The collaboration between Roger Dubuis and Pirelli continued in 2018 with the launch of the Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic Pirelli. The adrenalin rush reaches new heights with the new Aventador S models. We visited Roger Dubuis at the SIHH 2018.
Roger Dubuis introduced its road-burning alliance with Pirelli last year. The partnership is part of the Pirelli Design project which arrived to a new chapter in 2018.
Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic Pirelli
The Excalibur Spider Pirelli collection welcomes the Excalibur Spider Skeleton Automatic Pirelli in black titanium with a choice of deep blue or white accents, both limited to 88 pieces. The 4 Hz calibre RD820SQ moves the hands precisely, sourcing energy from the front-facing micro-rotor.
The 45mm of the case is covered with black DLC titanium featuring vulcanised rubber details (in blue or in white). The strap has inlays made of rubber from a set of certified Pirelli tires that won a race in the last season. You can find a unique Pirelli tyre pattern on the inside of the strap, plus an important feature, a quick release system for easy interchangeability.
“Powered by Raging Mechanics” – the partnership with Lamborghini
Roger Dubuis launched a partnership with Lamborghini, one of the most famous Italian brands and manufacturer of luxury supercars – they actually say “We are not supercars. We are Lamborghini.”
Because of their sharp and bold designs, their quest for innovation, the unquenchable thirst for challenges and the lifestyle they convey, the two brands inevitably resonate with each other.
The latest Aventador S – Lamborghini’s flagship model first presented in 2011 – was the inspiration behind the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S timepiece. The first two versions were presented last autumn and were called Giallo Orion (yellow watch, limited to 88 timepieces) and Arancio Argos (8 pieces, orange model). At the SIHH 2018 we saw the Excalibur Adventador S Blue and Excalibur Adventador S Pink Gold. Both share the same specs and are limited to 88 and 28 units respectively.
The 45mm case is crafted from titanium and so-called C-SMC carbon.
Many different technologies are used in composite manufacturing. SMC (Sheet Moulded Compound) is both a process and a reinforced composite material. SMC is characterised by a very high productivity, excellent part reproducibility, cost efficiency and the possibility to realise parts with complex geometries and integrated functions, e.g. inserts or colouring. The technique can be used with glass fibres or carbon fibres – the latter case we call C-SMC. The material is intended for a range of lightweight parts and subsystems for the automotive, aerospace, commercial truck and other markets. Over the course of its history, Lamborghini has devoted increasing efforts to the research on composite materials. See more here.
“Power watches” need “a power movement” – the RD103SQ calibre with hours, minutes, jumping second function and power reserve indicator. The new skeleton double balance wheel movement works at a 2 x 4Hz (28,800 vph) frequency. The balances are placed inclined and in a 90 degree angle to each other – setting in angle reduces the effect of the gravity on the spring. The Excalibur Adventador S Pink Gold has a fluted 18k pink gold bezel, crown, hands and bridge cover. A new feature was the quick release rubber and Alcantara strap fastened with a black DLC titanium folding buckle.
Both Lamborghini and Roger Dubuis have a strong focus on the personal relationship with their clients. Jean-Marc Pontroué (Roger Dubuis current CEO who is taking on the CEO role at Panerai in April 2018) underlined that the special experiences they organise for their clients raise an emotional bond and turn customers to true believers.
Taking it to the next level, Roger Dubuis became one of the main sponsors of the famous race series, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo. In the Super Trofeo drivers compete in identical Lamborghini Cup cars based on the Lamborghini Huracán. The races are held in North American, European and Asian leagues separately with a final global race at the end. The racing season of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo started on 2 February, in the Middle East; in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit. Check out the nearest race to you here with a chance to meet Roger Dubuis too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWKSgKaIWA0
Photo credits: Loupiosity.com.
All registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.
All rights reserved.