and power reserve
- A simple but precise power reserve indicator
- 590 movements parts individually finished according to the requirements of the Poinçon de Genève
The overall goal was to balance the influences of gravity on the movement in real time. The four carefully positioned sprung balances work in pairs to compensate immediately for the rate variations caused by the changes in position. What the tourbillon achieves over the course of a minute, the Excalibur Quatuor achieves instantly.
Complementing its chronometric performance Quatuor also employs a sophisticated power reserve indication which displays the remaining autonomy with very few mechanical parts needed. The price to pay is actually that both power reserve hand and dial move in the same direction (something we have seen on Nomos watches, for example) giving a interesting twist to the display.
I will go through this with the help of the teasers I posted during entire January. For now here are the technical details.
Best,
Magnus
Technical Data:
- Watch: Excalibur Quatuor
- Case: 48 mm, pink gold
- Dial: Anthracite interior flange, transferred white minute track, inscriptions: Roger Dubuis and Hallmark of Geneva (anthracite engravings), power reserve indicator in pink gold, exterior flange in satin-finish anthracite, appliques in pink gold
- Water Resistance: 3 BAR (30m)
- Strap: Genuine alligator leather, hand-sewn, brown
- Buckle: Adjustable folding buckle in pink gold
- Production: 88 pieces
- Movement: Hand-wound movement RD101
- Features: Hand-wound mechanical movement, 163?4’’’, 113 jewels, finely adjusted in five positions, rhodium-coated, circular-grained decor. Stamped Hallmark of Geneva
- Specific features: Hours, minutes, power reserve indicator, 5 differentials, 4 Balance wheels, Power reserve indicator
- Number of parts: 590
- Thickness: 10.60 mm
- Frequency: 4x4 Hz (28,000 vph)
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
An exploit of an self-sufficient, vertically integrated manufacture...
The impressive movement, featuring several innovations which have not been realised so far, was only possible because of the considerable technical capabilities of the manufacture. Today, Roger Dubuis not only manufactures movement plates,
or pinions, wheels or levers:
No, together with A. Lange & Söhne and Montblanc (Minerva), RD is also capable of producing entire escapements consisting of balance, hairspring, escape wheel and pallet. The following image shows the escapement workshop. Note that the hairsprings are manufactured behind closed doors in the adjacent room in the back! 
This of course is of immediate importance if such a technically challenging watch like the Quatuor is to be produced. Its not only to be able to utilise not one but four escapements, all with scarce parts which are normally supplied by quasi-monopolist firms, but moreover important because broad technical capabilities allows faster adjustment and changes without having to wait for outside suppliers shipping modified parts.
It is for this reason that I chose to characterise the Excalibur Quatuor as Roger Dubuis' Declaration of Independence!
or pinions, wheels or levers:
No, together with A. Lange & Söhne and Montblanc (Minerva), RD is also capable of producing entire escapements consisting of balance, hairspring, escape wheel and pallet. The following image shows the escapement workshop. Note that the hairsprings are manufactured behind closed doors in the adjacent room in the back!
This of course is of immediate importance if such a technically challenging watch like the Quatuor is to be produced. Its not only to be able to utilise not one but four escapements, all with scarce parts which are normally supplied by quasi-monopolist firms, but moreover important because broad technical capabilities allows faster adjustment and changes without having to wait for outside suppliers shipping modified parts.
"More than any other watch, the Excalibur Quatuor symbolises the immense creativity of Roger Dubuis. During the seven years progressing from the first sketch to its presentation at SIHH 2013, it will have drawn on all the expertise in the manufacture. Master watchmakers, engineers and designers have worked hand-in-hand at each stage of development to achieve a perfect fusion of technique and design. Maintaining this balance has affected even the smallest step forward. It has influenced the concept, fabrication, adjustment and the decoration by hand of all the 590 components of the calibre RD101." [modified from press kit]
It is for this reason that I chose to characterise the Excalibur Quatuor as Roger Dubuis' Declaration of Independence!
Four INDEPENDENT escapements...
... work in pairs to compensate immediately for the rate variations caused by the changes in position. What the tourbillon achieves over the course of a minute, the Excalibur Quatuor achieves instantly.
They leave their traces on the back as well:
I shall expand on the construction a bit more in a following post. The existence of the four escapements gave both dial and back their distinctive shape which resemble the a four-leaved clover:
I told this one was an easy one ;-)
They leave their traces on the back as well:
I shall expand on the construction a bit more in a following post. The existence of the four escapements gave both dial and back their distinctive shape which resemble the a four-leaved clover:
I told this one was an easy one ;-)
Magnus
An impressive halo piece! Overkill done right.
