Roger Dubuis’ Lady of the Lake Hawthorn Watch Turns Arthurian Legend Into Haute Horlogerie
Roger Dubuis
By PAGE Editor
A fusion of mythology, fine jewelry and mechanical watchmaking, Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Lady of the Lake Hawthorn celebrates the strength and mystique of Viviane through an intricate floral dial and rose-gold craftsmanship.
Luxury watchmaking has long found inspiration in mythology, nature and the art of storytelling. For Roger Dubuis, these elements converge in the Excalibur Lady of the Lake Hawthorn, a new feminine timepiece that draws from the Arthurian legend of Viviane, the mysterious and powerful Lady of the Lake. Blending Haute Horlogerie with the language of fine jewelry, the creation offers an elaborate interpretation of femininity, independence and protection.
In Arthurian mythology, Viviane is a figure of considerable influence. Emerging from the mystical Brocéliande Forest, she is credited with placing Excalibur into King Arthur’s hands and shaping his destiny. A student of Merlin who ultimately surpasses her teacher in the practice of magic, Viviane represents a compelling combination of intelligence, independence and power. Roger Dubuis translates these characteristics into a watchmaking narrative that extends beyond conventional notions of feminine luxury.
Roger Dubuis
The hawthorn serves as the central inspiration for the latest creation. Recognized for its delicate flowers, vibrant berries and protective thorns, the plant becomes a metaphor for Viviane’s duality: beauty accompanied by strength. Its symbolism is brought to life through a three-dimensional dial featuring 147 diamonds, white mother-of-pearl flowers and red sapphire berries. Polished gold stamens hold diamond pistils, creating a miniature botanical composition that feels closer to sculptural jewelry than traditional watchmaking.
Housed in a 36 mm rose-gold case, the timepiece continues the collection’s theatrical approach to design. A diamond-set fluted bezel, contrasting polished and satin-brushed surfaces, and four diamonds on each of the inclined lugs reinforce its jewelry-like construction. The deep red alligator leather strap, finished with a pearled effect, complements the scarlet accents of the dial.
Beyond its decorative complexity, the Lady of the Lake Hawthorn maintains the mechanical credentials associated with the Maison. Through its transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the watch reveals the RD830 automatic mechanical calibre, comprising 183 components. Haute Horlogerie finishing includes Côtes de Genève decoration, snailing and an open-worked 22-karat gold oscillating mass.
Even the small seconds display reflects the Maison's technical ambition. A sculpted mother-of-pearl flower petal serves as the indicator, requiring careful consideration of balance and inertia given its asymmetrical, three-dimensional construction.
Roger Dubuis
The Hawthorn joins previous Sovereign Grey and Sylvan Green interpretations of Viviane, each exploring a different dimension of her personality. Where grey communicates the strength of a knightess and green captures the mystery of her magical surroundings, Hawthorn introduces a softer but equally commanding expression.
With the Excalibur Lady of the Lake Hawthorn, Roger Dubuis demonstrates how watchmaking can operate as both mechanical engineering and cultural storytelling. The result is a precious interpretation of a legendary woman whose influence, much like the hawthorn itself, extends well beyond her delicate appearance.
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Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Lady of the Lake Hawthorn transforms the Arthurian legend of Viviane into a 36 mm rose-gold Haute Horlogerie creation, combining intricate floral artistry, 147 diamonds, red sapphires and the RD830 automatic movement.