Put your helmet on and hold on tight. Roger Dubuis is back in the driving seat of pulsating chronograph design. Accelerating through the gears of innovation and performance, the Maison shows no sign of slowing down in its turbo-charged delivery of Hyper Horology™.
Introducing the new Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph. As the name suggests, this expressive timepiece is as much a reference to Roger Dubuis long-lasting partnership with Lamborghini Squadra Corse as it is inspired by the incredible Lamborghini Revuelto – a milestone creation in speed and the very first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle).
From the colours to the aerodynamic curves, Roger Dubuis has injected this watch with spellbinding creativity to delight any supercar fan. At its heart, there’s also a powerful synergy between traditional DNA and unprecedented mechanics – further propelling this design into the spotlight.
Fifth Generation Chronograph
When Mr. Roger Dubuis launched his company and set the tone for excellence in 1995, he included the prestigious chronograph calibre in the very first watches he created. The second generation of chronograph then arrived in 1998 – the fully integrated RD28 calibre developed by the Maison. In 2012, the chronograph was associated with a tourbillon to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Poinçon de Genève, while finally, in 2014, a fourth generation of chronograph was born, showcasing the Maison’s commitment to this iconic aspect of high horology.
Having built that expertise and know-how to an exceptional standard, Roger Dubuis has now arrived at its fifth generation of chronograph design.
So far in 2023, two incredible watches have signalled the return of this famed complication to the Maison’s collection. Firstly, a revolutionary concept design known as the Monovortex™ Split-Seconds Chronograph, unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva, followed by the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Made with the Maison’s most advanced savoir-faire, the collection that debuted earlier this year is now followed by the latest variation – the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph – unveiling at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Shanghai.
The Latest Chronograph Engine
The new watch is powered by the RD780. Reaching 72 hours of power reserve, this calibre is like no other chronograph movement. Every detail has been approached with Roger Dubuis’ insatiable curiosity, resulting in highly technical surprises at every turn. For a start, the Flyback function places the calibre at a remarkable standard of savoir-faire and enables the instantaneous restarting of the timer function while the chronograph is running.
Most impressively, however, Roger Dubuis has given its watchmakers full creative licence, allowing them to build the calibre from scratch and integrate the chronograph complication into the movement. This is a bold move away from the rational, modular approach, and takes many more months to complete. But the extra time is well worth it, as it means that the entire calibre is designed to both tell the time and measure time, while also expressing its own aesthetic identity.
Take, for example, the famous column wheel at 6 o’clock, an intricate component that governs the start, stop and return to 0 of the chronograph, and also has the added advantage of making the pushers much smoother to operate. It’s been made completely visible from the front, allowing it to be fully admired when playing with the chronograph. For connoisseurs and collectors, that makes a powerful difference. The column wheel is a legendary component and the unmistakeable mark of technical value. Difficult to machine. Complex in its shape. It surely deserves a prominent position in this chronograph design.
Now to the matter of precision. Look through the caseback and you’ll spot the calibre’s vertical clutch, a sign of watchmaking excellence. The shape of the clutch recalls the gear-system of supercar design, and for even more magic, it is also equipped with an innovative Second Braking System (SBS). This brake, directly attached to one of the clamps, is a patent-pending for Roger Dubuis’ version of the chronograph. It brings extra stability to the chronograph seconds hand and drastically decreases its flicker. Those with a keen eye will certainly notice its sharper stop.
Finally, at 3 o’clock, there’s just enough space to get playful. The unexpected 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) has been a revelation in Roger Dubuis’ chronograph designs this year. Crafted with a radical isotoxal shape, it includes a patent-pending tripartite hand that carries the 0, 1 and 2, accurately rotating past the 0-9 digits on the right. As soon as you activate the chronograph, the RMC begins its joyful display.
All About Performance
There are certain qualities that will place a calibre in its own realm of excellence. For the RD780, this includes the tilted balance wheel at 9 o’clock. This balance wheel has raised its level of inertia to the same standard as a tourbillon, ensuring a strong resistance to everyday knocks. Additionally, its 12° inclination compensates for the negative effects of gravity, which Roger Dubuis has long been obsessed with solving. Meanwhile, the diamond-coated silicon escapement wheel is paired with diamond-coated silicon pallet-stones, ensuring sublime anti-magnetic qualities.
As if this calibre’s performance could ever be in doubt, it is backed by the indisputable Poinçon de Genève certification. This is undoubtedly one of the most demanding signatures of fine watchmaking, requiring each of the 333 components to be decorated by hand, while all functions have to be tested both before and after casing. The ultimate level of assurance that only few can offer.
Headlights in the Spotlight
Speed is the game when it comes to the exterior design of this 45 mm timepiece. Adorned in shades of orange and green, it stands out in the eye-catching colours that supercars are known for. Yet from the front, the watch’s most Revuelto-inspired element comes into view. A signature “Y” shape bar on the dial, with perfect lines that mirror the headlights of Lamborghini’s V12 hybrid supercar.
This component matches seamlessly with the surrounding case, which is crafted in lightweight carbon. Note the sharp lines, essential notches, and precise symmetry that is typical of the Excalibur Spider collection.
Along with skeletonised pushers, the case is matched by a ceramic bezel – hyper resistant to scratches and less likely to tarnish over time. Together, the carbon and ceramic are a tribute to supercar construction, which often integrates the very same materials into sensitive and vital components such as brakes.
Now, take yourself deep within the design, and witness the multi-dimensional engineering. There is new architecture everywhere you look, with different surface levels including a floating tachymeter scale and a lower date display, all arranged in a variety of dynamic angles and heights.
Even from the back, the rotor has been shaped with five arms, like the rims of a supercar’s wheel. Accentuated with the signature sharp lines of Roger Dubuis, it’s another injection of speed to delight the most ardent racing fans.
To complete the enthralling look, the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph is presented on a green rubber strap with orange stitching. Notched for extra volume, it features a Quick Release System that ensures the wearer can change the strap in seconds for more versatility.
The Shanghai Unveiling
This sensational timepiece is limited to 88 pieces only – a number that can be found on the watch’s floating tachymeter scale, in tribute to Mr Roger Dubuis’ lucky number.
To feel the rush of seeing this watch up close, there’s only one place to be. The Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph will make its thrilling debut at Watches and Wonders Shanghai – taking place from September 13 – 17.
The Maison will display the timepiece front and centre at its Hyper Life Factory showcase, where Hyper Horology™ can be experienced in its most immersive form. Step inside and brace yourself for speed.
