Roger Dubuis has an unapologetically wild approach to watchmaking, and its latest model is further proof. The Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is big, racy and high-tech, with an open-worked dial and a brand-new movement.
The calibre RD780 is a self-winding integrated flyback chronograph, with two patents. One is linked to the chronograph seconds hand and the other to the display of the minute counter. It has a 72-hour power reserve.
Like all watches in the Excalibur collection, this one is fully skeletonized, something of a challenging task with a component-heavy chronograph movement (there are 333 components in this movement.
It has two cool features that give it supercar-like powers. An SBS (second brake system) means the chronograph clutch is equipped with a component that drastically decreases flicker and brings extra stability to the chronograph seconds hand. The second feature is a 120-degree rotating minutes counter at 3 o’clock that includes a tripartite hand that carries the 0, 1 and 2, accurately lining up with the 0-9 digits on the index to the right.
The 45mm case is made of lightweight carbon, and the bezel is ceramic. Both materials are a tribute to supercar construction, which often integrates the same materials into vital components, including brakes.
The central seconds hand is varnished in a racy red color, and there’s a matching double digit in the date window at 6 o’clock.
Like all Roger Dubuis watches, it is finished to Geneva Seal standards, which means that every component, including components only a watchmaker will ever see, are meticulously decorated and finished.
The strap is black rubber with red stitching to match the trim on the crown and the numerals on the bezel and dial.
The Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is only available at Roger Dubuis boutiques, and is priced at $101,500.
This article was first published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
