A NEW TURN OF SPEED
Strap on your helmet and brace yourself! Roger Dubuis is once again taking the wheel of dynamic chronograph design. Surging through the realms of innovation and performance, the Maison exhibits no intention of easing off in its high-octane pursuit of Hyper Horology™.
Unveiling the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph, this distinctive timepiece pays homage not only to Roger Dubuis’ enduring collaboration with Lamborghini Squadra Corse but also draws inspiration from the remarkable Lamborghini Revuelto. This extraordinary creation, synonymous with speed, stands as the pioneer in super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle) technology.
Roger Dubuis has infused this timepiece with mesmerizing creativity, captivating supercar enthusiasts with its vibrant colors and aerodynamic contours. At its core, it embodies a remarkable harmony between traditional heritage and groundbreaking mechanics, thrusting this design even further into the limelight.
Fifth Generation Chronograph
In 1995, when Mr. Roger Dubuis founded his company, he established a standard of excellence by incorporating prestigious chronograph calibers into his inaugural watch creations. The second generation of chronographs emerged in 1998, featuring the fully integrated RD28 caliber developed by the Maison. In 2012, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Poinçon de Genève, a tourbillon was paired with the chronograph, and in 2014, a fourth-generation chronograph showcased the Maison’s unwavering dedication to this iconic facet of haute horology.
Having honed their expertise and craftsmanship to an exceptional level, Roger Dubuis has now ushered in the fifth generation of chronograph design.
In 2023, two remarkable timepieces have marked the return of this celebrated complication to the Maison’s collection. First, the groundbreaking Monovortex™ Split-Seconds Chronograph was unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva, followed by the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Demonstrating the Maison’s most advanced craftsmanship, the collection that made its debut earlier this year is now followed by the latest addition – the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph – premiering at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Shanghai.
The Latest Chronograph Engine
The new watch is driven by the RD780 caliber, boasting an impressive 72-hour power reserve that sets it apart from any other chronograph movement. Every aspect of this caliber has been meticulously approached with Roger Dubuis’ insatiable curiosity, resulting in a series of highly technical surprises at every turn. Notably, the Flyback function elevates the caliber to an exceptional level of craftsmanship, allowing for the instantaneous restart of the timer function while the chronograph is in operation.
What’s truly remarkable, however, is Roger Dubuis’ decision to grant its watchmakers complete creative freedom, enabling them to construct the caliber from the ground up and seamlessly integrate the chronograph complication into the movement. This represents a bold departure from the conventional modular approach, requiring additional months of meticulous work. Yet, the extra time investment pays off handsomely, as it ensures that the entire caliber is not only a timekeeping instrument but also a time-measuring marvel, all the while expressing its unique aesthetic identity.
Consider, for instance, the iconic column wheel positioned at 6 o’clock, an intricate component governing the initiation, cessation, and reset to zero of the chronograph, while also enhancing the smoothness of the pushers’ operation. It has been entirely exposed from the front, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to fully appreciate its intricate workings when engaging with the chronograph. For aficionados and discerning collectors, this detail makes a significant impact. The column wheel stands as a legendary element and an unmistakable symbol of technical excellence. Its intricate machining and complex form undoubtedly warrant its prominent position in this chronograph design.
Now, let’s delve into the realm of precision. If you peer through the caseback, your gaze will be met by the calibre’s vertical clutch, a hallmark of watchmaking excellence. The shape of this clutch evokes the gear-system found in supercar design, and to add an extra touch of enchantment, it features an innovative Second Braking System (SBS). This braking mechanism, directly linked to one of the clamps, represents a patent-pending innovation exclusive to Roger Dubuis’ rendition of the chronograph. It enhances the stability of the chronograph’s seconds hand and significantly reduces its jitter. Those with a discerning eye will undoubtedly appreciate its sharper and more precise stop.
Furthermore, positioned at 3 o’clock, there’s just enough room for some playful innovation. 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 features a patent-pending tripartite hand that encompasses the digits 0, 1, and 2, accurately moving across the 0-9 numerals on the right side. The moment you engage the chronograph, the RMC commences its delightful display.
All About Performance
Certain attributes distinguish a caliber and elevate it to a realm of unparalleled excellence. In the case of the RD780, one such feature is the inclined balance wheel positioned at 9 o’clock. This balance wheel has heightened its level of inertia to match that of a tourbillon, providing remarkable resilience against everyday impacts. Moreover, its 12° incline effectively counteracts the adverse effects of gravity, a challenge that Roger Dubuis has ardently pursued resolving for years. Simultaneously, the diamond-coated silicon escapement wheel is harmoniously coupled with diamond-coated silicon pallet-stones, ensuring exceptional anti-magnetic properties.
There’s no room for doubt when it comes to the caliber’s performance, especially considering its unwavering endorsement by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification. Undoubtedly, this certification stands as one of the most exacting hallmarks of exceptional watchmaking, necessitating the meticulous hand decoration of each of the 333 components, as well as rigorous testing of all functions before and after casing. It represents the pinnacle of assurance, a distinction offered by only a select few.
Headlights in the Spotlight
Speed takes center stage in the exterior design of this 45 mm timepiece. Bedecked in vibrant shades of orange and green, it commands attention with the eye-catching colors synonymous with supercars. However, from the front, the watch’s most Revuelto-inspired feature comes into focus. A distinctive “Y” shaped bar on the dial, featuring flawless lines that emulate the headlights of Lamborghini’s V12 hybrid supercar.
This element seamlessly harmonizes with the adjacent lightweight carbon case. Take note of the crisp lines, crucial indentations, and meticulous symmetry that are characteristic of the Excalibur Spider collection.
Complementing the skeletonized pushers, the case is accompanied by a ceramic bezel, highly resilient to scratches and less prone to tarnish with the passage of time. In unison, carbon and ceramic pay homage to the construction of supercars, where these materials are frequently integrated into critical and vital components like brakes.
Now, immerse yourself in the intricacies of the design and behold the multi-dimensional engineering at play. Every glance reveals a new architectural facet, featuring various surface levels, including a floating tachymeter scale and a lower date display, all meticulously arranged at dynamic angles and varying heights.
Even when viewed from the rear, the rotor takes on a distinctive form with five arms, reminiscent of the rims of a high-performance supercar’s wheel. Emphasized by Roger Dubuis’ signature sharp lines, it injects an additional dose of speed to captivate even the most passionate racing enthusiasts.
To complete its captivating appearance, the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph is showcased on a green rubber strap adorned with orange stitching. Designed with notches for added depth, it incorporates a Quick Release System, ensuring that the wearer can effortlessly switch straps in mere seconds for enhanced versatility.
The Shanghai Unveiling
This extraordinary timepiece is a limited edition, with just 88 pieces available, a number that can be found on the watch’s floating tachymeter scale as a tribute to Mr. Roger Dubuis’ lucky number.
To experience the exhilaration 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, scheduled from September 13th to 17th.
The Maison will prominently present this timepiece at its Hyper Life Factory showcase, where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Hyper Horology™. Step inside and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled experience.