Roger Dubuis Unveils Its Most Complex Automatic Chronograph To Date: The Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph

This week during Watches & Wonders 2023 in Shanghai, Roger Dubuis has just released the all-new Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph, another watch added to their impressive repertoire that pays tribute to Roger Dubuis’ longstanding partnership with Lamborghini Squadra Corse — drawing inspiration from the Lamborghini Revuelto, a true milestone in speed and the world’s first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle).

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roger Dubuis

Roger Dubuis has a long history of pioneering chronograph calibers, and the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph marks the arrival of their fifth-generation chronograph. The journey started in 1995 when Mr. Roger Dubuis founded the company and introduced the prestigious chronograph caliber into his inaugural collection. Throughout the years, the Maison has continually pushed the boundaries of chronograph innovation, and 2023 has seen the resurgence of this iconic complication in spectacular fashion. Earlier this year, Roger Dubuis unveiled the revolutionary Monovortex™ Split-Seconds Chronograph at Watches and Wonders Geneva, followed by the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roger Dubuis

Underpinning the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph is the RD780 caliber. With an impressive 72-hour power reserve, this caliber redefines what a chronograph movement can achieve. Roger Dubuis’ unwavering commitment to innovation and meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this movement. The Flyback function, a hallmark of high horology, allows for the instant restart of the timer function while the chronograph is running, highlighting Roger Dubuis’ dedication to savoir-faire.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roger Dubuis

What sets this caliber apart is Roger Dubuis’ bold approach to design. Rather than adopting a modular approach, the Maison’s watchmakers built the entire caliber from scratch, seamlessly integrating the chronograph complication into the movement. The column wheel, prominently visible at 6 o’clock, governs the start, stop, and reset functions of the chronograph, elevating both functionality and aesthetics. It’s a legendary component, representing technical excellence and watchmaking prowess.

For precision and performance, the RD780 caliber boasts a vertical clutch, reminiscent of the gear system found in supercar design. Additionally, it features an innovative Second Braking System (SBS), a patent-pending feature unique to Roger Dubuis’ version of the chronograph. This system enhances the stability of the chronograph seconds hand, resulting in smoother, sharper stops. At 3 o’clock, the unexpected 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) steals the spotlight. With its radical isotoxal shape and patent-pending tripartite hand, it delivers an engaging and precise display that comes to life when the chronograph is activated.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roger Dubuis

The RD780 caliber sets itself apart with a tilted balance wheel at 9 o’clock, matching the inertia levels of a tourbillon. This design ensures exceptional resistance to everyday shocks. Furthermore, its 12° inclination compensates for the effects of gravity. The diamond-coated silicon escapement wheel and pallet-stones offer anti-magnetic qualities of the highest order. Backed by the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification, this caliber undergoes meticulous hand decoration of its 333 components, rigorous pre- and post-casing testing.

On the outside, like its predecessors, the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph is a tribute to speed and performance. Adorned in striking shades of orange and green, it captures the attention much like the supercars it draws inspiration from. The “Y” shape bar on the dial, mirroring Lamborghini’s V12 hybrid supercar headlights, stands out as a signature Revuelto-inspired element.

The lightweight carbon case features sharp lines, essential notches, and precise symmetry, characteristic of the Excalibur Spider collection. Skeletonized pushers and a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel pay homage to supercar construction, where these materials are used in vital components like brakes. Even the rotor, seen through the caseback, boasts a design inspired by a supercar’s wheel rims.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roger Dubuis

To complete the look, the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph is fitted on a green rubber strap with orange stitching, featuring a Quick Release System for easy strap changes. The timepiece is limited to just 88 pieces, a nod to Mr. Roger Dubuis’ lucky number, which can be found on the watch’s floating tachymeter scale.