It may seem unlikely that a luxury watchmaker would partner with a tattoo artist, but Roger Dubuis and L.A.-based Dr. Woo have collaborated on a cosmic timepiece. Known for his delicate single-needle style and celebrity clientele, Dr. Woo—real name Brian Woo—has found common ground with horologists through their shared dedication to detail and craftsmanship.
“At first, stepping into the world of hyper horology felt intimidating,” stated Dr. Woo. “I was learning an entirely new vocabulary and etiquette. But the more I spoke with the design team and watchmakers, the more I realized how much we had in common in terms of discipline, apprenticeship, and a passion for intricate detail.”
Episode III and Its Cosmic Influence
That connection came to life again on June 18 with the debut of their third collaboration, the Excalibur Monotourbillon Dr. Woo Episode III. Unveiled at Dr. Woo’s Hideaway behind the Hotel Roosevelt, the watch continues the space-inspired narrative from their previous releases. This time, the design looks far beyond our own sky to the Whirlpool Galaxy, Messier 51a, as seen through the James Webb Telescope.
“There’s something beautiful about the unknown,” says Dr. Woo. “The first watch mapped the sky, the second added celestial bodies like the sun and moon. This one takes us deeper. We’re no longer looking up. We’re already out there, surrounded by black holes and vortexes, moving forward into whatever lies ahead.”
Design Features and Symbolism
The 42 mm case pairs 18-karat pink gold with titanium. A tiny spaceship hovers above the crystal, crafted using 3-D galvanic growth and finished in pink gold. You’ll also find an engraved spider, signature symbols carved into the bezel, and three pink gold nebulas beneath the sapphire at 9 o’clock. A pink-gold spiral between 10 and 11 represents a black hole, which reappears on the back in black steel, encircled by a checkerboard exit path.
Mechanical Precision and Limited Release
The caseback carries a message: “Let’s work together to uncover the mysteries of the cosmic space and unlock the secrets of the universe. To whoever finds this message, know that we are seekers of knowledge and explorers of the unknown.” At 7 o’clock, Roger Dubuis’s flying tourbillon spins within a titanium frame and minimal three-arm bridge. Only 28 pieces will be made, each priced at $180,000.
Laurent Toinet, president of Roger Dubuis Americas, says, “I could talk about the movement—it’s beautiful—but you have to look for the spider.”
For Dr. Woo, it’s about the vision behind the craft. “I don’t want people to think it’s cool just because it mixes two different worlds,” he says. “I want them to appreciate the detail and maybe get a glimpse of how I see the universe.”
