Tourbillon watch movement | The Roger Dubuis' signature complication

Mr. Roger Dubuis’ Legacy

Mr. Roger Dubuis was particularly drawn to the tourbillon. In its compact size, he saw an opportunity to feature more mechanical and expressive elements, allowing each watch to gain its own individual character. Following his philosophy, the Maison combined the tourbillon with complications such as a chronograph, minute repeater and even a second tourbillon. This dedication has continued ever since, through the addition of other complications, as well as the most creative decorations.

In-House Excellence

The Roger Dubuis Manufacture was inaugurated in 2002. More than just creating a home for expressive watchmaking, the integrated production enabled the Maison to master and reinterpret complications, while controlling its own quality standards. This was instantly proven the following year, when Roger Dubuis unveiled its first in-house regulating organ: the sprung balance. It quickly became fundamental to the Maison’s craft when it was used for the first in-house tourbillon.

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The Tourbillon in All its Forms

Very few watchmakers are able to produce a tourbillon in-house, nor face the challenge of reinterpreting its intricate construction. Roger Dubuis, however, has been reinventing the complication for more than 20 years, leading to the creation of expressive timepieces and signature designs.

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Milestones

Tourbillon

2003

RD03, FIRST IN-HOUSE TOURBILLON

2005

RD02SQ, first in-house tourbillon in a skeleton calibre

The image showcases the RD01, Roger Dubuis' First In-House Double Tourbillon movement. The intricate mechanism is visible, highlighting the complexity of the double tourbillon complication.

2005

RD01, First In-House Double Tourbillon

The image highlights the RD106, a Roger Dubuis One-Off creation with a double tilted tourbillon. Its exclusivity and innovative design make it a truly exceptional timepiece.

2021

RD106, One-Off, double tilted tourbillon

The image highlights a central flying monotourbillon cage. The 'flying' design, without an upper bridge, allows for an unobstructed view of the tourbillon's rotation.

2022

RD115, Central flying monotourbillon

The image showcases the intricate mechanics of a Monovortex™ Split-Seconds Chronograph. The complex arrangement of gears and levers is clearly visible.

2023

RD114, Monovortex™ Split-Seconds Chronograph

Signature Style

Discover the seven elements that make Roger Dubuis' tourbillon unique and easily recognizable.

The image features three tourbillons, seemingly suspended in motion. The intricate details of each tourbillon are highlighted against a dark background, creating a sense of dynamic energy.

The Maison's tourbillons are always flying.

More challenging to create, yet more beautiful to look at.

Roger Dubuis tourbillons are never placed at 6 o'clock.

An emblematic mark of the Maison’s in-house production.

The upper cage is inspired by the distinctive shape of the Celtic Cross.

A symbol of strength and unity.

With a distinctive sound due to its high torque.

The Maison's large tourbillon cage delivers better balance, while increasing the energy potential for other functions.

The image shows a tourbillon cage with a central ruby. A watch bezel and case are in the background.

The Maison's tourbillons are hand-finished with five different decorations.

Recalling the tradition of Geneva fine watchmaking.

The upper cage is produced in the Maison’s signature mirror-polished finish.

A sophisticated touch that further enhances the aesthetics.

The image showcases three material samples: one circular sample of cobalt (Co) and two square samples of titanium (Ti). The samples have a matte finish and are displayed on a reflective surface.

Titanium and cobalt chrome are used for the upper and lower cages of the tourbillon.

Creating lightness and better resistance to magnetism.

components

The image shows a gloved hand carefully finishing a tourbillon component. A cloth is being used to polish the small piece, highlighting the meticulous handcraftsmanship involved.

different hand-finishes

The image is a close-up shot of the Poinçon de Genève hallmark. The Geneva coat of arms is embossed in gold on a textured black surface.

40%

extra hours to meet the Poinçon de Geneve standard

The image showcases a Roger Dubuis watch. The watch has a gold case and a black strap. The watch face is skeletonized, revealing the intricate mechanics of the movement, including a tourbillon.

Ingenious materials

While the Roger Dubuis lower tourbillon cage is made in non-magnetic titanium – almost twice lighter than stainless steel – the upper tourbillon cage is produced in non-magnetic Cobalt Chrome. This reduces the weight of the piece by 16%, while helping to optimise the power reserve at 72 hours.

The Future of the Tourbillon

With the stacked components of the tourbillon, Mr. Roger Dubuis saw extra space for creativity. Today, the complex yet fascinating mechanism continues to inspire the watchmakers of the Maison, while revealing horological ingenuity at its finest. Mr. Roger Dubuis’ philosophy is still evident in every tourbillon watch they craft.