A mighty roar is emanating from the depths of the Roger Dubuis creative lab in 2018. The brand that dares to be rare once again goes where others fear to tread – by launching colourful iterations of its iconic Excalibur line in conjunction with partners Perfect Fit Pirelli and Raging Mechanics Lamborghini Squadra Corse.
Roger Dubuis is Excalibur. Excalibur is Roger Dubuis. Excalibur, the iconic and deliberately extravagant Roger Dubuis collection, is embedded in the DNA of the Maison. It epitomises the adventurous nature of a Manufacture that has always been determined to stay several laps ahead of the pack. An inimitable alter ego which, together with its perfect partners, left its unmistakable imprint on some of the world’s most iconic tracks in 2017.
Serial innovators are driven by a passion for creative transformation. Backed by a dedicated in-house department and itsown full-fledged Manufacture, the Roger Dubuis ‘disruptive materials and progressive complications’ mantra is expressed through its ongoing challenge to all-comers: Dare to be Rare.
It is the people who want to change the world who do. Within this context, Roger Dubuis consistently pushes technical boundaries and demonstrates an unswerving commitment to boldly go where no other watchmakers have gone before, taking service into yet another incredible dimension. The annual unveiling of world premieres from the ever-busy Roger Dubuis innovation pipeline thus represents the almost ‘organic’ result of the Manufacture’s ongoing investments in Research & Development.
When visionary engineers meet incredible watchmakers. In 2017, the irresistible mutual attraction was the breathtaking start of the relationships between Roger Dubuis and Pirelli on the one hand, and Lamborghini Squadra Corse on the other. An attraction encapsulating corporate philosophy, a radical R&D vision, the same flair for disruptive designs and superlative technical engineering, and an attitude in sync with some of the most demanding clients the world has to offer. Two exclusive partnerships with two other iconic brands equally committed to delivering standout customer experiences of the kind money can’t buy and the ensuing launch of a series of Geneva-hallmarked models.
A pioneer in technical and industrial innovations, Pirelli supplies premium tyres for the most important world’s motorsports competitions and has a long history of co-developing products in conjunction with the most prestigious car manufacturers, thus providing a perfect match for Roger Dubuis. In 2017, this was vividly summed up in two ground-breaking ‘Pirelli’ Excalibur models developed in collaboration with Pirelli, as well as through a pair of world-first innovations.
Powered by Raging Mechanics. The values fuelling Lamborghini inevitably resonate with the Roger Dubuis ethos: an avant-garde mindset, a quest for performance engraved in its genetic makeup, a focus on innovative materials and world premieres, along with unparalleled customer experiences and extremely exclusive production – naturally including a bespoke offer. To mark the launch of the partnership, the Manufacture Roger Dubuis technical specialists drew inspiration from the Lamborghini spirit in creating the first horological expression of this high-speed partnership: the Excalibur Aventador S, propelled by a powerful “engine” designed to resemble that in Lamborghini’s actual Aventador, an equally impressive feat of mechanical engineering capable of extreme performance.
Time has an engine
Offering yet another stunning example of highly complicated watchmaking inspired by the automotive world, the Roger Dubuis/Lamborghini Squadra Corse partnership roars to life in 2018 with the 45 mm Excalibur Aventador S Blue and the Excalibur Adventador S Pink Gold vying for pole position.
Driven by the passion for cutting-edge technological complexity shared by Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse, both these ultra high-performance models live up to the partnerships “Powered by Raging Mechanics” signature. Both are propelled by the specially developed and impressive Duotor (double balance wheels) concept in a totally revamped 312-part RD103SQ movement. This calibre is notably distinguished by engine strut bars revisiting the iconic Roger Dubuis Astral Skeleton principle, striking an astounding contrast with the rest of the movement, as if the engine ‘hood’ were transparent. Recalling the performance-enhancing longitudinal placement of Lamborghini engines tailored to the design of the sleek, streamlined cars, the double balance wheel is inclined at a similar angle, supported and highlighted by holders shaped like triangular wheel suspension assemblies. This exclusive Roger Dubuis movement embodies an ongoing evolution of the Maison’s impressive expertise, entirely reinterpreted to suit this proud automobile alliance.
Akin to its 2017 eight-piece limited edition “Arancio Argos” predecessor, the highly exclusive Excalibur Adventador S Blue is crafted from the same C-SMC carbon as that used on the actual Lamborghini cars. As the ultimate indication of its royal bloodline, it offers a true-blue experience with a black and Neptune blue bi-material strap, blue rubber over-moulding on the case and crown, and blue markings on the fluted carbon bezel.
The Excalibur Adventador S Pink Gold features the same multi-layered carbon skeleton case as its 88- piece limited edition forebear, while replacing the latter’s Lamborghini “Giallo Orion” accents with the richly glowing warmth of pink gold, teamed with a supremely sophisticated black Alcantara strap.
These high-octane launches also herald the firing of the gun in February for the Super Trofeo Championship 2018: the legendary Lamborghini one-make series of which Roger Dubuis is a main sponsor.
Performance, differentiation and exclusive service.
Perfect Fit worthy wow factor white and beautiful blue. A fresh adrenalin rush is guaranteed in 2018, as the proudly unmistakable features and trademark colours of the Excalibur Spider Pirelli collection welcome the Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic Pirelli in sleek black titanium with a choice of deep blue or pristine white accents. On these latest special Pirelli editions of the best-selling model equipped with Calibre 820SQ, the fluted titanium black DLC skeletonised bezel is complemented by a crown over- moulded with white or blue rubber and matching white or blue stitching on the strap. And when it comes to the latter, representing the ultimate nod to the brutal winning streak embedded in the DNA of these two exceptional brands, the Excalibur Spider Pirelli strap itself features rubber inlays from certified Pirelli winning tyres having competed in real races, setting the seal on the deal with legendary tread motifs reproducing the profile of a Pirelli CINTURATOTM intermediate tyre on the interior.
Watch this space in 2018, as the meaning of Roger Dubuis exclusivity once again attains new levels with the latest in a series of unequivocally singular limited editions, designed to keep a wholly unique clientele riveted with a never-ending whirlwind of extravagant – naturally daring – surprises. Who could even begin to guess what will come hurtling down the track next?
