Roger Dubuis redefines the chronograph with the Excalibur Spider Flyback—an adrenaline-charged fusion of motorsport design and haute horology, featuring a Geneva Seal-certified movement and skeletonized architecture.
A Chronograph That Dares to Be Different
Roger Dubuis has never been one to follow the rules—and with the new Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, the Maison doesn’t just bend tradition, it re-engineers it. This is not your average chronograph. It’s a full-throttle expression of high horology, certified by the Geneva Seal and built around an integrated movement that’s as technically sophisticated as it is visually arresting.
Having reported on the luxury watch sector for over two decades, I’ve seen chronographs come and go—some chasing trends, others clinging to tradition. But the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph by Roger Dubuis strikes a rare balance. It’s not just another sporty timepiece with a racing pedigree; it’s a chronograph reimagined through the lens of haute horology. The Geneva Seal certification alone speaks volumes about its craftsmanship, but what truly sets it apart is the RD780 calibre. This integrated movement, with its vertical clutch and column wheel, is a mechanical symphony—precise, expressive, and unapologetically bold.
For collectors and connoisseurs considering this piece, my advice is to look beyond the aesthetics—though they are undeniably captivating. The watch’s innovations, like the Second Braking System and Rotating Minute Counter, aren’t gimmicks; they’re meaningful evolutions of the chronograph complication. The tilted balance wheel and diamond-coated silicon escapement components show a commitment to performance that matches its visual drama. This is a watch that rewards intellectual curiosity—it invites you to understand its mechanics, not just admire its form. If you’re someone who values technical integrity as much as design, this piece deserves serious consideration.
That said, it’s not for everyone. The 45 mm skeletonized case and expressive dial are intentionally provocative. It’s a statement piece, not a subtle one. If your taste leans toward understated elegance, this might feel too theatrical. But for those who appreciate horological audacity and innovation, Roger Dubuis has delivered a chronograph that doesn’t just measure time—it celebrates it. I admire it deeply, not just for what it is, but for what it represents: a Maison willing to push boundaries while honoring the roots of fine watchmaking.
RD780: A Movement That Marries Tradition and Innovation
At the heart of this timepiece lies the RD780 calibre—a fully integrated chronograph movement that’s been designed from the ground up. This isn’t a modular add-on; it’s a purpose-built engine that allows Roger Dubuis to flex its creative muscle. The vertical clutch and column wheel are nods to classical watchmaking, but they’re executed with a modern twist.
- Column Wheel at 6 o’clock: Not just functional, but a visual centerpiece. Machined from stainless steel and finished with poli zinc—a rare technique that delivers a mirror-like shine on complex shapes.
- Vertical Clutch: A performance-driven mechanism borrowed from automotive engineering, ensuring smooth gear-like transitions in chronograph operation.
- Second Braking System (SBS): A patent-pending innovation that stabilizes the chronograph seconds hand, eliminating flicker and enhancing precision.
Rotating Minute Counter: A Kinetic Sculpture
Located at 3 o’clock, the 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) is pure Roger Dubuis drama. With its isotoxal shape and oversized red numerals, it transforms timekeeping into a visual performance. As the chronograph activates, the tripartite hand sweeps past digits 0–9 in a mesmerizing display of motion and clarity.
Tilted Balance Wheel: Precision with Attitude
At 9 o’clock, the 12° tilted balance wheel is a signature flourish. It’s not just for show—it offers the same inertia as a tourbillon and is enhanced by diamond-coated silicon escapement components, delivering anti-magnetic resilience and long-term accuracy.
Skeletonized Dial: A Multi-Layered Marvel
Roger Dubuis’ skeleton expertise is on full display here. The dial is a dynamic landscape of depth and geometry, revealing the interplay of components across multiple layers. Every glance reveals something new—whether it’s the interplay of surfaces or the architectural symmetry that anchors the design.
Stacked from 18 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)
Stacked from 39 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)
Motorsport DNA: From Track to Wrist
The chronograph’s connection to racing is more than aesthetic. The rotor on the caseback mimics the five-arm rim of a supercar wheel, complete with sharp, aggressive lines that echo the adrenaline of the track.
- Case: 45 mm of skeletonized 18K pink gold
- Strap: Black rubber with Quick Release system
- Pushers: Skeletonized for visual continuity
Final Lap: Why This Watch Matters
The Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph isn’t just a timepiece—it’s a statement. It honors the chronograph’s legacy in motorsport while elevating it into the realm of haute horology. With its fifth-generation movement, Geneva Seal certification, and a suite of patent-pending innovations, Roger Dubuis has created a chronograph that’s as expressive as it is exacting.
This is not a watch for the faint of heart. It’s for those who appreciate the thrill of mechanical mastery—and aren’t afraid to wear it boldly.
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