When watchmaking crosses paths with motorsport, the result is usually technical. But in the case of the Roger Dubuis DBEX1040 Excalibur Spider Skeleton, the outcome feels more visual, more wearable, and more high-energy. Its openworked dial, lightweight case, and punchy red and white color pairing bring out the thrill of high-performance racing in a design that’s still practical enough for daily use. It’s not just another watch, it’s a machine made for attention.
Let’s take a closer look at what sets this model apart and where it fits within the larger Excalibur lineup from Roger Dubuis.
The Origins of the Excalibur Spider DBEX1040
The Excalibur Spider DBEX1040 traces its roots to the 2017 collaboration between Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini Squadra Corse. That partnership gave birth to a series of high-octane watches shaped by the look and feel of Lamborghini’s Huracán engines – machines built to perform under pressure and demand attention while doing it.
The Excalibur Spider series was born from this concept: skeletonized watches built in limited numbers, mirroring the aesthetics of supercars. The DBEX1040 carries that same spirit. Released as a limited edition of just 88 pieces, the model takes its inspiration straight from the Huracán’s engine bay and transforms it into a wearable sculpture of moving parts and layered design.
With that foundation, let’s move on to the case and strap areas where function and design collide.
Case and Strap: Lightweight Build with a Racy Feel
Sized at 45mm, the case is made from Mineral Composite Fiber (MCF) – a proprietary material that’s both ultra-light and extremely tough. Despite its large dimensions, this helps the watch remain comfortable throughout the day. The matte white finish gives it a clean look, with red lacquer accents and fine detailing along the lugs and case sides to break things up visually.
Flip the watch over, and a titanium caseback with an exhibition window reveals the engine-inspired movement. You’ll also spot the engraved Excalibur Huracán logo, plus the unique serial number and its edition number out of 88.
The watch comes on a white rubber strap with a red perforated calf leather inlay, meant to echo the feel of a supercar’s interior. It uses the brand’s Quick Release System for easy strap changes, and the titanium deployant clasp closes things off with a secure, fuss-free fit.
Now that we’ve covered the frame, let’s zoom in on the face of the watch and its detailed layout.
Dial Design: Openworked Layout with Racing Cues
The dial immediately grabs your attention. Its skeletonized layout opens up the movement underneath, mirroring the way a Lamborghini engine bay shows off its inner workings. The base color is a matte grey, with white and red accents added strategically around the flange, hour markers, and the 6 o’clock date window.
The hour markers resemble small screws and are rhodium-plated, filled with Super-LumiNova (SLN) for nighttime visibility. The hour and minute hands are coated with lume, and the central seconds hand adds a red tip for contrast and motion.
In low light, the watch glows with a mint-green lume, clearly illuminating the time except at 12 and 6, where the layout purposely breaks the symmetry to create visual interest.
It’s not just about looks, though – the design supports function. Let’s take a look under the hood.
Movement and Functionality: Huracán Energy Under the Hood
The DBEX1040 is powered by the in-house RD630 automatic skeletonized movement, specifically designed to mirror the power and layout of a Lamborghini V10. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it delivers a balance of responsiveness and stability.
The movement features a 60-hour power reserve and includes central hours, minutes, seconds, and a date display positioned cleanly at 6 o’clock. With its openworked architecture and engine-inspired finishing, the RD630 isn’t just functional – it’s built to be seen.
Next up: how it feels on the wrist.
On-Wrist Feel: Statement Size, Surprisingly Easy Wear
Even with its 45mm case, the lightweight MCF material and angled lugs help the watch wear flatter and more balanced than the dimensions suggest. The low-profile caseback keeps the watch steady, while the strap keepers and quick-release system ensure the strap sits just right.
You’ll feel it, but not in a heavy way. It’s a watch that stands out, not just for its size, but for its color, layout, and presence. Whether you’re in a showroom or out with friends, it draws the eye without trying too hard.
Let’s wrap it up with a quick overview of all the specs.
| Category | Details |
| Case Size | 45mm |
| Case Thickness | 7.78 mm |
| Case Material | Mineral Composite Fiber (MCF) |
| Bezel | White MCF with red lacquered markings |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Caseback | Titanium open caseback with Excalibur Huracán logo |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Movement | Automatic, skeletonized |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Strap | White rubber with red calf leather inlay |
| Clasp | Titanium triple-fold deployant |
| Lume | Mint green Super-LumiNova on hands and markers |
| Edition | Limited to 88 pieces |
Final Thoughts: For Collectors Who Move Fast
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider DBEX1040 isn’t built for staying in the background. It’s for those who want a timepiece that looks like it belongs in the fast lane. With its layered case, skeleton architecture, and limited run of 88 pieces, it’s built to stand out, on the wrist and in the collection.
If you’re the kind of collector who likes pieces that push design, lean into performance, and make a statement, this watch checks the boxes.
Want to see it in motion?
Watch our full hands-on review of the RD Excalibur Spider Skeleton DBEX1040
