The Metamorph Merlin: Roger Dubuis turns a watch dial into a sculpted forest

In its final chapter devoted to Merlin, Roger Dubuis makes a mythical forest tangible. Twelve small pink-gold knights encircle a layered green composition that does not resemble an ordinary printed dial. It is closer to a miniature stage, where the time indication is deliberately just one element of the whole.

The maker says each knight stands about six millimetres tall and is separately finished. Fifty-seven blocks using glass, gold and Crystalium form the forest floor. Their different heights and green finishes create depth, while the hand-engraved case middle carries a white stag and other references to Merlin’s transformation.

This is a useful example of a watch designed to reward prolonged looking rather than provide instant instrumental clarity. The principal trade-off is that the architectural scenery competes with the hands. Yet the narrative gains a coherence rare in highly decorated watches: case, crown, strap and dial all belong to the same forest story.

The 45mm pink-gold case is rated to 30 metres. Calibre RD821 is a self-winding, hours-and-minutes movement with 48 hours of stated reserve. The edition is limited to 28 pieces. These specifications come from the manufacturer; no hands-on examination was performed.