The Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon blends complex tourbillon mechanics with breath-taking aesthetics
For over two centuries, the tourbillon has stood as a hallmark of haute horlogerie as one of the most intricate and revered complications in watchmaking. Originally invented to counter the effects of gravity on pocket watches, the tourbillon has evolved into a symbol of mechanical mastery and artistic innovation. Few watchmakers have embraced the challenge of crafting these complex mechanisms with the same flair as Roger Dubuis.
Known for constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in watch design, Roger Dubuis has consistently redefined the tourbillon through its bold, avant-garde interpretations. At this year’s Watches & Wonders Geneva, the maison showcased its mastery of the complication with four remarkable tourbillon releases, led by the dazzling Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon, a stunning fusion of mechanical brilliance and aesthetic innovation.
Even at a glance, the watch is irresistibly charming. In the Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina, the centrally placed tourbillon offered a fresh opportunity for the brand’s watchmakers to redefine aesthetics, creating a striking circular symmetry throughout the design. Departing from the maison’s iconic 7 o’clock position, the flying tourbillon now takes center stage, allowing for a harmonious concentric layout.
Enhanced by a patent-pending planetary system, the mechanism has been streamlined and compacted, maximizing space within the dial and delivering a sleek, minimalist look. What’s more, by utilizing opposing concentric rings in shades of pink gold and gray to indicate seconds, minutes and hours, the designers began at the center and worked their way outward, achieving an aesthetic purity and showcasing creative ingenuity. This innovative approach certainly sets the Orbis in Machina apart from traditional tourbillon watches
Furthermore, Roger Dubuis’ philosophy of blending tradition with modern innovation shines through in the watch, where the selection bolt pays homage to the ancient “Ébauche” components of haute horlogerie. This clever design move shifts the winding and setting system to the base of the movement, freeing up valuable space for the hour hand.
The material innovation incorporated into the watch is equally impressive, with the lower tourbillon cage crafted from ultra-light, anti-magnetic titanium and the upper cage in mirror-polished Cobalt Chrome, reducing the tourbillon’s weight by 16-percent. These advancements, paired with a 72-hour power reserve, highlight the watch’s remarkable technical prowess and distinctive aesthetic.
The watch also features an 18K pink gold case and bezel, complemented by a black leather strap equipped with a quick-release system. At its heart lies the manual-winding Calibre RD115, Roger Dubuis’ latest milestone in horology. This intricate Flying Tourbillon movement, composed of 283 components and 29 rubies, continues the maison’s legacy of crafting exquisite tourbillons since 2003.
Overall, the Roger Dubuis Orbis in Machina Central Monotourbillon is an extraordinary embodiment of the Roger Dubuis’ commitment to blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation, in this case showcasing the exceptional complexity of the tourbillon and Roger Dubuis’ avant-garde craftsmanship. The watch’s rare central flying tourbillon at its core pays homage to the watchmaking heritage of precision, while the patent-pending system for the unconventional flying hands redefines technical innovation.
This seamless fusion of mechanical prowess and aesthetic grandeur is the essence of what the brand dubs “hyper horology.” Every element of the Orbis in Machina, from the intricate finishing of the movement to the concentric circles of its design, captures the perpetual motion of time itself. In the end, it’s safe to say that Roger Dubuis’ creation is not just a watch—it is an expressive masterpiece that honors the past while pushing the boundaries of modern horology.