Few complications embody the spirit of speed and precision quite like the chronograph. Rooted in motor racing, its function has long dictated a utilitarian aesthetic. Bold, sporty, and engineered for action, however in the hands of Roger Dubuis it has a different take. With the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, the Maison fuses mechanical performance with expressive high horology, transforming the tool watch into a statement of modern luxury.
The chronograph has deep roots within Roger Dubuis’ history. Before founding his namesake brand in 1995, Mr. Dubuis spent nearly a decade crafting chronograph movements for a major Swiss manufacture. Naturally, the complication appeared in his first creations and has remained central to the Maison ever since.
Roger Dubuis’ expertise in skeleton delivers expressivity in multiple layers.
Now in its fifth generation (the first launched in 2023), the in-house RD780 calibre is both a technical and visual triumph. It features a column wheel at 6 o’clock, finished in a high-shine poli zinc effect, guiding the chronograph functions with precision and tactile smoothness. Paired with a vertical clutch system, the movement ensures seamless engagement and stability that draws inspiration from motorsport engineering.
But the chronograph is more than function here. At 3 o’clock, a patent-pending Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) provides a dynamic visual experience, sweeping oversized red numerals across a tripartite hand in a 120° motion. Meanwhile, the Second Braking System (SBS) within the clutch mechanism reduces flicker from the chronograph seconds hand, refining both readability and performance.
Speed And Skeletons
The rotor on the caseback takes on the shape of a supercar’s wheel.
Roger Dubuis is synonymous for its architectural designs, and this piece delivers. The skeletonised 45mm case, crafted in warm 18K pink gold, is paired with openworked pushers and a black rubber strap equipped with a quick-release system. At 9 o’clock, a signature tilted balance wheel sits at a 12° angle, which is both visually engaging and technically significant. The addition of diamond-coated silicon escapement components also enhances its anti-magnetic resilience.
Flip the watch over, and the automotive inspiration continues with a rotor shaped like a five-spoke supercar rim, immaculately edged in the Maison’s signature angular lines. The 88-piece limited edition subtly nods to Mr. Dubuis’ lucky number, also highlighted on the tachymeter scale.
Only 88 of these timepieces are available.
Certified with the Poinçon de Genève, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph meets the highest standards of Swiss finishing. Each of its 333 components is meticulously hand-decorated using 16 distinct techniques, underscoring the Maison’s commitment to artisanal excellence.
With 72 hours of power reserve, this is a chronograph for those who live fast but demand refinement. It is a piece that doesn’t just measure time, but makes a bold impression with every tick. For the modern connoisseur who seeks adrenaline with elegance, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is a striking embodiment of motion, mastery, and modernity.
(Images: Roger Dubuis)
