Roger Dubuis once again pushes the boundaries of horlogerie with Episode III of its visionary collaboration with celebrated tattoo artist Dr. Woo. The latest chapter in their cosmic journey, the Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III, blends deep-space, astronomical symbolism, and technical data into a 42mm masterpiece that’s as cerebral as it is captivating.
Following up on Episode I (2021) and the ceramic Monobalancier Episode II (2023), this latest release dives deeper into the narrative universe of Dr. Woo’s intricate iconography. Tapping into galactic energy, planetary alignments, and mythical voyages, etched not on skin, but in precious metal.
Titanium, Gold, and the Cosmos
The case architecture is classic Excalibur: sharp, aggressive, and bold. Crafted in lightweight titanium and warmed with 18k pink gold accents, the watch strikes a balance between futuristic minimalism and regal presence. The bezel and caseback alternate between polished and satin finishes, while engraved mid-links and bezel symbols, drawn by Dr. Woo himself, add a sense of ritualistic storytelling.
On the caseback, a sapphire crystal reveals a radiating checkerboard design surrounding a cosmic invitation:
“Let’s work together to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos and unlock the secrets of the universe.”
This spiritual message, paired with the watch’s 100m water resistance, fuses practical resilience with philosophical depth.
A Dial from the Stars
Openworked and otherworldly, the dial is a playground of narrative and mechanics. At 7 o’clock, a reimagined flying tourbillon floats under a minimal bridge, its spiral decoration echoing the Whirlpool Galaxy. The barrel at 1 o’clock is capped with a pink-gold planetary motif that slowly shifts over time, suggesting celestial drift.
At 12 o’clock, a micro-engraved pink-gold rocket emblazoned with “We Come in Peace” glides over the sapphire crystal. Three vivid nebulas swirl at 9 o’clock, while Dr. Woo’s signature black spider symbol anchors the composition at 10. Just adjacent, a swirling pink-gold black hole motif draws the eye, echoed again on the caseback, completing a full orbit of symbolic storytelling.
The Heart of the Universe
Inside, the hand-wound Calibre RD515 delivers both aesthetic and mechanical gravitas. This in-house, Poinçon de Genève-certified movement houses a flying tourbillon, boasts a 72-hour power reserve, and hums at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Composed of 193 parts and finished with 16 distinct techniques, from Geneva stripes to mirror-polished spirals, this is horological artistry at the microscopic level.
Unlimited Vision
Fitted with an interchangeable titanium and pink gold bracelet with a triple folding clasp, the Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III offers wearable versatility and visual cohesion. Just 28 pieces will be released worldwide, each priced at CHF 166,000 (EUR 186,000 / USD 203,000 / GBP 158,000 approx.) In an age where watches often repeat design tropes, Roger Dubuis and Dr. Woo have crafted something rarer, a timepiece that feels from a parallel universe, rich with symbolism, powered by craftsmanship, and guided by curiosity.
