Roger Dubuis continues to draw inspiration from Arthurian England mythology in its Excalibur collection, introducing a new women's model for 2026.
The new model is designated DBEX1198 - Roger Dubuis Excalibur Lady Of The Lake Sylvan Green. This is one of two new reduced-size Excalibur watches for women. The other new 2026 model is the DBEX1193 with a gold case and a more restrained, traditional gray-toned dial. However, it is the Sylvan Green that stands out with its striking and complex artistic dial, designed to visually convey the sensation of observing green lake waters. Various smooth green segments are crafted using a combination of artisanal techniques, such as meticulous lacquer painting and mother-of-pearl inlay.
The Significance of Sylvan Green and Its Connection to the Watch Design
If you are unfamiliar with the term "Sylvan Green," it is worth noting that it has no direct connection to the Arthurian legend or the image of the "Lady of the Lake." "Sylvan Green" refers both to a specific yellowish-green shade and a variety of Austrian white wines. The Pantone Sylvan Green color indeed resembles the shade of white wine that inspired it. Primarily, the lighter green tones on the watch dial correspond to this Sylvan Green hue. Roger Dubuis has created a composition that makes green lake waters (typically not considered particularly beautiful) appear attractive, lively, and mysterious. These are indeed intriguing watches, although the connection to the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legends seems rather distant.
Technical Features: New 36mm Case Size
The main technical innovation is the reduced case width of 36mm, which appears for the first time in the Excalibur collection. Previously, Roger Dubuis had not released smaller-sized cases for women in this line. The new size offers high versatility and is suitable for both expressive jewelry models and sportier watches on a bracelet. However, the case has a water resistance of only up to 30 meters, which raises questions, as the manufacturer could likely increase this to 50 or even 100 meters by altering the crown and gasket construction.
Materials and Case Decoration
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Lady Of The Lake Sylvan Green features an 18-carat rose gold case. The bezel and lugs are adorned with over 60 hand-set brilliant-cut diamonds. The case back is equipped with a transparent window, allowing a view of the movement - an important detail for enthusiasts. At the presentation, the model was shown on a white alligator leather strap, although most versions will be delivered with a rich green strap to harmonize with the dial's colors.
Movement: Caliber RD830 with Automatic Winding
Inside the watch is the proprietary automatic caliber RD830, consisting of 183 components. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a 48-hour power reserve. In this configuration, it displays the time with an additional seconds scale (there are also versions with date indication). Unlike many Roger Dubuis models, this movement is not certified with the Geneva Seal. This does not indicate a reduction in quality but is due to streamlining some finishing stages to reduce costs. Roger Dubuis, like other premium Swiss brands, is adapting to modern market demands by offering more affordable models without excessive complications. For example, ten years ago, the brand's most popular watches featured a double tourbillon - now, demand has shifted towards stylish but more affordable options.
Dial Design and Time Reading Ease
A feature of the RD830 caliber is that the additional seconds indicator is implemented as a moving disc rather than a traditional seconds hand. A small "moonstone" serves as the reference point for seconds. The hour and minute hands, as well as hour markers, are easy to read, making the new 36mm Excalibur dials both attractive and practical. Roger Dubuis plans to widely use the new case size for various models, predominantly women's, but possibly unisex as well. This is a strategically important innovation, and it will be interesting to watch buyers' reactions. The recommended retail price for the DBEX1198 model is $62,500 USD.
Key Advantages of Roger Dubuis Excalibur Lady Of The Lake Sylvan Green
- Unique artistic dial simulating green lake waters
- New compact 36mm case in 18K rose gold
- Over 60 diamonds on the bezel and lugs
- Automatic RD830 movement with 48-hour power reserve
- Transparent case back for viewing the movement
- High versatility in design for various styles
This model successfully combines the traditions of haute horlogerie and modern trends, making it an important representative of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur women's collection for 2026.