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

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Glossary
Impulse

Impulse

refers to the push or force required to maintain the oscillation of the balance wheel in a mechanical watch. The balance wheel, along with the hairspring, regulates the accuracy of time display in the watch. The impulse is provided by the escapement mechanism, which interacts with the balance wheel, allowing it to move forward and then releasing it at the right moment for it to swing back (oscillate back and forth).

Watchmakers focus on designing, adjusting, and lubricating the escapement mechanism to improve the impulse and achieve good timekeeping performance.

Quartz watches do not rely on impulse as they use a different mechanism based on the oscillation of a quartz crystal.