Introducing the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph with trailblazing mechanics and hyper-tech materials. An unrelenting drive toward maximum performance. Roger Dubuis is a watchmaker in the fast lane of expressive design, embracing the values of supreme motorsport to inspire its creations. Influenced by the cutting-edge technology of supercar engineering, this ultra-inventive timepiece, with two pending patents, is fuelled by a new flyback chronograph calibre, featuring the seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.
Roger Dubuis has a deep and authentic connection to the chronograph- with a heritage that stretches back to its earliest years and its very first watch. Following the MonovortexTM Split-Seconds Chronograph, which introduced the future of the Roger Dubuis chronograph at Watches and Wonders earlier this year, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph signals the long-awaited comeback of this complication to the Maison’s collections. It encapsulates that history of know-how while making a rapid step forward, identified by the advanced development of some of the most complex techniques.
The Maison’s obsession with motorsport has also energized the chronograph return. Since picking up the keys to this high-octane sport in 2017, Roger Dubuis has unleashed a torrent of creativity and audacious timepiece design, borrowing elements of supercar design to elevate its watchmaking. That passion has been backed by collaborations with some of the industry’s leading names, including a partnership with the Goodwood Festival of Speed —at which the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph will make its début this year.
The exterior of this 45 mm timepiece is no less impressive than its stunning calibre. Accelerating to yet another level, the case is crafted in lightweight carbon and reveals a perfect combination of sharp lines and signature notches - and a symmetry that is typical of the Excalibur Spider collection. It’s a streamlined look that accentuates the nature of speed. Along with skeletonized 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.
If chronograph construction were a sport, the new RD780 would be in pole position. As always, Roger Dubuis has not been afraid of a challenge. As a Flyback, this chronograph is already at a more sophisticated standard of savoir-faire, enabling the instantaneous restarting of the timer function while the chronograph is running.
This is only the start of the speed-inspired design. Rather than taking a rationalized, modular approach, the Maison has fully integrated the chronograph complication into the movement, building it from scratch and placing it at the heart of its surroundings. This highly technical approach means that the entire calibre RD780 has been designed to both tell the time and measure time. While this takes many more months to complete and is far more demanding in the context of a skeletonized calibre, it has bestowed more creativity on the watchmakers, allowing them to play with the aesthetics and take every detail to the next level.
The feature at 6 o’clock is another fine example of this spirit: the famous column wheel. For connoisseurs and collectors, this legendary and intricate component is the unmistakable mark of technical value. Not only has Roger Dubuis precisely machined the complex geometry of the column wheel, but they have also found a way to make it visible from the front, giving it a prominent position in which to be admired when playing with the chronograph. From a functional perspective, this appreciated piece has the extra advantage of making the pushers much smoother to operate. A small yet noticeable detail when attempting to reach perfection.
Further proof of the calibre’s extraordinary craftsmanship is its vertical clutch. Compared to a horizontal design, the vertical clutch is known to be more precise when starting the chronograph, improving accuracy at the moment that matters. Viewed from the case back, it also recalls the gear system of supercar design, yet again making a valid connection to the world of motorsport. But Roger Dubuis has not stopped there. The clutch is also equipped with an innovative Second Braking System (SBS), a component that drastically decreases flicker and brings extra stability to the chronograph seconds hand. Sharp. Reliable. Incredibly reactive. A patent-pending for Roger Dubuis’ version of the chronograph braking conception that will be clearly noticeable for wearers.
The 333-part automatic movement provides a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound. Tilted at 12 degrees, the balance wheel at 9 o’clock has raised its level of inertia to the same standard as a tourbillon. This ensures strong resistance to everyday knocks, as well as the negative effects of gravity, which the Maison 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.
For this new movement, the rotor has been shaped with five arms, like the rims of a supercar’s wheel, and accentuated with the signature sharp lines of Roger Dubuis. Further proof of affinity between motorsport and the Maison.
This new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph will immerse you in a multi-dimensional design, whereby Roger Dubuis has created a depth of different surface levels. From the floating tachymeter scale to the lower date display, and raised seconds hand, these parallel surfaces are arranged in all possible angles and heights. It’s a dynamic and expressive build that discloses something new with every glance.
Finally, we arrive around the wrist, where the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is presented on a black rubber strap, which is notched for extra volume. On the inner layer, a distinctive pattern recalls screeching tire marks, while the Quick Release System ensures the wearer can change the strap in seconds for more versatility. Buckle up and enjoy the rush, as the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph makes its adrenaline-fuelled debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023. Roger Dubuis is the Official Timing Partner of this world-famous celebration of car culture —and is proud to be unleashing its newest timepiece at this year’s epic meet from July 13th to July 16th. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is exclusively sold at Roger Dubuis Boutiques.
Sticker Price $101,500 USD. For more info on Roger Dubuis click here.
