Roger Dubuis

A known innovator of daring and impulsive timepieces, Roger Dubuis has yet again shocked the horology world with their Excalibur Chinese Zodiac, offered in the present lot. A variant of the Knights of the Round Table collection, immediately recognizable are the 12 miniature animal heads of the Chinese Zodiac, each carefully crafted in 18k gold and acting as the indexes. These are inspired by 12 bronze fountainheads of Yuanming Yuan, which were stolen in 1860 during the Opium War. Extremely rarely reappearing on auction, these invaluable treasures are sold in astounding amounts and donated back to the National Museum of China. Several features on the watch are also inspired by Chinese elements, such as the chapter ring, symbolizing the bricks of the Great Wall; and the green enamel dial on the centre, which is modelled after a motif found at the balcony of the Old Summer Palace. The case back would also be engraved with 12 Chinese Characters corresponding to the dual standard hours of Chinese timekeeping, while the sapphire crystal display back reveals an automatic rotor in the shape of a Chinese dragon. Commissioned by the original owner as a 12-piece set, each rotor on the case back features a different sign from the Chinese Zodiac. From the front to the back to the interior, each and every single corner of the present watch is loaded with phenomenal details, making it not only a precious timekeeper, but a superb piece of art.