Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini: Raring to go
The start of a new run for two brands, this high-powered partnership’s first roar takes the form of a new calibre inspired by the Aventador S engine and the new ground-breaking Huracàn Super Trofeo EVO
On September 20, 2017, the legendary Lamborghini Headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese witnessed a world premiere reveal by Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Lamborghini Squadra Corse, the motorsport department of Automobili Lamborghini, unveiled the new Huracán Super Trofeo EVO, and the announcement of its new partnership with the famous Swiss luxury watchmaker Roger Dubuis.
While motorsports and watchmaking have long since discovered various affinities, the story of Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse is a case of irresistible mutual attraction stemming from a shared focus on aesthetics in their respective R&D-driven approaches. Roger Dubuis’ particularly strong recent interest in other types of industry flows from a will to deliver timepieces endowed with elements that others do not or cannot provide. Ignoring any limits, the watch brand had discussions with aircraft, boat, motorcycle, and automobile manufacturers.
With Lamborghini, the adrenaline rush of mutual recognition was there right from the start. Corporate philosophy, R&D vision, the same flair for charismatic lines, and superlative technical engineering, as well as an attitude in sync with their demanding clients: all confirmed the initial positive vibe – between two iconic references in their respective fields and communities, two innovators in pursuit of ground-breaking technology, two designers who broke the rules – which naturally grew into a new lap.
The landmark unveiling of this new partnership was staged at the heart of Lamborghini’s R&D department: the legendary Centro Stile. For the first time ever, the celebratory dinner was held right in the middle of the production lines of the famous Aventador. A well-known Italian track was privatised for the occasion and guests were thus able to enjoy the adrenaline rush of an unforgettable driving experience.
Manufacture Roger Dubuis’ technical specialists drew inspiration from the Lamborghini spirit in rising to the challenge of creating the first timepiece collection embodying their natural affinities. The Excalibur Aventador Snow hits the track as the first horological expression of this high-speed partnership, channelling unreasonable sensations and exceptional power.
Determined to create an ultimate experience like sliding into a Lamborghini, the teams have shared their respective design skills. The resulting two models combine noble and high-tech materials while ensuring top-rate performance. These include multi-layered carbon and C-SMC carbon based on the same technology as that used for Lamborghini cars – a world premiere use of this material featured in the orange-liveried 8-piece limited edition.
The challenge lay in associating these materials with a sporting and sophisticated look, while maintaining an innate sense of luxury and prestige. The Roger Dubuis engineers and designers created a charismatic power control display forming a central signature in the middle of the watch – just as in the super sports car.
Living up to the “Powered by Raging Mechanics” signature, the Excalibur Aventador S is indeed driven by an outstanding ‘engine’ in the shape of the specially developed Duotor calibre. This Lamborghini-exclusive Roger Dubuis movement embodies an on-going evolution of the maison’s expertise, entirely reinterpreted in light of this automobile alliance.
The Duotor calibre is notably distinguished by engine strut bars revisiting the iconic Roger Dubuis Astral Skeleton principle, striking an astounding contrast with the rest of the movement, as if the engine ‘hood’ were transparent. Recalling the performance-enhancing longitudinal placement of Lamborghini engines tailored to the design of the sleek, streamlined cars, the double balance wheel is inclined at a similar angle, supported and highlighted by holders shaped like triangular wheel suspension assemblies.
The Excalibur Aventador S is available in two interpretations epitomising the “Dare to be rare” concept through respective 88- and 8-piece limited editions. The former bears the inimitable Lamborghini “Giallo Orion” yellow paint code picked up in a number of design features, while the even more exclusive series comes in “Arancio Argos”.
From spring 2018 onwards, Roger Dubuis will enjoy a particularly high-profile on-track presence as one of the main sponsors of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo: the legendary Lamborghini one-make series.
A wild beast capable of extreme performances: the brand-new Huracán Super Trofeo EVO will be attired in an all-new carbon fibre body kit developed with Dallara, one of the most influential Italian firms on the worldwide motorsport scene. With a new aerodynamic efficiency, powerful V10 5.2 litre naturally aspirated 620 hp engine, 6-speed sequential gearbox, this sophisticated speed machine is derived from the road version. Roger Dubuis could not have imagined a better platform for showcasing its outrageous spirit.
Watch connoisseurs and racing aficionados can expect further collections and a wealth of jointly organised surprises, including exciting experiences in the Geneva area as well as racing-event weekends.
