The middle of August marks a pinnacle moment in the automotive world, as affluent car aficionados from across the globe congregate in Monterey, California, for a single event: Car Week. This prestigious gathering spans everything from showcases of pre-war classicism to the debut of futuristic hypercars, and over the past few years, it has also emerged as a significant venue for luxury timepieces. Capitalizing on this atmosphere, longtime Lamborghini partner Roger Dubuis is introducing an updated iteration of its most audacious, car-inspired chronograph, now presented in a sophisticated new color scheme. The new limited-edition Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph projects the same horological boldness as its forerunners but does so with a warmer, more readable aesthetic that could attract a new audience within the elite circle of modern high watchmaking. Consistent with earlier models in the collection, the case of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is anything but understated.
With a substantial 45mm diameter and 17.1mm thickness, the brand’s signature three-lug case profile creates a powerful first impression in photographs, but the elaborate open-working truly defines its character. Every component, from the lugs and case sides to the chronograph pushers, has been hollowed out to the greatest extent possible, resulting in a complex and visually arresting lattice structure. While much of this intricacy was obscured in the dark-on-dark carbon cases of previous models, here, Roger Dubuis renders the familiar case form predominantly in high-contrast pink gold. Accents of DLC-coated titanium on the pushers, crown, and mid-case produce a striking two-tone effect, making the detailed web of skeletonized elements much easier to discern visually. The bezel, however, benefits most from this new color palette. Executed in radially brushed gold, the collection’s characteristic crenellated bezel is allowed to truly gleam, setting the sporty, black-filled numerals and engraved details in sharp contrast.
As with other pieces in the line, this new Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is equipped with a sapphire exhibition caseback and offers a respectable 100 meters of water resistance. Just as with its case, the dial of the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph reimagines a familiar layout through the use of new colors and materials. While the gold-and-black theme revealed greater intricacy in the case, on the dial it serves to significantly improve legibility in initial images. The array of raised, brushed gold bridges provides a higher-contrast setting for the black, spear-tipped skeleton hands compared to prior versions, all without diminishing the visual spectacle. In fact, each of these angular bridges artfully frames a key component of the open-worked dial: the dual mainspring barrels at 12 o’clock, the chronograph minutes register at 3 o’clock, the column wheel and skeletonized date at 6 o’clock, and the inclined balance wheel at 9 o’clock. The latter two elements are the true highlights in photos.
The chronograph minute display features the brand’s distinct rotating counter, introducing a semi-digital element reminiscent of a Lamborghini dashboard. Even more exotic is the slanted balance wheel at 9 o’clock, which is angled at 12 degrees—a feature Roger Dubuis states provides inertia-canceling benefits similar to a tourbillon. Despite the dial’s complexity, a remarkable and thoughtful sense of visual harmony and proportion distinguishes this design from its competitors. Powering the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is the manufacture’s in-house RD780SQ automatic flyback chronograph movement. Boasting a substantial 71-hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph frequency and an advanced braking system within its vertical clutch, it stands as a truly modern powertrain. From a finishing perspective, the RD780SQ holds the prestigious Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal), with the brand reporting that 16 different finishing techniques are applied to every single movement component. It should be noted, however, that the view through the caseback doesn’t carry the same visual impact as the dial side. The rear view is defined by an ornate rotor styled after a racing wheel, positioned over aggressively brushed, angular bridges.
To complete the package, Roger Dubuis pairs the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph with a highly sculpted black rubber strap featuring a deployant clasp. With its combination of raised ridges and a recessed triangular pattern, this strap design accentuates the three-lug case structure in photos while integrating seamlessly with the case. As Monterey Car Week 2025 reaches its zenith, this yearly festival of all things automotive has evolved into a destination for various enthusiast communities, including watch collectors. With its radiant golden hue, detailed construction, and superb performance, the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is arguably the most compelling model in its series to date and a fitting tribute to the hypercars showcased by brand partner Lamborghini. Production is limited to just 88 pieces, and the watch is currently available through authorized retailers. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $135,000 USD at the time of publication. For further details, please consult the brand’s official website.