Finally, a complication as outlandish and impressive as the watch's case! Sure, the concept screams "overkill", but the path taken (four escapements with five(!) differentials) is quite a bit more interesting than the norm - multiple tourbillons. The watch doesn't look too cumbersome on your wrist either, considering the sheer case dimensions.
Great write-up! Consider this mission accomplished because I am looking forward to the rest of RD's SIHH line-up.
I wonder....
Noticing that Greubey-Fosey have a double-inclined balance this year, I wonder if there was some joint research between the 2.
A
ps to ei8htohms, theirs is freesprung
A
ps to ei8htohms, theirs is freesprung
The escapements are mounted in a 45° angle for real-time gravity compensation
This is essential to fulfill the watch's overall objective, i.e. to allow gravity the least possible influence on timekeeping.
As a result, at any given time there are two escapements on which gravity has exactly opposite influence. Thus, the watch achieves gravity compensation in real time (in contrast to the tourbillon which needs one complete rotation of the cage in order to achieve compensation).
The importance of the 45° angle let me to the comparison with the cantilevered design of the landing gear of Apollo 11's Lunar Module:
A number of escapements however is not enough - they have to be independent and interlinked at the same time! A complex, head-scratching problem...
As a result, at any given time there are two escapements on which gravity has exactly opposite influence. Thus, the watch achieves gravity compensation in real time (in contrast to the tourbillon which needs one complete rotation of the cage in order to achieve compensation).
The importance of the 45° angle let me to the comparison with the cantilevered design of the landing gear of Apollo 11's Lunar Module:
A number of escapements however is not enough - they have to be independent and interlinked at the same time! A complex, head-scratching problem...
4 escapements, 5 differentials, and 16Hz total frequency!
The equalising properties of the four escapements need dedicated mechanisms to come into effect. In this case, differentials!
Roger Dubuis had already made headlines in 2005 by introducing a double flying tourbillon with a differential. This extraordinary technical expertise laid the foundations of the seven-year research programme required to produce the Excalibur Quatuor watch. It is a watchmaking masterpiece that not only integrates four sprung balances and an original power-reserve display, but includes no fewer than five differentials.
Take a closer look at the gears between the balances:
The equalise the relative 'speed' of the two adjacent escapements. This means we have two differentials already. A third one can be seen on the back which serves the equalisation of the two escapement pairs:
It is important to note that the escapements work independently. This means that while each balance vibrates four times per second (4 Hz=28.800 bph), the frequency of the watch is multiplied by four as the balances do not oscillate simultaneously, resulting in an effective frequency of 16 Hz or 115.200 bph!
The fifth and last one connects the rewinding stem and the two parallel barrels.
Thus, in summary we have:
Now 16 Hz - there must be something sensual with it - and it is!
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-01-19 23:58:21
The equalise the relative 'speed' of the two adjacent escapements. This means we have two differentials already. A third one can be seen on the back which serves the equalisation of the two escapement pairs:
It is important to note that the escapements work independently. This means that while each balance vibrates four times per second (4 Hz=28.800 bph), the frequency of the watch is multiplied by four as the balances do not oscillate simultaneously, resulting in an effective frequency of 16 Hz or 115.200 bph!
Note to myself: I have to check back on this. This is news to me and I really would love to understand more about the equalisation as well as the addition of individual frequencies!
The fourth differential is associated with the power reserve mechanism. This one is extremely precise. While a double display showing the crescent of the moon turns at the same speed as the barrels - 4.25 revolutions per day - the needle also turns, but more slowly. As the power reserve reduces, the hand follows the barrels’ rate of discharge, positioning itself precisely on the two moon crescents to indicate the power still in reserve.
The fifth and last one connects the rewinding stem and the two parallel barrels.
Thus, in summary we have:
4 escapements
5 differentials
- 2 for two escapement pairs
- 1 to coordinate the two escapement pairs
- 1 in the power reserve
- 1 in the winding system
Effective frequency of 16 Hz. Violà:
Now 16 Hz - there must be something sensual with it - and it is!
I'm trying to wrap . . .
. . . my decidedly nontechnical brain around the claimed resonant frequency, Magnus. The four escapements would have to be connected in series to effect the claimed 16 Hz resonance. This seems unlikely to my admittedly limited understanding.
