Excalibur 42 Automatic Skeleton

The Excalibur 42 Automatic Skeleton does exactly what the name promises: removes every gram of dial material that isn't structurally necessary, then puts the result in 42mm of rose gold. It's a watch that rewards close inspection, with the RD620 bridges and wheels arranged for visual effect as much as mechanical function. Roger Dubuis built its reputation on this kind of intensive dial architecture, and the RDDBEX0494 is a clean example of that approach without the added complexity of a tourbillon or multi-axis complication.

What it is

Roger Dubuis launched in Geneva in 1995 with a focus on high-complication skeletonization, and the Excalibur line became the brand's calling card for that aesthetic. Richemont acquired the brand in 2008, providing resources to develop fully in-house movements, which led directly to the RD620 automatic. The RDDBEX0494 entered production around 2014 and ran through 2020, sitting in the Excalibur catalog as the entry point into skeleton territory before the tourbillon and Quatuor variants.

The 42mm case size and round case shape represented a more restrained format than the later Excalibur Spider line, which leaned aggressively into racing aesthetics. Production ended without a direct like-for-like successor, leaving this reference as a distinct chapter in the Excalibur story.

Buying notes

Rose gold Excaliburs from this era show case wear quickly, and refinishing is complicated by the elaborate case geometry with its multiple beveled surfaces. The open dial leaves the movement fully exposed to dust and moisture, so service history and storage conditions matter more than on a conventional watch. Verify that the original strap and clasp are present; Roger Dubuis proprietary fittings are expensive to source and aftermarket options are limited.

The RD620 is an in-house caliber, which means independent watchmakers rarely stock parts, so any service that requires movement components will route through an authorized center. Confirming the full set of original papers, box, and warranty card is worth the effort here because they support resale and authenticate provenance for a brand with a complex ownership and distribution history.

Market read

Discontinued rose gold skeleton references from Roger Dubuis trade at a steep discount to original retail, which was well above $40,000 new. The secondary market for this reference is thin, with limited auction appearances and sporadic dealer inventory. Buyers shopping at current grey market prices are getting meaningful value relative to original cost, though liquidity risk is real: reselling quickly at a fair price requires patience.

Rolex and Patek buyers ignore this segment almost entirely, which is both the risk and the opportunity for a collector comfortable with a longer hold.

Service expectations

The RD620 automatic requires service at a Roger Dubuis authorized center or a watchmaker with documented experience on Richemont-group in-house calibers. The open-worked architecture means any ingress of debris affects the movement directly, so budget for a full clean and inspection even if the watch appears to be running well. Service intervals for the RD620 are typically recommended at five to seven years.