Roger Dubuis brings its Merlin trilogy to an elaborate conclusion with the Excalibur The Metamorph Merlin, a 28-piece Haute Horlogerie creation inspired by transformation, mythology and the supernatural. Following the Omniscient Merlin in 2024 and Enchanter Merlin in 2025, the final chapter explores Merlin’s legendary ability to change form, represented by the mythical white stag a symbol of metamorphosis and passage between the visible and invisible worlds. That idea defines the watch from its sculptural forest dial to the intricate scenes engraved into its pink gold case.
The dial is a miniature world of extraordinary depth, constructed from 57 individually positioned elements arranged at different heights. Green CVD-coated surfaces, polished pink gold, transparent glass and shimmering Crystalium create a layered landscape that shifts dramatically with the light and viewing angle. Its architectural geometry continues the hexagonal language established by the earlier Merlin watches, originally inspired by the basalt formations of Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, but here transformed into deep green tones evocative of Merlin’s mythical forest and the realm of the Lady of the Lake. Rising from this sculptural landscape are the 12 Knights of the Round Table, each measuring just six millimeters tall. Every pink gold figure is individually sculpted, engraved and hand-finished over approximately three days, with black patina used to bring out the minute details of their armor. Their distinctive poses give each knight a character of its own while cleverly serving as unconventional hour markers.
The 45mm pink gold case extends the story with hand engraving introduced to the Merlin collection for the first time. Its relief decoration depicts Merlin in two symbolic forms the mystical white stag and the wise magician holding a book linking the finale to the themes of transformation and knowledge explored throughout the trilogy. Sword-inspired guards flank the crown as a subtle reference to Excalibur, while the green crown echoes the forest tones of the dial. Beneath the elaborate architecture beats Roger Dubuis’ automatic Calibre RD821, an in-house 172-component movement developed specifically for the watch’s complex three-dimensional construction and finished according to Poinçon de Genève requirements. Fourteen decorative techniques are employed throughout the calibre, while the reverse reveals a skeletonized 360-degree oscillating weight inspired by the stained-glass windows of a medieval castle.
Limited to only 28 examples, the Excalibur The Metamorph Merlin is a fittingly theatrical finale to Roger Dubuis’ three-year exploration of Merlin and Arthurian legend. With its miniature knights, sculptural forest landscape, hand-engraved pink gold case and intricately finished mechanical heart, the timepiece transforms an ancient myth into a contemporary expression of exceptional Haute Horlogerie.
