Roger Dubuis has created a further tribute to its long-standing partnership with Lamborghini Squadra Corse, who are taking their sports car to the highest level by competing in the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid series. The expressive craftsmanship is injected with the signature colour known as Verde Mantis
The RD780 is a movement that embodies Roger Dubuis’ approach to fine watchmaking. It reinterprets tradition in a refreshing and modern way, offering many technical surprises, including two patent-pending innovations in the form of the 120° Rotating Minute Counter and Second Braking System (SBS). Highlights of the movement include a Flyback function that enables the instantaneous restarting of the timer function while the chronograph is running. The vertical clutch, which provides better accuracy, is shaped like the gear-system of a supercar. It is equipped with an innovative Second Braking System (SBS) that is a patent-pending brake and brings extra stability to the chronograph seconds hand and drastically decreases its flicker.
There is a visible column wheel at 6 o’clock that governs the start, stop, and return to 0 of the chronograph; it also makes the pushers much smoother to operate. The 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) at 3 o’clock is crafted with a radical isotoxal shape and includes a patent-pending tripartite hand that carries the 0, 1 and 2, accurately rotating past the 0-9 digits on the right. Activate the chronograph, and the RMC begins its joyful display.
The tilted balance wheel at 9 o’clock, a signature of the Maison, provides the same level of inertia as a tourbillon, ensuring a strong resistance to everyday knocks, and allows better resistance to disturbances. Its 12° inclination brings volume to an already multi-layered design, while the diamond-coated silicon escapement wheel is paired with diamond-coated silicon pallet-stones, delivering anti-magnetic qualities.
With 72 hours of power reserve, the RD780 is backed by the indisputable Poinçon de Genève certification, undoubtedly one of the most demanding signatures of fine watchmaking. Using 16 different types of finishing overall, the Maison has decorated each of the 333 components, while all functions have to be tested both before and after casing. The ultimate level of assurance that only few can offer.
This year, Lamborghini celebrates 10 years of racing and will compete at the most prestigious level of covered-wheel motorsport in the Le Mans Daytona Hybrid series. For the occasion, the newly-constructed SC63 has been injected with Lamborghini’s iconic Verde Mantis colour. Roger Dubuis is honouring the moment by adorning the new 45mm timepiece in the same vivid shade.
In perfect balance with the Verde Mantis tones, the case is built in lightweight grey carbon, with all the sharp lines, essential notches, and precise symmetry that the Excalibur Spider collection is known for. On top, the ceramic bezel provides hyper resistance to scratches, and is a material that will not tarnish over time.
Together, the carbon and ceramic are a direct tribute to high-tech sports car construction. Yet for this model, the inspiration goes even further. The Lamborghini SC63 is distinctive for the emblematic “Y” shape of its headlights. To mirror this shared detail, the bar on the dial of the watch has been given the same sleek “Y” shape and is filled with Super-LumiNova, echoing the shining headlights of the car racing at night.
In fact, there is an abundance of interesting details everywhere. Along with skeletonised pushers, the multidimensional architecture features a variety of different surface levels, all arranged with dynamic angles and heights. This includes a lower date display as well as a floating tachymeter scale with its highlighted 88 in tribute to Mr. Roger Dubuis’ lucky number 8.
Even from the back, the rotor has been shaped with five arms, like the rims of a sports car. Accentuated with the signature sharp lines of Roger Dubuis, it’s another injection of speed to delight the most ardent racing fans.
Finally, to add irresistible style to the wrist, this Flyback Chronograph is presented on a Verde Mantis rubber strap. Notched for extra volume, it features a Quick Release System that ensures the wearer can change the strap in seconds for more versatility.
Limited to 88 pieces only, the Verde Mantis model now joins two other choices in the Flyback Chronograph series, including a version in red and black, and another in khaki green and orange. Together, these three spectacular pieces provide a full range of colourful options, giving sports car enthusiasts the chance to fully express themselves on race day.
