Roger Dubuis released a new single tourbillon Excalibur in an artistic collaboration with celebrated French street artist Gully. Here is the information on the new Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon.
Press release information with commentary in italics.
Editorial Commentary
As haute horologeie observers, we have seen the rise of collaborations among artists and watchmaking maisons on the rise. Particularly so, in the mash of modern street culture and its artistic accoutrements with watches. We have seen this kind of collaboration at the low price range with Casio taking the lead with collaborations with street artists like , and even at the upper price brackets with collaborations between brands like Hublot, for e.g. with Big Bang Sang Bleu and Big Bang Sang Bleu II, with Murakami. And Roger Dubuis is no exception. They have collaborated with Dr. Woo, a celebrated tattoo artist to create a watch, also using the Excalibur Monotourbillon as a base, also in a limited edition of 8 pieces.
This new release features the collaboration with Gully on the Monotourbillon as a canvas, and the design capitalizes on the artist’s vision in bold primary colours by using his single line technique to trace out the Roger Dubuis star, and leave his signature in the process.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon
Price is not released, and is by request.
Searching for inspiration in the most unexpected places is in Roger Dubuis’ DNA. This includes uniting with world-famous urban culture artists who share its common values to break the rules, showcase radical expertise and obsess daily over the design of the future. Continuing on a journey to create boundary-breaking masterpieces in the world of Hyper Horology, Roger Dubuis is proud to introduce the second of its URBAN ART TRIBE timepieces with the Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon.
Gully, the French graffiti-turned-studio artist, follows the path started by Dr. Woo after being granted access to Roger Dubuis’ most important room: the manufacture itself. Taking on the same creative challenge to reinterpret the astral signature of the iconic Excalibur Monotourbillon, he presents his vision of the star by uniting it with his colourful world of graffiti.
BRINGING TWO WORLDS TOGETHER
Extravagant, determined and disruptive, Gully is as bold and bright in his ideas as Roger Dubuis. Having created a name for himself graffitiing throughout France in the nineties and noughties, he left the streets behind to maintain his anonymity. Now he works in a studio and exhibits his work at respected galleries. Master of appropriations, Gully’s art combines all movements, from hyperrealism to pop art, as well as surrealism and cubism, to create facetious and narrative masterworks that travel the history of art as if seen through a child’s eyes. Talking about his craft, Gully says: “Bringing different worlds together is my trademark. This project has that ethos at its core, making it an obvious collaboration for us both.”
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Roger Dubuis made the decision to recraft and reshape its own work of art – the Excalibur Monotourbillon – earlier this year. Through the exceptional skill and ingenuity of its watchmakers, the perfect conditions were created for the URBAN ART TRIBE collaboration. The use of clean-cut lines on both case and movement as well as modern and technical materials not only raises the timepiece to an even higher standard, but also makes it an exciting canvas for creativity. In providing this pure, versatile space, it becomes the playground on which Gully expresses himself.
A MASTERPIECE REMASTERED
Gully unites two worlds into a new singular masterpiece by combining the Maison’s high watchmaking expertise with his fun artistic flair. Consciously appropriating the astral signature and merging it with his graffiti, the star is lifted to new heights by his style. As a nod to his very first street works, Gully’s lettered tag uses the famous single-line technique. Starting from the centre of the timepiece, his hand moves straight towards 11 o’clock, drawing the preliminary draft of a G. The line then heads towards 3 o’clock, but changes direction half-way to partially design a Y. Finally, the line reaches 9, then 12, 6 and 3, before it moves to the centre of the tourbillon and across to 4 o’clock. Returning the line to the centre, it becomes clear that two L’s have been drawn. He finishes the run by drawing a U partially around the tourbillon. Look carefully at the letters born out of this continuous movement as the artist not only reinterprets the Roger Dubuis star but also signs the dial. Look closer still and it becomes apparent that two new stars have been created, levitating in parallel harmony on the top left and bottom right of the dial. From a single line to a singular masterpiece.
Inspired by the spray paint used in urban art, the Maison’s watchmakers filled the letters with luminescent coloured lacquer while the hour markers and the hands are filled with Super-Luminova™*. The bright modern shades recall the artist’s universe, while creating aesthetic harmony and a one-of-a-kind finish. Imbued with a further technical feat, the Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon glows under UV light as the Maison’s obsession with luminescence shines through.
Gully adds: “To collaborate with expert craftsmen in industries that I am unfamiliar with helps me grow in my understanding of the world – and of art itself. Together we have created something singular, entirely new, and inimitable.”
The watchmakers’ technical talent is further evident in the RD512SQ calibre itself. By reducing the tourbillon weight, the power reserve is radically optimised to 72 hours, providing the option of leaving the watch unworn over weekends. What’s more, to be sealed with a highly demanding signature in fine watchmaking – the Poinçon de Genève – requires the manual decoration of every component, as well as unexpected and antinomic decorations, such as sandblasted top surfaces and polished angles. Underscored by rarity and limited to just eight pieces, the Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon is housed in a 42 mm Dark Grey DLC Titanium case and mounted on a black calf leather strap, interchangeable with a Quick Release System for ultimate comfort and flexibility.
Together with its friends, the Maison shows what happens when rules are rejected and creativity is unleashed. In bringing a visionary artist together with incredible watchmakers, Roger Dubuis proves once again it is unquestionably the most exciting way to experience Hyper Horology.
NO RULES. OUR GAME.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon Specifications
Calibre name: RD512SQ
Functions: Mechanical, manual-winding Hour, minute
Components: 194
Jewels: 19
Frequency: 3 Hz (21’600 vph)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Diameter: 42 mm
Material: Dark grey DLC titanium
Glass: Sapphire crystal with ani-reflective coating
Case Back: Dark grey DLC titanium open case back with sapphire crystal
Dial: Gully signature in skeleton micro-structures filled with luminescent coloured lacquer
Strap: Black 3D calf leather strap, interchangeable with QRS
Buckle: Dark grey DLC titanium cover with titanium blades, triple folding, interchangeable with QRS
Water resistance: 10 bar (100m)
Boutique exclusive: Limited edition of 8 pieces
