Roger Dubuis has debuted the new Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph – an expressive timepiece that 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. When Mr. Roger Dubuis launched his company 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. 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. The collection that debuted earlier this year is now followed by the latest variation – the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph – unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Shanghai.
The new watch is powered by the RD780. Reaching 72 hours of power reserve, this calibre is like no other chronograph movement. 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. The watchmakers have built the calibre from scratch and integrated the chronograph complication into the movement.
The famous column wheel at 6 o’clock – an intricate component that governs the start, stop, and return to 0 of the chronograph, and makes the pushers much smoother to operate – has been made completely visible from the front, allowing it to be fully admired when playing with the chronograph.
The calibre’s vertical clutch can be seen through the caseback; the shape of the clutch recalls the gear-system of supercar design and 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), crafted with a radical isotoxal shape, 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.
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.
The exterior of this 45 mm timepiece is adorned in shades of orange and green – the eye-catching colours that supercars are known for. 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 crafted in lightweight carbon.
Along with skeletonised pushers, the case is matched by a ceramic bezel – hyper resistant to scratches and less likely to tarnish over time. 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. 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.
