The Excalibur Bi-Retrograde Calendar by Roger Dubuis

This year, Roger Dubuis celebrates its 30th anniversary, and for the occasion, the company pays tribute to its co-founder’s favourite complication: the bi-retrograde display.

This function, previously featured in the Excalibur Grande Complication alongside a dozen other highly complex mechanisms, takes centre stage once again. The Maison has also introduced a less complicated, more classic edition to further honour the bi-retrograde display.

Also referred to as “the ecliptic counters” by the Maison a nod to their elliptical shape and distinctive role in indicating the months and date the design showcases a symmetrical dial layout. Enhanced by refined detailing, it pays homage to the Maison’s early creations from 1996.

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News Raúl Pagès Wins Louis Vuitton Watch Prize 2023-2024

The inaugural award for independent creative concluded in Paris

ByWaqt

07.02.2024

3 minutes read

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The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize which was announced last year, aims to honor creative talent in the watch industry, while supporting and encouraging artisans, entrepreneurs and future generations. The recipient of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives receives a grant and a one-year mentorship by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, tailored to their specific creative project needs. This mentorship is overseen by experts and is open to watchmakers, designers, entrepreneurs, and recent graduates in watchmaking.

After several rounds of selection of candidates, starting with 5 finalists, they reached the finals, and the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize 2023-2024 ceremony concluded yesterday in paris. The first edition of the prize was awarded to Raúl Pagès for his creation, the RP1 - Régulateur à détente. For those unacquainted with the master craftsman Raúl Pagès, he is an independent watchmaker who has conceived, designed, and crafted the Régulateur à détente RP1 entirely by hand in his workshop located in Les Brenets, Switzerland. This exceptional timepiece exemplifies the highest standards of traditional fine watchmaking and artisanal craftsmanship.

The RP1 - Régulateur à détente comes in a stainless steel case measuring 38.5mm in diameter and a slim 10.2 mm of thickness, it exudes elegance on the wrist. The dial boasts a captivating blend of textures and colors. As a regulator timepiece, it's anticipated that the time display will be distributed across three separate indications. Each indicator features its own unique design elements. For instance, the hours are showcased at 12 o'clock on a raised ring. The minute hand traverses a cantilevered chapter ring along the dial's perimeter. Lastly, the small seconds are depicted on a light-blue sub-dial at 6 o’clock.

Featuring a caliber equipped with a pivoted detent escapement, the Régulateur à détente RP1 upholds the tradition of exceptional chronometers. Technically, the detent escapement is considered "free" because it ensures the balance is not under any stress during its additional arc. Unlike the traditional Swiss escapement, this system allows the escapement wheel to transmit its force directly to the balance wheel, resulting in significantly improved mechanical efficiency.