A parallel connection, or even series-parallel, seems more plausible, which would render a more usual 4 Hz resonance. What was the outcome of your discussions with RD's technical department?
Intrigued,
Art
There is NO resonance!!!
as this would as I understand defy the intended effect (and also require that the resonating escapements would be (1) linked appropriately to allow resonance and (2) beat simultaneously which would yield a summary frequency of 4Hz in this case).
Thus, the issue is more complex and so for not fully understood by myself.
Cheers (so far),
Magnus
4 escapements, 16 Hz - this SOUNDS GOOD!
When I saw the watch first I immediately thought WOW- this one really lives! As the four escapements beat asynchronously the sound is a very special one, unusual for a watch where one is used to the regular tick-tack.
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-01-20 15:17:11
This one definitely has character (turn up the volume, please!):
It reminds on knitting with its quasi-regular ticks, rounded and damped by the wool. Thus I opted for this teaser (believe me, I only realised today that there are actually four women knitting!):
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-01-20 15:17:11
Additional live pics and wristshots...
For what it is, the design of the Quatuor is actually quite restrained. As the escapement require some vertical breathing space there was little choice than to open the dial (if you want to keep the watch reasonably 'thin'):
Bold applications at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock guide your eye, and printed indices on the central bezel allow reading of time. The combination of grinded and polished surfaces as well as dark and bright elements creates a good amount of tension without over-doing it. I particularly like how the balances are contorted in the polished cavities surrounding them:
Of course, one cannot expect a watch to be thin if the escapements do not lie in a horizontal position. Nevertheless, RD managed to make the watch appear well-proportioned. The relative dimensions of case thickness, lugs, crown as well as bezel and case back all contribute to this outcome.
I was quite surprised to experience this watch on my wrist. Sure it has presence, but it is not demanding one's attention in an inordinate way. In fact, for what it is the wearability is quite good. And I love the liveliness this watch has on the wrist!
I hope you liked this presentation. More to come soon!
Cheers from Geneva,
Magnus
Super presentation!!!
And a really bold watch! Work of art, even if horlogically speaking, the use of those 4 escapments can be debatable. Still a pleasure to look at.
Thanks for the great report!
Fabulous! the watch and the series of posts
i notice a very classy arrangement of lugs and strap while marveling at the color - a steampunk-like coppery gold.
I love it!
Cazalea
I love it!
Cazalea
Agreed! Great Presentation!
I really like the look this watch and the movement seems to be genius! Love it!
Thanks much for the sharing. But
is there a need to go thro such extent to keep time as accurate & consistent? Looks a tad overkill for me. But I'm just a layman ;p
Melvin
My faith has been restored!
Wow, just wow! What an amazing piece--- my faith in RD has just been restored. The silicon model is incredible looking---thanks for the review-- I have just seen my new grail watch---hopefully, one day, RD makes more than 3 examples of the silicon version. Bravo to RD for boldly taking the lead, once again!
Incredible
I would hate to be the watchmaker that services that watch, however. It looks like an adjuster's worst nightmare!
Every hairspring would have to be perfectly flat and true. Literally 4 watches in one- all requiring a perfect service.
Yikes.
In principle, though, it is mechanically perfect in gravity compensation. I like it, and I don't normally like RD stuff, it's
usually too busy for me. This is very busy, but works somehow. And I'm sure of one thing, I will never, nor will no one
I know ever, have the money to buy something like this.
But it's nice to know it exists, I suppose. Good post!
Every hairspring would have to be perfectly flat and true. Literally 4 watches in one- all requiring a perfect service.
Yikes.
In principle, though, it is mechanically perfect in gravity compensation. I like it, and I don't normally like RD stuff, it's
usually too busy for me. This is very busy, but works somehow. And I'm sure of one thing, I will never, nor will no one
I know ever, have the money to buy something like this.
But it's nice to know it exists, I suppose. Good post!
$375k and one million
Word is the price is $375k in gold and US $1 million in silicon This message has been edited by marketsurfer on 2013-01-21 16:05:45
I am trying to understand how it works, and have to say that I will wait for your
In Depth review, for that.
So, four balance wheels working in pair are better than a Tourbillon, even a Gyro one ala GF, GP or JLC?
Are their some measures to demonstrate it?
I am intrigued by this beast, which is one of the few which captivated my attention, this year, at the SIHH.
Best,
Nicolas