Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracan ST EVO2 Review

Introduction

When Lamborghini and Roger Dubuis first teamed up, the horological world braced for impact. The Excalibur Spider Huracan line has since become the go-to for collectors who want their wrist to feel like a supercar's cockpit. The ST EVO2 (ref. RDDBEX0972) is the latest evolution, and it's not just a dial tweak—it's a full-throttle statement of intent.

This is a watch that doesn't whisper. Its skeletonized face exposes a mechanical heart that beats with the aggression of a V10. The hexagonal motifs, the carbon-fiber details, the racing-inspired strap—every element screams speed. But beneath the visual noise lies genuine haute horlogerie, a movement that's as meticulously finished as it is radically designed.

For the young collector who's already got a Patek for galas and a Rolex for dailies, the Huracan ST EVO2 is the weekend toy. It's the watch you wear when you're at the track, at the club, or just want to feel like you're about to overtake the world.

Manufacture History

Roger Dubuis was founded in 1995 by the eponymous watchmaker and Carlos Dias. The brand quickly gained a reputation for bold designs, skeletonization, and the double tourbillon. In 2008, they partnered with Lamborghini, and the Excalibur Spider Huracan line was born. This collaboration brings the supercar's DNA into the watch, with hexagonal shapes, carbon fiber, and a movement that mimics the engine's architecture. The ST EVO2 is the latest iteration, and it's a testament to the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries.

Movement

At the heart of the Huracan ST EVO2 is the in-house caliber RD630. This automatic chronograph movement features a column wheel and a vertical clutch, ensuring smooth start/stop operation. The skeletonization is extreme, with bridges cut to resemble the Huracan's front grille. The rotor is shaped like a steering wheel, and the finishing includes Côtes de Genève, perlage, and anglage. The power reserve is 60 hours, and the frequency is 28,800 vph. The movement is a visual feast, and it's also robust enough for daily wear.

Specifications

The case is crafted from titanium, which keeps the weight down while maintaining strength. The sapphire crystal is treated with anti-reflective coating, and the caseback is also sapphire to display the movement. The strap is a high-performance rubber with a folding clasp, designed to match the Huracan's interior. The watch is water-resistant to a depth that suits most aquatic activities, though it's not a diver's tool. The lume on the hands and indices is Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility in low light.

Wrist Feel

The Excalibur Spider Huracan ST EVO2 is a heavy, solid piece. The titanium case keeps it from feeling like a brick, but it's still a commanding presence. The rubber strap is flexible and conforms to the wrist, making it surprisingly comfortable for a watch of this size. The weight distribution is good, with the heavy chronograph elements balanced by the skeletonized dial.

On the wrist, it feels like a piece of engineering equipment. The case is thick, and the pushers are tactile, clicking with a satisfying resistance. The strap's quick-release system makes it easy to swap for a different color or material, but the integrated design means you'll likely stick with the factory rubber. It's not a watch you'll forget you're wearing—it's a constant reminder of its automotive soul.

Accuracy

In real-world wear, the RD630 performs admirably. Expect an average of +2 to +5 seconds per day, well within chronometer standards even without COSC certification. The variable inertia balance wheel and the free-sprung hairspring contribute to stability. However, the high-power reserve and the constant operation of the chronograph can affect consistency if you engage it frequently. Daily wear, it's a reliable companion.

Occasions

This watch is made for sport and daily wear. It's not a dress watch—it's too loud and large. But it's perfect for a weekend at the track, a night out, or even a casual business meeting if you want to make a statement. It's not for the faint-hearted; it's for those who embrace the fast lane.

Wrist Presence

5/5 - This watch is a wrist bomb. The skeletonized dial, the exposed screws, the carbon-fiber accents, and the bold hexagonal design ensure you'll be the center of attention. It's not subtle, and it's not meant to be. If you want to make a statement, this is the watch.

Reference Variants

The Huracan ST EVO2 is part of a family of Roger Dubuis Lamborghini collaborations. The RDDBEX0824 features a blue accent and a slightly different case finish, while the RDDBEX0765 has a black and red color scheme. The ST EVO2 stands out with its unique EVO2 design, which includes a new case shape and enhanced skeletonization.

Family and Other Models

Roger Dubuis also offers the Excalibur Double Tourbillon, a masterpiece of horology, and the Excalibur Spider Pirelli, another motorsport-inspired model. The brand's catalog is a mix of avant-garde and classic, but the Spider line is where they let their hair down.

Similar Watches

If you're considering the Huracan ST EVO2, you might also look at the Hublot Big Bang Unico, which offers a similar fusion of automotive style and skeletonization. The Richard Mille RM 11-03 is another high-octane chronograph with racing aesthetics, though at a significantly higher price point.

Homages

For those who want the look without the price tag, Pagani Design offers the PD-1685, a skeleton chronograph with automotive cues for under $200. It's not the same caliber, but it captures the spirit.

Investment Value

The MSRP is not publicly disclosed, but the pre-owned market sees prices around $40,000-$50,000. The trend is stable—these watches don't appreciate like steel Rolex sports models, but they also don't plummet. If you buy one, you're buying for the love of the design, not for investment. The Lamborghini collaboration adds a layer of cool, but it's a niche piece.

Service and Maintenance

Roger Dubuis recommends a service every 5 years, with an approximate cost of $1,200. It's best to have it serviced at an authorized service center to maintain the movement's precision and the case's integrity. The skeletonized nature makes servicing more intricate, so it's not a job for a local watchmaker.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Stunning skeletonization with automotive design cues; in-house chronograph movement with column wheel; lightweight titanium case and comfortable rubber strap.

Cons: Large and heavy, not for small wrists; high price tag and limited practicality.

Final Verdict

The Excalibur Spider Huracan ST EVO2 is a bold fusion of Lamborghini's racing spirit and Roger Dubuis' haute horlogerie. It's a watch for those who want their wrist to scream horsepower, and it delivers on that promise with technical prowess and visual drama. If you're a collector with a need for speed, this is your ticket.