Roger Dubuis’ newest Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is what happens when the spirit of motorsport meets the finesse of haute horology. While most chronographs stick to pure racing aesthetics, this new release adds Geneva Seal-certified craftsmanship into the watchmaker’s legacy of pushing boundaries. Inside, the integrated RD780 movement packs all the right horological hallmarks, like a column wheel and vertical clutch, while also sneaking in a few Roger Dubuis twists. The Rotating Minute Counter at 3 o’clock is a showcase in itself, flipping through large red numerals. At the same time, the Second Braking System keeps the chronograph’s seconds hand steady without that distracting flicker.
Before launching his own brand in 1995, Roger Dubuis himself spent nearly a decade working exclusively on chronograph movements, and the complication has stuck with the brand ever since. Fast-forward to 2023, and the brand is on its fifth generation of the design, still honoring the past but rethinking the finer details. The tilted balance wheel at 9 o’clock is an eye-catcher, the 45mm skeletonized pink gold case brings depth from every angle, and even the caseback rotor takes inspiration from the wheel of a supercar.
With only 88 pieces being made, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph joins the growing list of ultra-exclusive Roger Dubuis models. Every part, 333 parts in total, has been hand-finished to meet Geneva Seal standards, but without the overly polished look that makes a watch feel too precious to wear. The 72-hour power reserve is a nice touch, and the black rubber strap with a quick-release system keeps things practical for actual daily wear. Between the warm tones of 18K pink gold, the open-worked pushers, and the skeletonized dial’s continuously shifting view, there’s always something new to catch your eye. It’s the kind of watch that feels at home whether you’re trackside or just catching coffee, and it proves Roger Dubuis can make a chronograph that’s equal parts performance, personality, and pure fun.
Source: Roger Dubuis
