One of the stars at this year’s SIHH 2013 was certainly the amazing Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor 16Hz watch. To only 88 pieces, how much will be made, this watch of $375,000 would represent a real choice on your next purchase.
The Excalibur Quatuor 16Hz from Roger Dubuis is housed in a large sized 18-karats rose gold case or in a limited edition silicon case, and both versions come with diameters of 48mm. According to the Roger Dubuis silicon has been chosen for its unique low weight and its incomparable hardness. This material is half the weight of titanium, yet it is 4 times harder.
It’s powered by the Caliber RD0101 hand wound mechanical movement which consists of 590 individual components, 4 balance wheels, 5 differentials, and provides full 40 hours of power reserve. Its dial is dominated by the four visible balance wheels, as well as with hour and minute sub-dials in the center. Balance wheels are set in each quadrant of the watch, and mounted at 45 degrees. It is important to mention that they do not rotate like tourbillons.
The frequency of the watch is incredibly high 4 x 4Hz, or totally 16 Hz which is 115,200 vibrations per hour. The power reserve display is a patent pending method of indicating the power reserve. As the 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.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor 16Hz watch looks beautiful on the wrist, and whether it will look on your own, depends only on you.