Ornatus-Mundi[Zenith]
7136
An exploit of an self-sufficient, vertically integrated manufacture...
Jan 19, 2013,04:53 AM
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.
"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!