Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse powered by raging mechanisms
On September 20th 2017, the legendary Lamborghini Headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese witnessed a world premiere reveal by Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse. The start of a new run for two brands sharing the same values of breathtaking technology and daring customer experiences. The best of Italian aesthetic flair and performance face the ultimate in Swiss precision and mechanical instruments. A high-powered partnership whose first roar takes the form of a new calibre inspired by the Aventador S engine and the new groundbreaking Huracàn Super Trofeo EVO. The time has come to be blown away.
It sounds like an astounding performance. On September 20th 2017, the legendary Lamborghini Headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese witnessed a world premiere reveal by Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse. The start of a new run for two brands sharing the same values of breathtaking technology and daring customer experiences. The best of Italian aesthetic flair and performance face the ultimate in Swiss precision and mechanical instruments. A high-powered partnership whose first roar takes the form of a new calibre inspired by the Aventador S engine and the new ground-breaking Huracàn Super Trofeo EVO. The time has come to be blown away.
Roaring off the starting grid
The junction was clearly inevitable. While motorsports and watchmaking have long since discovered various affinities, the story of Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse is a case of irresistible mutual attraction stemming from a shared focus on aesthetics in their respective R&Ddriven approaches. Roger Dubuis’ particularly strong recent interest in other types of industry flows from a will to deliver timepieces endowed with elements that others do not or cannot provide. Its strength lies in the ability to ignore any limits, and that led to discussions with aircraft, boat, motorcycle and automobile manufacturers.
Performance is engraved in the Roger Dubuis DNA. With Lamborghini, the adrenaline rush of mutual recognition was there right from the start. Corporate philosophy, R&D vision, the same flair for charismatic lines and superlative technical engineering, as well as an attitude in sync with their demanding clients: this instinctive convergence is confirmed in every way. That initial positive vibe – between two iconic references in their respective fields and communities, two innovators in pursuit of ground-breaking technology, two designers who broke the rules – naturally grew and matured into a new lap.
Dare to be rare.Their determination to place technique in the service of beauty enables them to design creations that are aesthetically astonishing and radically different. Who knows how far their jointly-driven route may take them? Doubtless through countless blistering accelerations and breath-taking bends.
The landmark unveiling of this new partnership was naturally staged at the heart of Lamborghini’s R&D department: the legendary Centro Stile. For the first time ever, the celebratory dinner was held right in the middle of the production lines of the famous Aventador. A well-known Italian track was privatised for the occasion and guests were thus able to enjoy the adrenaline rush of an unforgettable driving experience.
Time has an engine Manufacture
Roger Dubuis technical specialists drew inspiration from the Lamborghini spirit in rising to the challenge of creating the first timepiece collection embodying their natural affinities. The Excalibur Aventador S now hits the track as the first horological expression of this high-speed partnership, channelling unreasonable sensations and exceptional power.
Determined to create an ultimate experience like sliding into a Lamborghini, the teams have shared their respective design skills. The resulting two models combine noble and high-tech materials while ensuring top-rate performance. These include multi-layered carbon and C-SMC carbon based on the same technology as that used for Lamborghini cars – a world premiere use of this material featured in the orange-liveried 8-piece limited edition.
The challenge lay in associating these materials with a sporting and sophisticated look, while maintaining an innate sense of luxury and prestige. The Roger Dubuis engineers and designers created a charismatic power control display forming a central signature in the middle of the watch – just like in the super sports car.
Living up to the “Powered by Raging Mechanics” signature, the Excalibur Aventador S is indeed driven by an outstanding ‘engine’ in the shape of the specially developed Duotor calibre. This Lamborghini-exclusive Roger Dubuis movement embodies an ongoing evolution of the Maison’s expertise, entirely reinterpreted in light of this automobile alliance. Inspired by power in keeping with the proud Lamborghini tradition, and fuelled by the flair for technological complexity shared by the Geneva-based Manufacture.
The Duotor calibre is notably distinguished by engine strut bars revisiting the iconic Roger Dubuis Astral Skeleton principle, striking an astounding contrast with the rest of the movement, as if the engine ‘hood’ were 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.
The Excalibur Aventador S is available in two interpretations epitomising the “Dare to be rare” concept through respective 88- and 8-piece limited editions. The former bears the inimitable Lamborghini “Giallo Orion” yellow paint code picked up in a number of design features, while the even more exclusive series comes in “Arancio Argos”.
Tearing up the tarmac
Nothing beats the exaltation of victory. From spring 2018 onwards, Roger Dubuis will enjoy a particularly high-profile on-track presence as one of the main sponsors of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo: the legendary Lamborghini one-make series.
A wild beast capable of extreme performances: the brand-new Huracán Super Trofeo EVO will be attired in an all-new carbon fibre body kit developed with Dallara, one of the most influential Italian firms on the worldwide motorsport scene. New aerodynamic efficiency, powerful V10 5.2 litre naturally aspirated 620 hp engine, 6-speed sequential gearbox… Take a deep breath, this sophisticated speed machine is derived from the road version. Roger Dubuis could not have imagined a better platform for showcasing its outrageous spirit.
A pulsating motorsports vibe
Roger Dubuis CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué is clearly revved up about this high-energy partnership: “Like Lamborghini, we deliver ‘engines’ distinguished by their extreme quality and cuttingedge performance. But like the owners of such exceptional Italian hypercars, our customers are above all interested in standout aesthetics that ensure instant recognition matched by ultra exclusivity and rarity. Combining our in-house talents to deliver exceptional timepieces and unique experiential value naturally implies shifting into high gear, our favourite mode of operation.”
“Lamborghini Squadra Corse is constantly evolving as a trend setter in the race segment. We are proud to cooperate with a prestigious brand such as Roger Dubuis, with which we share a commitment to constant innovation and a uniqueness in our products. Always respecting these traditions, we aim to impress and thrill our customers and fans of the brand all over the world,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.
From the Lamborghini Headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, to the Roger Dubuis Creative Lab Center in Geneva, Switzerland, the world of spectacular supercars thus hits the road in the company of incredible haute complications. From now on, keen observers can expect further collections and a wealth of jointly organised surprises, including exciting experiences in the Geneva area as well as racing event weekends. When visionary engineers meet incredible watchmakers… Prepare for more roaring success!
