In the realm of high-performance mechanical art, few partnerships carry the adrenaline-soaked authenticity of the eight-year alliance between Roger Dubuis and Pirelli. This collaboration is not merely a branding exercise; it is a convergence of two distinct worlds that share a singular obsession with precision, materials, and the relentless pursuit of the avant-garde. The latest manifestation of this shared DNA is the Excalibur Spider Pirelli Flyback Chronograph Mexico Edition, a timepiece that serves as a kinetic tribute to the vibrant motorsport culture of Mexico. It is a machine built for those who view time not as a sequence of hours, but as a series of laps, split seconds, and visceral moments of acceleration.
The watch itself is a striking architectural achievement, immediately commanding attention with a visual aggression that mimics the chassis of a modern race car. The 45mm case is constructed from C-SMC Carbon, a material chosen not just for its stealthy, matte black aesthetic, but for its supreme strength-to-weight ratio, mirroring the carbon fiber monocoques found on the grid. This lightweight armor is paired with a black ceramic bezel, which adds a layer of scratch resistance and a distinct textural contrast to the fibrous grain of the carbon. The entire assembly feels purposeful, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, yet rich in complex geometric layering.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
Gazing at the face of this timepiece, one is drawn into a three-dimensional labyrinth of mechanics. The skeletonization here is extreme, adhering to the Excalibur Spider ethos of reducing every component to its structural essence. There is no traditional dial to speak of; instead, the wearer looks directly into the engine room. A honeycomb mesh pattern, reminiscent of a supercar’s grille, floats above the movement, adding depth and shadow. The color palette is a deliberate and patriotic nod to Mexico, with vibrant flashes of green, white, and red punctuating the monochrome mechanical landscape. These colors are not applied haphazardly but are integrated into the flange and indices, creating a cohesive visual ring that frames the frantic activity of the gears within.
The bezel features lacquered markings that are crisp and legible, essential for a tool born from the track. Between the hours of 10 and 2, huge green numerals dominate the periphery, their angular font suggesting speed and digital precision. The red chronograph seconds hand stands out sharply against the dark background, ready to sweep across the dial with the actuation of the pushers. It is a face that refuses to be static; even when resting, the tension in the exposed springs and the visible balance wheel suggests potential energy waiting to be unleashed.
At the heart of this mechanical beast beats the RD780 calibre, an integrated flyback chronograph movement that represents a significant leap in Roger Dubuis’ technical prowess. This is not a modular add-on but a fully integrated engine, boasting a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The column wheel, visible at the 6 o'clock position, is the command center of the chronograph, coordinating the start, stop, and reset functions with a tactile crispness that enthusiasts crave. It is crafted in stainless steel with a poli zinc finish, making it a focal point of the lower dial.
The flyback function is a critical feature for the racing environment, allowing the user to reset and restart the timer with a single press of a button—a necessity for timing consecutive laps where every fraction of a second counts. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a substantial power reserve of 72 hours, ensuring that the watch remains ready for action even after a weekend off the wrist. With 310 components and 39 jewels, the sheer density of engineering packed into this case is a testament to the manufacture's Geneva-based capabilities.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
One of the most technically intriguing features visible on the dial is the 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) located at the 3 o'clock position. This is a patent-pending innovation that completely reimagines how elapsed minutes are displayed. Instead of a traditional circular sub-dial, the mechanism uses a tripartite hand carrying the digits 0, 1, and 2, which rotate past a fixed scale of 0 to 9 on the right side. It is a playful yet highly legible system, where the current digit sweeps across the scale to indicate the tens of minutes, while the pointer indicates the single units. Watching this counter in operation is a joy, adding a layer of dynamic animation to the dial that goes beyond simple timekeeping.
To ensure precision during the chaotic vibrations of racing, Roger Dubuis has implemented a Second Braking System (SBS), another patent-pending advancement. This mechanism is directly linked to the vertical clutch and works to stabilize the chronograph seconds hand when it is stopped. In many chronographs, the hand can flicker or stutter slightly upon stopping due to backlash in the gears; the SBS suppresses this, ensuring the hand halts with absolute rigidity, allowing for an unambiguous reading of the elapsed time.
The visual drama continues on the side of the case, where the pushers and crown are protected by a complex, skeletonized guard structure. The crown itself is made of black DLC titanium and features a red lacquered ring, a subtle detail that aids in visual orientation. The pusher guards are engraved with "START/STOP" and "RESET" in red, mimicking the cockpit controls of a high-performance vehicle. The entire side profile is jagged and aerodynamic, looking as though it has been wind-tunnel tested to cut through the air.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
Turning the watch over reveals a caseback that is just as meticulously detailed as the front. A sapphire crystal display window offers a reverse view of the RD780 movement, but the view is overlaid with a metallization of the Mexican flag's colors. A green semi-circle on the left and a red one on the right frame the central mechanics, while a "MEXICO" inscription sits proudly at the top. The center of the crystal features a crossed pair of checkered flags and the Pirelli logo, explicitly cementing the partnership and the limited nature of this edition.
