Introducing The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph In Verde Mantis

Last year saw the exhilarating launch of Roger Dubuis’ fifth generation in chronograph design. Not one, but two Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronographs were unleashed, signaling the Maison’s return to this renowned complication – and showcasing a high standard of savoir-faire in every component. 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).

This contemporary approach to high horology starts right at the very beginning, where the watchmakers are given full creative license, allowing them to build the caliber from scratch and integrate the chronograph complication into the movement. This is a bold move away from the rational, modular approach (which consists of adding a chronograph module to an already existing movement) and takes many more months to complete. But the extra time means that the entire caliber is designed to both tell the time and measure time, while also expressing its own aesthetic identity. The RD780 is backed by the esteemed Poinçon de Genève certification. 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.

Encapsulating the beauty of a high-performance sports car is a skill Roger Dubuis certainly excels at. 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 color. Roger Dubuis is honoring 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, everywhere you look, there is an abundance of interesting details. Along with skeletonized 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, 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 Excalibur Spider 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 colorful options, giving sports car enthusiasts the chance to fully express themselves on race day.