Roger Dubuis has once again set the bar high in the world of watchmaking with the latest edition of the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph.
This dynamic piece, the third in the series, is a testament to the Maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship and its close ties to the exhilarating world of motorsport.
The blend of supreme engineering, innovative materials, and striking colours truly captures the essence of high-performance sports cars.
The New Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph
The new Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph stands out with its vibrant green hue, marking another milestone in the Flyback Chronograph series that began in 2023.
This model celebrates Roger Dubuis’ long-standing partnership with Lamborghini Squadra Corse, reflecting the bold spirit and advanced technology of the racing world.
Dominated by the signature colour Verde Mantis, this watch is a visual tribute to Lamborghini’s racing heritage. The expressive craftsmanship and iconic design elements make this timepiece a perfect companion for those who appreciate both fine watchmaking and high-octane motorsports.
Chronograph Commitment: A Tradition of Excellence
Roger Dubuis’ dedication to the chronograph complication is deeply rooted in its history. Last year, the Maison unveiled two Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronographs, marking a significant return to this celebrated feature. These models showcased exceptional craftsmanship and highlighted the brand’s innovative spirit.
The chronograph has been a part of Roger Dubuis’ DNA since its inception. The founder himself included this complication in the movement he crafted for his watchmaking diploma, earning certification from both the Poinçon de Genève and the Bureaux Suisses de Contrôle Officiel de la Marche des Chronomètres.
This long-standing tradition has evolved over nearly 30 years, culminating in the fifth generation of chronographs that epitomise precision and sophistication.
Revolutionary Movement: The RD780 Calibre
At the heart of the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is the RD780 movement, a marvel of modern horology. This calibre reinterprets traditional watchmaking with a contemporary twist, incorporating numerous technical innovations, including two patent-pending features: the 120° Rotating Minute Counter and the Second Braking System (SBS).
The creative freedom granted to Roger Dubuis’ watchmakers allows them to design the calibre from scratch, integrating the chronograph complication seamlessly. This approach contrasts with the conventional modular method and results in a movement that is both functional and aesthetically distinctive.
Innovative Features: Technical Highlights
The RD780 calibre boasts several standout features that enhance its performance and appeal:
- Flyback Function: Allows the timer to be restarted instantaneously while the chronograph is running.
- Vertical Clutch: Shaped like a supercar’s gear system, it ensures better accuracy and features the SBS for enhanced stability of the chronograph seconds hand.
- Visible Column Wheel: Positioned at 6 o’clock, it governs the chronograph’s start, stop, and reset functions, providing smooth operation.
- 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC): This innovative counter, located at 3 o’clock, features a patent-pending tripartite hand that rotates accurately past the 0-9 digits, showcasing large red numbers in classic Roger Dubuis style.
- Tilted Balance Wheel: Situated at 9 o’clock, this feature offers tourbillon-like inertia, resistance to everyday shocks, and better stability, enhancing the watch’s overall performance.
Poinçon de Genève: A Mark of Distinction
The RD780 movement is certified by the Poinçon de Genève, one of the most prestigious accolades in watchmaking. This certification requires 16 different types of finishing and rigorous testing of all functions before and after casing, ensuring the highest level of quality and craftsmanship.
Each of the 333 components is meticulously decorated, underscoring Roger Dubuis’ commitment to excellence. The Poinçon de Genève certification guarantees that every aspect of the watch meets the most stringent standards, offering unparalleled assurance to its wearer.
Sports Car DNA: Aesthetic and Material Excellence
Capturing the essence of a high-performance sports car in a timepiece is a rare skill, and Roger Dubuis excels at this. The new Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph mirrors the aerodynamic and charismatic spirit of Lamborghini, incorporating innovative materials and distinctive design elements.
Lamborghini’s iconic Verde Mantis colour, celebrating a decade of racing success, adorns the 45mm case of the timepiece. The lightweight grey carbon case, complemented by a ceramic bezel, offers scratch resistance and durability, paying homage to the advanced construction techniques of modern sports cars.
Embracing the Lamborghini Spirit
The design of the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph draws direct inspiration from the Lamborghini SC63, particularly its emblematic “Y” shaped headlights. This detail is mirrored on the watch’s dial, with the bar filled with Super-LumiNova™, echoing the car’s shining headlights during night races.
The watch’s multidimensional architecture features various surface levels and dynamic angles, including skeletonised pushers, a lower date display, and a floating tachymeter scale. These intricate details highlight the craftsmanship and innovative spirit of Roger Dubuis.
From Back to Front: An Injection of Speed
The rotor of the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is designed to resemble the rims of a sports car, featuring five arms and accentuated by sharp lines. This design element adds a touch of speed and excitement, appealing to racing enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
The watch is presented on a Verde Mantis rubber strap with a Quick Release System, allowing for easy strap changes and added versatility. This feature ensures that the watch not only performs exceptionally but also adapts to the wearer’s style.
The Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph in Verde Mantis is limited to just 88 pieces, enhancing its exclusivity and appeal. This model joins two other vibrant options in the Flyback Chronograph series: one in red and black, and another in khaki green and orange.
Together, these three models offer a range of choices for sports car enthusiasts, allowing them to express their passion for racing and high-performance engineering through their wristwear.
Conclusion
Roger Dubuis continues to lead the way in watchmaking with the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph.
This timepiece not only celebrates the brand’s partnership with Lamborghini but also showcases its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and performance.
The vibrant design, revolutionary movement, and attention to detail make this watch a true masterpiece, appealing to those who appreciate the fusion of high horology and motorsport.