The finishing on the movement is exemplary, meeting the rigorous standards of the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal). This certification is one of the most demanding in the industry, requiring that every single component—even those hidden from view—be finished to the highest degree of traditional craftsmanship. The main plate and bridges feature circular graining and sandblasting, creating a modern, industrial texture that complements the high-tech nature of the carbon case. This juxtaposition of traditional hand-finishing with avant-garde materials is a hallmark of Roger Dubuis’ "Hyper Horology."
The connection to the road is made literal through the strap. This is not merely a rubber strap; it features an inlay made from actual Pirelli tires that have competed in real races. This detail provides a tangible link to the asphalt, giving the wearer a piece of motorsport history on their wrist. The rubber is textured and rugged, designed to withstand the elements while providing superior comfort. The inner side of the strap features a unique pattern, and the black rubber contrasts sharply with the stitching, echoing the tire walls of a Formula 1 car.
Versatility is ensured through the Quick Release System (QRS) on both the strap and the buckle. This allows the owner to swap the strap in seconds without the need for tools, a feature that parallels the lightning-fast pit stops of professional racing. The clasp is a triple-folding buckle made of black DLC titanium, matching the case materials and ensuring a secure fit even under high G-forces. The tactile click of the clasp and the smooth release mechanism speak to the overall quality of the construction.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
The exclusivity of this timepiece is guaranteed by its extremely limited production run. Only 28 pieces of the Excalibur Spider Pirelli Flyback Chronograph Mexico Edition will be produced, making it a rare sighting in the wild. This number is not arbitrary; it reinforces the collectible nature of the watch and ensures that it remains a grail item for those deep in the world of automotive horology. The "1 of 28" (or specific number) engraving on the caseback serves as a permanent reminder of its rarity.
This watch is specifically designed for the "voracious hedonists" that Roger Dubuis identifies as its tribe—individuals who live fast, break rules, and demand machinery that can keep pace with their lifestyle. It is not a subtle dress watch to be tucked under a cuff; it is a statement piece that demands to be seen. The 45mm diameter gives it a significant wrist presence, yet the ergonomic curvature of the lugs and the lightness of the carbon/titanium construction make it surprisingly wearable for its size.
The integration of the Mexican flag’s colors—green, white, and red—is done with a sophistication that avoids feeling cartoonish. The green is deep and vibrant, used on the bezel numerals and the minute track flange, while the red is reserved for the critical chronograph indications, such as the seconds hand and the minute counter numerals. The white provides necessary contrast for the text and indices, ensuring that despite the skeletonized complexity, the watch remains functional as a time-telling instrument.
Every angle of the watch reveals a new detail, a new layer of machining or finishing that catches the light. The screws on the bezel are not hidden but are celebrated as industrial design elements. The hollowed-out lugs reduce weight further and add to the aerodynamic aesthetic. It is a design that feels cohesive, where every line and curve serves the overarching theme of speed and performance.
Courtesy of Roger Dubuis
The collaboration with Pirelli also speaks to a shared philosophy of innovation. Just as Pirelli invests heavily in R&D to create tires that can withstand the extreme forces of F1, Roger Dubuis pushes the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking. The RD780 is a testament to this, combining traditional horological concepts like the column wheel with modern, patent-pending solutions like the SBS and RMC. It is a bridge between the heritage of Swiss watchmaking and the future of materials science.
Regarding pricing and availability, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Flyback Chronograph Mexico Edition is a boutique-exclusive masterpiece. As is common with such highly limited "Hyper Horology" creations, the price is available upon request, though comparable models in the Excalibur Spider Flyback line typically command figures well into the six-figure range. With only 28 units available worldwide, availability is strictly limited, and allocation is likely reserved for the brand’s most dedicated clients and serious collectors of motorsport-inspired haute horlogerie. Interested parties would need to contact a Roger Dubuis boutique directly to inquire about securing one of these rare adrenaline-infused machines.
Case: 45mm C-SMC Carbon case; black ceramic bezel with lacquered markings; sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; black DLC titanium open case back with sapphire crystal and metallization; black DLC titanium crown with red lacquered ring.
Movement: Calibre RD780 automatic, self-winding; integrated flyback chronograph with column wheel and vertical coupling clutch; 72-hour power reserve; 28,800 vph frequency; 39 jewels; 310 components; tilted balance with variable inertia; Poinçon de Genève certified.
Dial: Skeletonized; black lower flange with transferred texts and minute tracks; grey upper flange with screw-like hour markers rhodium plated and filled with SLN; 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) at 3 o’clock; Mexican flag color accents (green, white, red).
Strap: Black rubber strap with black rubber inlay made from winning Pirelli motorsport tires; Interchangeable Quick Release System (QRS); Black DLC titanium triple folding clasp with titanium blades.
Price: Upon Request
Reference Number: DBEX1186
Notes: Limited to 28 pieces worldwide. Features two patent-pending innovations: the 120° Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) and the Second Braking System (SBS) for the chronograph seconds hand.