First unveiled at SIHH 2018, Roger Dubuis releases new colourful iterations to its iconic Excalibur line in conjunction with partners Perfect Fit Pirelli and Raging Mechanics Lamborghini Squadra Corse. 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.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S in blue.
The case and dial
The Excalibur Aventador S Blue measures 45 mm in diameter and is cased in C-SMC carbon. Also known as the Excalibur Spider case, the skeletonized carbon is fit over a titanium container overmolded with blue rubber. The watch uses a fluted C-SMC carbon bezel with blue markings and a titanium black DLC crown overmolded with blue rubber.

Its choice of crystal is sapphire, with anti-reflective treatment. At the caseback, Black DLC Titanium and sapphire crystal is used.
The watch measures 14.05 mm thick and is fit with an array of quick release mechanisms both on the strap and crown for interchangeable crown ring colors and strap changes. Congruous with the skeletonised case, a skeleton dial with C-SMC carbon lies center stage to the watch.
The dial also features a black and red flange and rhodium plated indexes filled with white luminous SLN. The hands used are 18K black PVD coated gold hands with red transfers and white luminous SLN tips, while the seconds hand is in black PVD coat.

Water resistant to 5 BAR (50 m), the Excalibur Aventador S Blue is sporty as it is functional for a quick dip in the pool. The watch is also fit with a bi-material strap with a black rubber base and neptune blue inlay, red stitching.
The movement
Using an in-house caliber RD103SQ calibre, the movement as with the rest of the case is a visual stunner. The skeletonised movement features double sprung balances and delivers a surprising jump seconds complication.

The double balance spring accounts for a better performance due to a higher frequency 2X4Hz (57’600 vph).
The hand-wound calibre features a time-only display and a power reserve indicator. Double sprung balances are said to improve the accuracy of the timepiece and can be finely adjusted in 6 positions. This is largely due to the higher frequency 2X4Hz (57’600 vph) that the watch beats at. That said, the power reserve is while adequate, on the lower side at 40 hours.

Caseback featuring the RD103SQ movement; a hand winding skeletonised movement with a 40 hours power reserve.
Also known as the Duotor (double balance wheels), the RD103SQ movement is redesigned and easily distinguished by engine strut bars previously seen in the iconic Roger Dubuis Astral Skeleton. The aesthetics of the movement creates an impression that the engine ‘hood’ was 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.
Conclusion
The watch looks great and houses an interesting caliber. The play of layers and duo inclined balance wheels while not instinctively a massive complication, is arguably more functional than say a fixed cage tourbillon. Visually, the watch does well as a not-too-flashy skeleton sports watch, with a clever partnership with Lamborghini. Heartening to know, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur line is steadily rising as a viable alternative to Richard Mille, which largely dominates the wrists of supercar drivers’ wrists.
The Excalibur Adventador S is priced at US$185,000 and is a limited edition of 88 pieces.
Excalibur Aventador S
CASE Skeletonized Excalibur Spider case, Ø45 mm, C-SMC carbon case with titanium container overmolded with blue rubber, fluted C-SMC carbon bezel with blue markings, titanium black DLC crown overmolded with blue rubber. Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment. Black DLC Titanium and sapphire crystal case back.
THICKNESS 14.05 mm
DIAL Skeleton dial with C-SMC carbon, black and red flange, rhodium plated indexes filled with white luminous SLN, 18K black PVD coated gold hands with red transfers and white luminous SLN tips, black PVD coated seconds hand.
WATER RESISTANCE 5 BAR (50 m)
STRAP Bi material strap with black rubber base and neptune blue inlay, red stitching. Quick release system for easy interchangeability.
CLASP Titanium black DLC, adjustable folding buckle
CALIBRE Skeleton double sprung balances RD103SQ calibre
PRODUCTION 88 pieces
CERTIFICATION Poinçon de Genève
RD103SQ Caliber: skeleton double sprung balances
Features: Hand-wound mechanical calibre, double sprung balances, finely adjusted in six positions.
Functions: Hours and Minutes, jumping second, power reserve indicator.
Decorations: Poinçon de Genève certified finishings
Number of parts: 313 components
Jewels: 48
Diameter: 16“`
Thickness: 7.80
Frequency: 2X4Hz (57’600 vph)
Power reserve: 40 hours