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.

Glossary

Cam

Is a component that rotates or slides within a mechanical system and is primarily used to convert rotary motion into linear motion. It is commonly found as part of a rotating wheel or an irregularly shaped shaft, such as an eccentric wheel or a cylinder. When the cam rotates, it interacts with a follower at one or multiple points along its circular path. The cam can take various forms, such as simple teeth for transmitting power pulses or a peculiarly shaped disc, creating a smooth back-and-forth motion in the follower that touches the cam.