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Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph A dial-side chronograph inspired by high-performance motorsports.

Roger Dubuis has established close ties with the automotive world. For quite some time, however, the brand's collections did not include chronographs, a typical racing complication. Even more surprisingly, Roger Dubuis has a long history in chronographs – from the early classic Lemania chronographs to the more recent RD580 or RD680 movements. On the occasion of the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Roger Dubuis has unveiled the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, a timepiece inspired by supercar engineering and incorporating what the brand calls the Horology: bold, expressive and technical watchmaking!

The brand's expertise is encapsulated in the new flyback chronograph movement RD780: a bold design complemented by high-end technical options and expert craftsmanship. In typical Roger Dubuis style, the mechanics must be exposed in order to become an integral part of the design. The RD780 is a rare example of a dial-side chronograph. Its striking three-dimensional symmetry reveals its complications to the wearer, especially its column wheel or slightly inclined balance wheel. The center bridge, reminiscent of strut poles, forms an additional automotive-style visual signature.

Looking at the main tech options, we have an integrated architecture with a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The latter is a common choice for most modern chronographs, widely recognized for their technical superiority. Similar to the system in a car, the coupling is vertical and takes place by friction. The theoretical advantage is that, unlike a horizontal clutch, there are no teeth to engage or disengage, which could cause the chronograph seconds hand to jump when the teeth engage.

This new chronograph movement also integrates innovative functions and has applied for two patents. The first involves the clutch/brake mechanism, with a system known as the "Second Braking System" SBS, designed to bring extra stability and reduce flicker to the chronograph seconds hand. The brake is mounted directly on one of the two cooperating arms to engage/disengage the vertical clutch. When the chronograph is stopped, the two arms lift the clutch out of rotation, while the brake stops the seconds hand from moving.

The second has to do with the minute display. Like the Monovortex split-seconds chronograph introduced earlier this year, the elapsed minutes of this chronograph can be read with an original indication the brand calls 120° RMC. This smart solution relies on three satellite hands with 0,1 and 2 tens digits rotating to let you read the units. The variable inertia balance has 4 regulating weights and a flat balance spring. As said, it's slightly tilted 12°. Some escapement components are made of diamond-coated silicon. The frequency is 4 Hz, and the double barrel can store 72 hours of running time.

Finally, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is a Roger Dubuis signature and bears the Hallmark of Geneva, which means you are getting a high-quality finish. The main plate and bridges are circular grained and sandblasted. Visible from the back of the exhibition case, the five-armed rotor is reminiscent of a sports car rim.

Launched in 2015, the Excalibur Spider is a bolder version of the Excalibur case. The design of this new chronograph has been slightly modified. The 45mm case is made of lightweight carbon and the ceramic bezel has sporty red markers. It features extensive cutouts, starting with the signature triple lugs. The multidimensionality is further enhanced by the combination of dynamic lines, different surface layers and recesses. Large black DLC titanium crown with red lacquered ring. The chrono buttons provide a real tactile feel.

On the periphery of the movement, two flanges allow different time indications to be read. The first inner ring houses the minute track and tachymeter. The second ring has rhodium-plated spiral hour markers and is filled with SLN. The tips of the hour and minute hands are also filled with luminous material, while the chronograph seconds hand is colored red.

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph comes on a sporty black notched rubber strap with a pattern inspired by tire tracks. Both the strap and the triple folding clasp feature quick releases, allowing you to change the strap in seconds without tools.

Like all Roger Dubuis watches, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph will generate strong reactions. It makes a bold statement in many ways, from its dimensions to its materials, finishes and colours. If there is indeed much going on, the RD 780 movement is beautifully built and has a very striking finish.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR SPIDER FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH
Case: 45mm x 16.1mm - Carbon Fiber Case, Black Ceramic Bezel with Lacquered Markers - Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating - Black DLC Titanium Open Case Back with Sapphire Crystal - Black DLC Titanium Crown with red lacquered ring - water resistant to 100 m
Dial: Black lower flange with decals and minute track - Gray upper flange with spiral hour-markers, rhodium-plated and SLN filled - White gold hour and minute hands, black PVD-filled, contoured tip filled with SLN - Chronographs with red varnish Second hand and 120° rotating minute counter
Movement: Roger Dubuis RD780 - in-house, automatic - integrated flyback chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch - 16''' x 10.76mm - 4Hz frequency - 72 hours power reserve - 39 jewels - 333 parts - hours, minutes, date, flyback chronograph with central seconds and 120° rotating minutes counter - Pinçon de Genève logo
Strap: Black Rubber Strap with Black Rubber Inlay - Interchangeable with Quick Release System - Black DLC Titanium Case Cover with Titanium Blade, Triple Folding, Interchangeable with Quick Release System
Reference: RDDBEX1046