Following the Monotourbillon release in 2021, Roger Dubuis continues its drive towards a contemporary new era with a second-time collaboration with renowned tattooist Dr. Woo.

The Los Angeles-based tattoo artist is one of the most sought-after names in the urban culture scene, having inked some of the biggest names the likes of David Beckham, Drake, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Zoe Kravitz and K-Pop star G-Dragon, who are all fans of Dr. Woo’s single-needle style and distinct motifs.

With a shared spirit of craftsmanship, attention to detail and mad skills, this out-of-the-box partnership is a true testament to Roger Dubuis’ trailblazing watchmaking ways.

This time around, Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Monobalancier calibre gets recrafted to a cutting-edge masterpiece. Lending Dr. Woo’s skillful touch, the powerful 42mm novelty, encased in a sleek, hyper-resistant ceramic case, has been meticulously embellished with the tattooist’s signature symbols showcased all over the timepiece including a spider on the sapphire disc and geometric iconography on the calf-skin leather strap. Limited to just 28 pieces, watch collectors and Dr. Woo fans need to act fast in case you missed out on the first one.

Here, Dr. Woo chats with Emirates Man on inking a second chapter with Roger Dubuis and how to make a mark in the industry.

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?

The first thing I do is let the dogs out, shower, and then coffee.

What are your main passions in life?

Of course spending quality time with my family, traveling and finding meaningful inspiration with my work.

Tell us how the collaboration came about.

I think our collaboration came out initially from a mutual connection with Lamborghini and a project I did with them, and from there, an organic conversation led to this wonderful collaboration.

Luxury is known for its inter-industry collaborations. What makes Roger Dubuis different?

What makes Roger Dubuis different is their attitude towards open-ended creativity and pushing the envelope. Whereas some luxury brands must cap their expression to keep it safe. I think Roger Dubuis always challenges me to think even further and be more expressive.

As a creative, what were the influences and inspiration behind the Excalibur Monobalancier?

The influence for this watch was to extend the story of the previous creation we made with the tourbillon, using the universe and spatial geometry to have the feeling of constant exploration and striving to explore the unknown.

You’re a rulebreaker in your own domain. Were there any challenges you encountered with the collaboration?

I think the biggest challenge was just communicating from such far distances, but that was also the beauty of working with the Roger Dubuis team— how seamlessly and easy it was considering we were communicating through different time zones, and when we did have an in-person meeting, so much was done so quickly that the residual effect of that encompasses the whole ease of the collaboration.

With collab culture at an all-time high, what makes a collaboration stand out to you?

That is true, the collab culture is a bit overdone, but the ones that come from a sincere organic meaningful connection to tell a true story will always stand out. Sometimes when two brands help elevate each other, and push each other to see themselves in a different light, that’s when the collaboration really makes sense.

…the collab culture is a bit overdone, but the ones that come from a sincere organic meaningful connection to tell a true story will always stand out.

Watches have become a worldwide investment tool for many – tell us your thoughts.

I think the storied history of watches and horology has such a heavy impact on the way we understand how valuable and precious these timepieces are. I think that’s a great way to invest in something that is also a functional piece of art that many have a personal connection and a romantic outlook beyond just flashy luxury possessions.

…putting in many hours and work is just as important as “having a lucky break”.

How have you found social media has supported your personal brand growth?

Social media has definitely helped me personally grow the brand but also with everything, there’s a grain of salt, there’s a lot of downsides to social media, but the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and share things that are important to you.

What have you learnt in the brand-building process and what advice would you give to those wanting to carve out their own pioneering career path?

The one thing that I’ve learned is beyond passion and belief, you must also have dedication and discipline. A lot of my start as an artist is believing that it will just work out which it has luckily, but there was a lot to learn and understand that putting in many hours and work is just as important as “having a lucky break”.

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Images: Supplied by Roger Dubuis