Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

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Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 is a model launched in 2008, conceived as a more wearable interpretation of the Excalibur aesthetic while keeping what makes it instantly recognisable: a sculptural presence, direct readability, and a strongly identifiable case design. Depending on the period and the variant, the Excalibur 42 has existed as a more dress-oriented “classic” watch, as a chronograph, and as more expressive interpretations (skeletonised executions, contemporary materials, light-driven concepts), with a constant idea: a sporty watch in terms of wear and attitude, yet designed to remain credible in everyday life, from the office to the evening.

Design & readability: the model’s identity

The Excalibur 42 is first recognised by its taut case shape and fluted bezel, framed by the collection’s three signature attachments that structure the whole and give the impression of an object “carved” rather than simply drawn. The dial varies widely across generations: some show almost classical restraint (applied markers, small seconds), while others embrace transparency and architecture (visible bridges, star-like motifs, mechanical depth). In all cases, the hands are deliberately assertive and the minute scale remains readable, so the visual identity stays strong without sacrificing an instant read of the time.

For a non-specialist audience, the key point is that “Excalibur 42” is not one fixed watch, but a family whose size acts as an anchor: it enforces a balance between spectacle and use. The most restrained versions wear like sporty-chic pieces, while skeletonised iterations, more demonstrative, embrace the role of a signature statement. This duality explains why the same aesthetic base can shift from discreet to highly expressive while staying coherent, because the case signature and the geometry of the attachments form a shared language across all variants.

Case, bracelet and everyday comfort

At 42 mm in diameter, the Excalibur aims at a compromise: enough presence to carry the brand’s DNA, yet a size that can remain wearable across a wide range of wrists. Practical details vary by reference (thickness, caseback type, water-resistance level, materials), but the spirit remains: alternating brushed and polished surfaces, crisp edges, and a lug/attachment design that anchors the watch on the wrist. In real-life wear, what matters less is the diameter figure than how the case stretches across the wrist, because fit depends mostly on effective length and the curvature of the attachments.

Bracelets strongly shape comfort: depending on the era, you will find metal bracelets that reinforce the style, dressier leather straps, or rubber straps that underline the sporting dimension. The clasp (pin buckle or folding clasp) changes balance on the wrist, as does first-link stiffness on a metal bracelet. To choose well, you need to try the watch while moving, with the wrist relaxed, because the sensation of weight and stability shifts greatly from one material to another, and an Excalibur 42 in a dense metal does not “live” on the wrist like the same watch on supple leather.

Movement: architecture, performance and maintenance

The Excalibur 42 family has hosted several movements depending on the period: on more classic versions, you find automatic calibres oriented toward “everyday watch” use, sometimes paired with small seconds and a more traditional build; on more demonstrative versions, the brand favours skeletonised movements that highlight bridges, structure and finishing. From an owner’s perspective, the stake is not only accuracy, but also the visual experience and the mechanical feel (winding, crown action, stability), because on an Excalibur, the movement is often part of the design as much as a functional organ.

On maintenance, the logic is simple: the more complex the watch (skeletonisation, specific materials, more sophisticated case details), the more you should prioritise competent servicing to preserve finish integrity and water resistance. Regular servicing (interval varying with use) and water-resistance checks if the watch sees water remain sound practices. For the buyer, it is useful to verify service availability, the exact movement inside the targeted reference, and everyday setting ease, because a well-chosen Excalibur 42 should stay enjoyable to live with, not only impressive in a display case.

Timeline & main models (2008–2025)

(2008) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Chronograph Pioneer :

The launch of the Excalibur 42 reflects a desire to make the Excalibur aesthetic more wearable without giving up the sculpted case and fluted bezel that define the collection. Early iterations already emphasise a highly graphic dial, readable hands and a construction intended for everyday wear while remaining expressive. Depending on versions, the “performance” spirit may come through a chronograph or through a cleaner display, but the same case grammar remains. 

(2012) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Classic Micro-Rotor :

In the early 2010s, the line is revisited toward a more “classicised” expression: a slimmer case, a dressier dial, and the use of an automatic micro-rotor movement to gain perceived thinness while keeping the Excalibur stance. This variant typically speaks to an enthusiast seeking a characterful watch that remains compatible with office life and a varied wardrobe. Wrist comfort improves thanks to better proportion control, and time reading becomes more immediate with a cleaner display. 

