Over the years, Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider 39 Flying Tourbillon has demonstrated its penchant for excess and extravagance. Driven by a quest for pleasure, and consistently placing technique at the service of aesthetics, the Maison prides itself on this mindset. Unparalleled technical expertise seamlessly blended with unleashed creativity propel extraordinary feats in the Maison’s fully integrated Manufacture at the heart of Geneva, where state-of-the-art technology works hand in hand with traditional watchmaking crafts – Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Skeleton Flying Tourbillon in 39mm.The Maison has also drawn inspiration from other cutting-edge industries, giving birth to iconic partnerships such as with famous tyre expert Pirelli, sharing common values and vividly demonstrating what happens when visionary engineers meet incredible watchmakers. Fuelled by thrills and emotions, the outcome is a line-up of code-breaking timepieces designed for an exclusive tribe on the prowl for off-the-radar experiences. When it comes to reinventing the Hyper Horology game, Roger Dubuis’ exclusive tribe has come to expect the unexpected at every turn….The powerful, daring Excalibur iconic collection is Roger Dubuis’ favourite platform of expression, providing the best possible vehicle for the no-compromise Roger Dubuis lifestyle. Today, the brand that dares to be different celebrates its partnership with Pirelli through the release of an exciting new interpretation of its iconic Excalibur collection, the Excalibur Spider and Excalibur Spider Pirelli.No challenge is too big for Roger Dubuis to take on and demonstrate its serial-innovator spirit. The unleashed creativity of Roger Dubuis’ R&D department has created a small-sized setting for the Manufacture’s signature skeleton flying tourbillon. An in-house calibre featuring one of Hyper Horology’s most sought-after complications, reduced to its essence to be fitted into a 39mm case. Equipped with a 60 hours power reserve, this impressive feat of mechanical engineering is accentuated by Hallmark of Geneva decorations.Whether in pink gold with white accents, titanium total black or sporty red and black, all three versions are equipped with Roger Dubuis’ ingenious quick-release system and interchangeable straps. This enables the Maison’s exclusive tribe to enjoy the freedom of swapping looks quickly and easily. A versatile model whose diameter, as well as different strap sizes, make it a perfect fit for both men’s and women’s wrists.Each model comes with a different inlay: the one matching the red Pirelli iteration is made from winning motorsport tyre rubber having competed in real races, while the black version sports Rubber Tech and the white glows in calf leather. All are fitted with exclusive straps featuring the legendary profile of a Pirelli CinturatoTM intermediate tyre on the inside.They are available as limited editions of just 88 each for the black or white Excalibur Spider models; and 28 for the Excalibur Spider Pirelli. Only a fortunate few will thus be able to showcase their singularity with one of these cutting-edge timepieces.It’s time to hold your breath and get ready for the unexpected. Quite simply because Roger Dubuis is unquestionably the most exciting way to experience Hyper Horology.The rush of adrenalin, a pounding heart, the sure and certain knowledge that something is about to happen: ENTER THE FUTURE OF HYPER HOROLOGY. Impertinent, excessive, incisive, uncompromising, and slightly mad, this is Roger Dubuis. The brainchild of two daringly disruptive visionaries, Roger Dubuis has been all about mindset since 1995. Solidly sustained by an integrated Manufacture, an innovative spirit, a flagrant disregard for convention and irrepressible daring are the cornerstones of its bold attitude. The lifeblood of its non-conformist and unmistakably contemporary timepieces, headlined by the iconic Excalibur collection. That’s what Roger Dubuis is all about! Laugh, scream, roar, and above all, create… for an exclusive tribe that believes in the value of living larger than life at every turn. No rules, our game. Inspired by other cutting-edge industries and out-of-the-box designs, boundary-pushing technical sophistication combines with an inbred love of extravagance to prove, time and time again, that Roger Dubuis is unquestionably the most exciting way to experience Hyper Horology. Make every second of your life epic.Both versions of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider as well as the Excalibur Spider Pirelli are housed in 39mm cases formed of 18-carat pink gold or black DLC titanium. Each version features a hand-wound openworked movement, equipped with a flying tourbillon. Consistent with many of its siblings, these models are likely to polarise opinion, however, the brand’s remarkable expertise and uncompromising standards are certainly beyond question. The eponymous Manufacture, Roger Dubuis, has always operated within the rarefied heights of Haute Horlogerie. Founded in 2005, the company is known for making watches free of compromise and often marked with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.
Recently, while thumbing through an old Roger Dubuis brochure dated 2012, I noted the brand’s collections included La Monégasque, the Pulsion, the Velvet and, lastly, the Excalibur. Today, only the latter two collections remain as the company’s product strategy has become increasingly focussed.In recent times, the luxury marque has chosen to concentrate more on making watches equipped with high complications and/or embellished with precious gems. Indeed, It would appear Roger Dubuis has moved even more upmarket, immersed in a world the brand calls ‘Hyper Horology’.Today’s models are deliberately pitched as ‘impertinent, excessive, incisive, uncompromising and slightly mad’. The styling transcends the description ‘contemporary’ and embraces futuristic design accompanied by a liberal dose of decadence. By its very nature, the appearance of a Roger Dubuis watch will polarise opinion. However, unlike some avant-garde timepieces from rival brands, each Roger Dubuis is crafted to the highest order. Indeed, the technical merit and respect for fine watchmaking practise are manifest.Now the Genevan firm has unveiled three new models, two versions of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider 39 Flying Tourbillon and an octane-rich timepiece, the Excalibur Spider Pirelli. All three models share the same profile and are endowed with a single flying tourbillon, a speciality of the Maison. The absence of an upper tourbillon bridge affords sublime views of the cage, regulating organ and escapement in motion.Interestingly, all of the models are housed in a 39mm case, making them suitable for both men and women. The openworked design features structural beams, arranged to form the brand’s beloved star design. Two versions of the watch combine black DLC titanium with grille-type structures spanning the movement’s various apertures. A third option, presented in 18-carat pink gold with white rubber inlays, eschews the grille type structure.
What makes these models particularly interesting is that they demonstrate the incredible effort the Manufacture has made in order to reduce the case diameter. The mainplate of the movement is smaller than its forebears and the proportions of each dial element have been revisited. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider 39 Flying Tourbillon and the Excalibur Spider Pirelli, in my opinion, are fabulous and, courtesy of their reduced size, should attract new audiences to the delights of this fascinating brand.