The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Carbon Spider Offers A Phenomenal Movement Crafted With Carbon

Carbon is no stranger to watches, with its popularity increasing in recent years as a robust yet lightweight material for cases. No one has brought it into the movement itself until Roger Dubuis unveiled the Excalibur Carbon Spider at the 2017 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève. The Calibre RD509SQ Skeleton Flying Tourbillon features the first-ever movement plate, bridges and tourbillon upper cage to be made entirely in carbon. As Gregory Bruttin, Strategic Product Director at Roger Dubuis, says: “The 50 per cent difference in weight enabled by this choice of material means a 50 per cent increase in power reserve, raising it to 90 hours for the Excalibur Spider Carbon Skeleton Flying Tourbillon 509SQ. In this revolutionary model, the chassis is represented by the baseplate and bridge; the car grid by the classic honeycomb structure; and the car body by the case; while the tourbillon would be the engine component.”

Constructed of 179 components, the mechanical calibre is a mere 4.28mm thick. Assuring 90 hours of power, it supports the skeletonised hour and minute hands as well as the flying tourbillon located at 7 o’clock. The skeletonisation of the movement also deserves praise with the creative use of carbon honeycomb décor between the plate and the bridges that somewhat resembles a spider’s web. Encasing the movement is a 45mm case made of carbon and titanium overmolded with red rubber that’s also skeletonised. There’s no denying the Excalibur Carbon Spider is a striking piece with generous splashes of red on the dial, case as well as the bi-colour strap with black rubber base.