Dr. Woo x Roger Dubuis
Galactic Horological Odyssey
PRESS RELEASE | 1319 WORDS | 13 MINUTE READ
A new Monotourbillon marks the 3rd episode in the watchmaking collaboration between Roger Dubuis and renowned tattoo artist, Dr. Woo.
Celebrating a partnership based on the shared values of expressivity and individuality, and which combines the creative skillsets from two unique worlds.
Showcasing an inspiring story through dial and component decoration, while still maintaining a high standard of technical performance.
On their latest celestial voyage, Roger Dubuis and Dr. Woo combine forces to launch the 3rd episode in their Excalibur watchmaking odyssey. This time, the journey goes on a galactic peace mission, finding inspiration in the unimaginable depths of space, and transporting the Maison and the iconic tattoo artist to a new dimension of innovation and creativity.
Photo Courtesy: Roger Dubuis
Introducing the Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III.
Having developed his own distinctive single needle style, Dr. Woo has elevated the art of tattooing with complexity and sophistication. This has made the partnership with Roger Dubuis all the more authentic. Both sides share a passion for expressivity and both have earned a reputation for design exploration, where traditions are reinterpreted through modern techniques and signature aesthetics.
By working closely together once again, this next collaborative timepiece delves further into realms of decorative originality and reveals a showcase of mechanical excellence.
“I love that Roger Dubuis does watchmaking in its own way. That flair for individuality is how I approach my own work and it’s where we find common ground.” – Dr. Woo
The Journey So Far
The original collaboration between Roger Dubuis and Dr. Woo began in 2021. Taking off on a philosophical space flight, the tattoo artist brought his famous talents to the surfaces of the Excalibur Monotourbillon, fostering the message that “time is our most valuable asset.”
In 2023, the cosmic expression continued through a new Excalibur Monobalancier, cased in ceramic and detailed with a stunning interpretation of the sun, Earth, and moon. At its heart, this watch contemplated the way that time moves in our galaxy.
Through each creation, Dr. Woo’s recognizable style has been clearly evident, with several icons remaining constant in the designs. These have included his signature spider; his mysterious language of symbols; and the travelling spaceship, whose trajectory follows the emblematic star shape of the Excalibur collection.
Yet again, in 2025, these three enduring elements are visible. Each one is presented alongside Dr. Woo’s unique single needle approach. Unlike the heavy lines and bright colours of traditional tattooing, his distinctive method reveals a minimalist and monochrome style, where flawless geometry is brought to life.
“I’m always inspired by discovery. In this new creation, we’re not only exploring the endless expanse of space, but also looking inward at our own artistic and watchmaking capabilities.” - Dr. Woo
Galactic Inspiration
For this third episode, Roger Dubuis and Dr. Woo travelled 31 million light years into space, finding inspiration in a distant realm known as the “Tourbillon Galaxy.” Also named Messier 51a, or the Whirlpool Galaxy, this spiralling formation was photographed by the James Webb Telescope in August 2023, revealing its striking arms that serve the important purpose of star-formation factories, creating clusters of new stars.
For the creative minds behind this new timepiece, there is a clear connection between the clockwise turn of the Tourbillon Galaxy and the way in which a tourbillon complication moves in its precise measurement of time, as well as with Roger Dubuis' signature astral shape.
The Spaceship Comes in Peace
The Dr. Woo spaceship began its journey in the first timepiece in 2021. Now an essential mark of the Roger Dubuis collaboration, it appears again in this edition on the top surface of the watch’s sapphire crystal.
The meticulous craftsmanship begins with a 3D galvanic growth on the glass, followed by pink gold metallization of the spaceship and its astral-shaped trails. Look closely, and you’ll also discover a poignant message, “We Come in Peace” written in the trails.
The discovery doesn’t end there. At 10 o’clock, the signature Dr. Woo spider is delicately placed, created from laser engraving and then filled with black ink – a subtle nod to the artist’s tattoo style.
Next to this, on the underside of the sapphire glass at 9 o’clock, three pink gold metallized nebulas appear. These illuminated clouds of gas and dust are where the timepiece continues its story – inviting the wearer into the “black hole” underneath.
Through the Corridors of Time
Indeed, the metallized nebulas are a starting point for discovery. To bring the wearer to the impressively distant Tourbillon Galaxy, the corridors of time must be crossed.
Between 10 and 11 o’clock, Roger Dubuis has placed a spiral-shaped component representing the entrance to a “black hole”. Made in stainless steel and treated with pink gold, the component is laser-engraved and creates a hypnotic effect.
Turn the watch over – and you can see where this “black hole” exits. Viewed from the caseback, the same component has been filled with black colouring and is surrounded by a large chequerboard spiral pattern, which radiates outwards on the sapphire crystal with selective metallization. It’s another expressive touch, conveying the immensity of space and time distortion.
Note also the meaningful wording that surrounds the caseback, destined for a faraway lifeform on the other side of space: “Let’s work together to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos and unlock the secrets of the universe. To whoever finds this message, know that we are seekers of knowledge and explorers of the unknown.”
A Tourbillon Transformed
The manufacture’s calibre RD515 features the revered tourbillon, a mechanism that highlights the horological expertise of Roger Dubuis. Signature details, such as a flying tourbillon positioned at 7 o'clock are seen in this movement. Yet, to make Dr. Woo's wondrous vision a reality, Roger Dubuis’ watchmakers have slightly transformed its cage: while the lower cage remains in lightweight titanium, the upper bridge has been reduced to its most minimalistic shape (with just 3 arms) in order to welcome a spiral inspired by the Tourbillon Galaxy. This décor is specifically created in stainless steel, as it’s the best material for the complex shape, and also allows Roger Dubuis to perform its signature mirror polish to give the piece a gleaming finish.
Along with the 72 hours of power reserve, the calibre RD515 is certified by the Poinçon de Genève that evaluates not only the provenance and reliability, but also the quality of craftsmanship. Each one of the 193 components of the movement has been hand-decorated using 16 different types of remarkable finishing.
The Cosmos in Motion
At 1 o’clock, the complexities of space are expressed once more. The circular barrel cover has been given a matte-black background, with additional transfers in pink gold representing the planets, rings, and nebulae within a distant galaxy.
This striking pattern moves at the same rate as the barrel, evolving throughout the day to reveal the galaxy from different angles. This also occurs at a faster rate when winding the watch via the crown.
Bi-colour Materials and Mysteries
To frame all of the inspirational details within this Excalibur timepiece, Roger Dubuis has used the rare bi-colour combination of 18K pink gold and titanium. These materials are featured in the 42mm case, as well as the bracelet with its Quick Release System, offering the benefits of prestige, resilience, and light weight.
And to leave his final mark, Dr. Woo’s mysterious design language is laser-engraved around the bezel and the middle links of the bracelet. These symbols are open to interpretation, deepening the connection between the wearer and the artist.
Rarity on the Wrist
The Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III is a special example of what Roger Dubuis brings to the world of horology today. Not only a dynamic execution of high watchmaking, but also a theatrical delivery of storytelling and art.
With this timepiece, limited to just 28 pieces, transformed tourbillon mechanics are combined with the playful creativity of Dr. Woo – showing exactly what happens when two worlds of expressivity meet.
For further information visit rogerdubuis.com