In the rarefied air of haute horology, few watchmakers dare to push boundaries as consistently as Roger Dubuis. The brand, known for its audacious designs and unapologetic embrace of excess, has forged a unique path since its inception in 1995. While its watches have always been admired for their mechanical prowess and intricate detailing, it's the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation that truly sets it apart.
Nowhere is this more evident than in their ongoing collaboration with Lamborghini, a partnership that has birthed a series of timepieces as exhilarating as the supercars they're inspired by. The latest in this lineage is the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph Verde Mantis, a watch that's as much a testament to horological ingenuity as it is to the thrill of motorsport.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
The Excalibur collection, Roger Dubuis' flagship line, has always been a playground for experimentation. Characterized by its distinctive notched bezel, skeletal dials, and avant-garde complications, the Excalibur is a canvas on which the brand's watchmakers express their wildest ideas. The Spider sub-collection takes this a step further, with its open-worked movements and innovative use of materials like carbon and ceramic.
The Verde Mantis edition, however, is more than just another Excalibur Spider. It's a tribute to Lamborghini Squadra Corse's entry into the legendary Le Mans Daytona Hybrid race, with the iconic Verde Mantis livery serving as the watch's color palette. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's a celebration of the shared values of performance, precision, and relentless pursuit of excellence that both brands embody.
Visually, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph Verde Mantis is a feast for the eyes. The 45mm carbon case, a nod to the lightweight materials used in modern racing cars, is complemented by a hyper-resistant black ceramic bezel. The dial, a complex tapestry of skeletonized bridges, gears, and wheels, is punctuated by the vibrant green accents of the Verde Mantis theme. The Super-LumiNova™ 'Y' shaped bar, inspired by the SC63's headlights, adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise technical aesthetic.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
But the real magic lies within. The RD780 calibre, an automatic movement developed in-house by Roger Dubuis, is a marvel of mechanical engineering. With two patents pending, it boasts a flyback chronograph function, a 120° rotating minute counter, and a second braking system for enhanced stability. The tilted balance wheel, a feature typically found in high-end chronographs, ensures optimal performance even under the most demanding conditions.
What sets this watch apart isn't just its technical prowess or striking design; it's the way it captures the spirit of racing. The flyback chronograph, a complication designed for timing laps, is a direct reference to the world of motorsport. The lightweight carbon case and hyper-resistant ceramic bezel echo the materials used in modern racing cars. Even the Super-LumiNova™ 'Y' shaped bar, a seemingly decorative element, is a nod to the night-time driving conditions at Le Mans.
At the core of this horological beast lies the RD780 calibre, an automatic movement that's a testament to Roger Dubuis's commitment to pushing boundaries. This isn't your run-of-the-mill chronograph; it's a symphony of gears, levers, and springs, each component meticulously crafted and assembled to deliver an unparalleled level of precision.
The flyback function, a hallmark of high-end chronographs, allows for instantaneous restarting of the chronograph timer without the need to stop and reset it. This is essential for timing consecutive events, like laps on a racetrack, and it's a feature that underscores the watch's connection to the world of motorsport.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
But the RD780 calibre is more than just a high-performance chronograph; it's a work of art. The skeletonized bridges and plates reveal the intricate workings of the movement, allowing you to witness the dance of gears and levers as they keep time. The circular grained and sandblasted finishes on the main plate and bridges add a touch of refinement to the otherwise industrial aesthetic.
One of the most striking features of the RD780 is the 120° rotating minute counter. Unlike traditional chronographs, where the minute counter hand moves in a linear fashion, the Verde Mantis's counter hand rotates in a graceful arc. This not only adds a playful touch to the watch's design, it also improves legibility by making it easier to track elapsed time.
Another innovation is the Second Braking System (SBS), a patent-pending mechanism that enhances the stability of the chronograph seconds hand. This ensures that the hand stops precisely on the marker, preventing any unwanted jittering or movement. It's a small detail, but it's indicative of the attention to detail that
Roger Dubuis puts into every aspect of its watches.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
The 45mm case, crafted from lightweight carbon composite material (C-SMC carbon), is not only visually striking but also incredibly durable and comfortable on the wrist. The black ceramic bezel, with its lacquered markings and sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, adds a touch of sophistication to the watch's sporty aesthetic. The open case back, protected by a sapphire crystal, offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the movement.
The strap, a black rubber band with a green rubber inlay, is both stylish and functional. It's equipped with a quick-release system, allowing you to easily swap it out for a different strap to match your mood or outfit. The black DLC titanium clasp, also with a quick-release system, ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
The Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph Verde Mantis is a watch that's designed to be worn, not just admired. Its water resistance of 10 bar (100 meters) means you can take it for a swim without worry. The 72-hour power reserve ensures that it will keep ticking even if you don't wear it for a few days. And the Poinçon de Genève certification, a hallmark of Swiss watchmaking excellence, guarantees that the watch meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and finishing.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
Priced at $107,500, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph Verde Mantis is a luxury timepiece that's worth every penny. It's a watch that's not just about telling time; it's about making a statement. It's a watch for those who appreciate the finer things in life, who value performance and precision, and who aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Whether you're a seasoned watch collector or a newcomer to the world of haute horology, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph Verde Mantis is a watch that's sure to leave a lasting impression. It's a testament to Roger Dubuis's unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. It's a watch that's not just a timepiece, it's a work of art.