(2012) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Precious Dial :

In the same movement, some versions place emphasis on the dial as a luxury element: decorative materials, deeper colours, and association with precious metals depending on execution. The idea is to keep the Excalibur’s sporty-chic DNA while translating it into a more jewellery-like, more “object” register on the wrist. The bezel and case geometry remain, but attention shifts toward dial surface and texture, and toward overall balance on a leather strap. This kind of configuration often targets more dressed-up use without losing the collection’s personality.

(2013) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Chronograph SIHH :

The year 2013 marks the arrival of an Excalibur 42 chronograph in a more modern vein, designed to combine the readability of an instrument with the brand’s visual expressiveness. Pusher ergonomics and counter reading are designed to remain understandable, even for a wearer who only uses the chronograph occasionally. The case keeps the strong Excalibur presence, and the watch more clearly embraces a sporty posture, notably on an appropriate strap. For anyone seeking an “active” Excalibur 42, this is an important milestone because it clarifies the chronograph’s place within the 42 mm size.

(2016) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Skeleton Carbon :

In the mid-2010s, the brand explores contemporary materials and a more technical aesthetic: carbon, visible internal structures, and largely openworked dials. The Excalibur 42 in skeleton form becomes a showpiece while still trying to remain wearable thanks to the contained diameter. The goal is twofold: lighten visually (and sometimes physically) and stage the movement as an architectural object, with recurring motifs and anchoring points that add depth. This type of piece targets those who want a very assertive signature rather than a discreet sports watch.

(2021) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Black Carbon :

In the early 2020s, the “carbon” idea returns in a more structured performance logic: a 42 mm case aimed at action, a more contemporary stance, and frequent pairing with a rubber strap to reinforce sporting use. This variant targets the enthusiast who wants Excalibur DNA with a lighter, more everyday-resistant dimension, notably against the micro-scratches that worry owners more on polished surfaces. Readability remains a priority, but the whole embraces a darker, more technical aesthetic, often with a cleaner or semi-open dial depending on versions.

(2022) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Monobalancier Steel :

In a more contemporary interpretation, some Excalibur 42 models favour a strongly skeletonised display while keeping clear reading and balanced presence: steel, an architectural dial, and an automatic movement that remains visible and structurally defining. The idea is to offer an Excalibur that blends the “contemporary object” feeling with a degree of versatility, notably thanks to a more universal metal and finishing that can move from casual settings to more dressed environments. Water resistance stated on some references is more in the “everyday” range, encouraging controlled urban use. 

(2022) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Blacklight DLC Titanium :

The Blacklight theme pushes the “art & light” dimension further: a black DLC titanium case, accents sometimes gem-set depending on versions, and above all coloured micro-elements designed to react differently depending on lighting, with a particularly striking effect under UV. Even for a non-specialist audience, the principle is simple: a two-faced watch whose appearance transforms between daytime and specific lighting conditions. In this approach, the 42 mm size becomes a support for a very strong expression, closer to a wearable sculpture than a classic sports watch.

(2023) Roger Dubuis Excalibur 42 Blacklight MB White Gold :

In 2023, the Blacklight logic is offered in a very high-end proposal: a white-gold case, light-and-colour work, and a skeletonised movement staged as architecture. The result targets a collector who wants an Excalibur 42 that is precious, conceptual and instantly recognisable while staying within a wearable diameter. The watch is not conceived as a “tool watch,” but as a statement piece whose appeal also depends on its environment (light, occasion, personal style). The balance is struck between luxury (material, finishing) and spectacle (structures, colours).

Conclusion

The Excalibur 42 is for those who want a highly identifiable watch, able to exist as a style piece as much as an everyday timekeeper. You choose it first by its level of expressiveness (restrained, chronograph, skeletonised, conceptual), then by material (steel, titanium, carbon, gold) and finally by strap, which shapes comfort as much as presence. To refine your choice between references and validate long-term wear in real life, rely on Dialicious owner reviews.

(Updated January 2026)