Delicious Sweets - The Roger Dubuis KingSquare Chocolate Bar Dial

Jul 13, 2013,09:41 AM
 



Today I want to present a remarkably simple watch in RD's (past) stable, a KingSquare in red gold with a bold chocolate-themed dial:



The dial lives by a few but bold design elements. First of course is the unusual colour, its not a light tobacco-brown, its not even milk chocolate, now, this is a solid 70% Grand Cru bar:



The chocolate bar is divided into 15 pieces, each of which are home to exactly one functional unit, be it the hour numbers, the brand logo, its designation of origin or the hands.

The overall impression is that of a strong architectural unit, but one which is masterfully contrasted with the significant rose gold hands full of relish...



... as well as with this to-die-for and large crown:



Turned over we see a pleasant arrangement of a curved backplate with a window to admire the automatic movement beneath:



This movement is called Cal. RD 21, a 40h automatic movement certified according to the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. This 26.5 cm movement
 was first presented almost 10 years ago, in 2004. It beats at 28.800 bph and sports 34 jewels.



The rotor is crafted of 18 ct. gold and - at least for me - is one of the nicest rotors ever used by RD. I can't imagine its cheep to manufacture, given the material chosen and the elaborate decoration (note the Geneva stripes beneath the spider-web decoration!):



The structure and the inscription give a fascinating depth to it:



The real magic happens once you strap it on. Its an extremely gentlemanly, very urban watch with a captivating play of light throughout the grooves of its dial. It is also remarkably unimposing while still clearly demanding the centre of attention.



Majestic and mysterious, a bold combination that still goes well everyday. This is one watch that sheds waters of forgetfulness over everyday's work!



To sum up: this is what I would call a dandy's watch. If your appearance and impression is important to you, and you want to add some mystification in respect to the choice of your accessories, have a close look at this watch:



Thanks for reading,
Magnus

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-07-15 01:27:13

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Comments: view entire thread

 

wow...

 
 By: stere : July 15th, 2013-07:18
...what an amazing watch. Thanks for your report Magnus! stere

Yes, one needs to see them in reality, ...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : July 16th, 2013-08:21
that changes the appreciation a lot! Best, Magnus

I love this watch...

 
 By: foversta : July 15th, 2013-13:04
This dial which looks like a chocolate box is stunning. One of my fav KingSquare. Thanks Magnus! Fx

Magnus, what are your thoughts on making larger sized movements to fit these large cases?

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : July 22nd, 2013-20:00
Or is it time for Roger Dubuis to develop a square or rectangle shaped movement since it has many rectangle & square shaped cases? - AT

Square watches are a token from RD's past...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : July 23rd, 2013-03:20
and there are, as far as I know, no square watches currently in RD's collection. However, the quest for larger movements fitting larger cases is a very valid one. The recently introduced automatic micro-rotor movement Cal. RD 640 (diameter: 34.9mm) is a f...  

That's definitely a perfect fit for the Excalibur

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : July 23rd, 2013-06:22
I hope Roger Dubuis continues to make larger sized movements in the future. I used to have the Much More XXL and always thought the circular movement was just too small for the case when viewed through the caseback, just like the KingSquare Chocolate Bar.... 

I agree.

 
 By: BABKA : August 11th, 2013-00:19
The RD 640 movement is quite nice. Thanks for posting the lovely pics.

A latecoming question

 
 By: heartbreaker : September 3rd, 2013-04:11
Dear Magnus, I'm sorry if I'm posting my reply after almost two months, I'm reading some old posts I've lost [and to lose an article from you is always, always a pity]. The timepiece you've described is absolutely fascinating. I appreciate a lot all the d... 

If only I knew that...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : September 3rd, 2013-11:24
I asked them weeks ago but I am still waiting for a reply... Cheers, Magnus

Found it!

 
 By: heartbreaker : September 4th, 2013-02:08
I've googled the few words I could see "dans une future qui nous" plus the name "Roger Dubuis"... et-violà!!! I've found the complete phrase on La Revue Des Montres n°88/2003, page 44 [(c) Les Editions Jalou 1921-2013]: "Nous souhaitons toujours créer des... 

Well done! It sounds like the extension of the Mr. RD's credo...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : September 8th, 2013-22:35
which reads "art and respect for tradition" . 'Respect' is the term that is actually quite important for Roger Dubuis. It carries the implied meaning that tradition (here: watchmaking tradition, in particular the Genevan style) serves a foundation, a plat... 

very nice, I love RDs [nt]

 
 By: Milan : November 24th, 2013-05:23