The worlds of haute horlogerie and high-performance cars often overlap, as it draws in similar passions for fine mechanics, beautiful objects that transcend their inherent functionality. Partnerships between watchmaking brands and car manufacturers have naturally ensued, although very few have attained the synergies that we’re seeing unveiled today between Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse.
There are a number of parallels between the two brands in their respective industries; Roger Dubuis has famously embraced the lofty standards of the Geneva Seal for many years, being the only maison daring enough to apply it to every single one of its timepieces. It has never shied away from technical accomplishments either, always seeking to push the envelope with its new calibers. Lamborghini’s very ethos is also one of perfection, as its founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, wasn’t satisfied with the sports cars that he wanted to buy, so he set out to build the best iteration ever, much to the incredulity of his peers, as his experience until then was in building – wait for it – tractors. Needless to say, he accomplished his mission and the company he founded has built several legendary supercars such as the Miura, Countach, Diablo, to today’s Aventador and Huracán.
Today, we’re on hand in Sant’Agata Bolognese, home of the Raging Bull, to witness the launch of this incredible partnership between Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse. This will see Roger Dubuis become one of the main sponsors of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, the one-make series that will, from 2018, feature the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO on the world’s most famous racing tracks. However, we’re immediately seeing the first fruits of this collaboration on the horological front, with the launch of a new watch, the Excalibur Aventador S. Powered by the RD103SQ caliber, you will undoubtedly see the inspirations from the motoring world, with Roger Dubuis’ astral skeleton design now taking the shape of engine struts over the movement. Dubbed “Duotor,” this movement has two sprung balances beating at 4Hz each, linked through a differential that, in effect, creates a caliber with a frequency of 2 x 4Hz, or 57,600vph. The balances’ holders were designed to resemble wheel suspension assemblies, further developing the racing dynamic embodied in this partnership. A power reserve indicator is placed at 2 o’clock, with a central hour and minute hands, with a jumping, or deadbeat, seconds. Note that this caliber will be exclusive to the Lamborghini watches.
Two versions are presented today; the first is a limited edition of 88 pieces in “Giallo Orion” yellow, a color that will be familiar to Lamborghini owners. The 45mm Excalibur Spider case has a multi-layered carbon with a titanium container surrounded with yellow rubber, and yellow accents throughout. The second piece will be even more rare, with 8 pieces only in “Arancio Argos.” Beyond the orange and black accents, the altogether more ominous piece also differentiates itself with C-SMC carbon, or “carbon-sheet molded compound,” a material that was originally developed in 2010 for Lamborghini’s amazing Sesto Elemento hypercar. We will bring you much more on this unique partnership, both on and off the race track, in the coming weeks!
Technical Specification
Excalibur Aventador S “Giallo Orion”
Case: Skeletonized Excalibur Spider case, Ø45 mm, multilayers carbon with titanium container overmolded with yellow rubber. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and yellow metallization. Fluted multi-layers carbon bezel. Titanium black DLC crown overmolded with yellow rubber. Black DLC Titanium and sapphire crystal case back
Thickness: 14.05 mm
Dial: Skeleton dial with rhodium plated, black and yellow flange, rhodium plated indexes filled with white luminous SLN, black PVD 18K Gold hours and minutes hands with yellow transfer and white luminous SLN tips, yellow seconds hand
Strap: Bi material strap with black rubber base and black rubber-tech inlay, yellow stitching
Calibre: Skeleton double sprung balances RD103SQ Calibre
Production: 88 pieces
Excalibur Aventador S “Arancio Argos”
Case: Skeletonized Excalibur Spider case, Ø45 mm, C-SMC carbon with titanium container overmolded with orange rubber. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and orange metallization. Fluted C-SMC carbon bezel with orange markings. Titanium black DLC crown overmolded with orange rubber. Black DLC titanium and sapphire crystal case back.
Thickness: 14.05 mm
Dial: Skeleton dial with C-SMC carbon, black PVD, orange and white flange, rhodium plated indexes filled with white luminous SLN, black PVD 18K Gold hours and minutes hands with orange transfer and black luminous SLN tips, orange seconds hand.
Strap: Bi-material strap with black rubber base and black Alcantara inlay, orange stitching
Calibre: Skeleton double sprung balances RD103SQ calibre
Production: 8 pieces
