⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 2,000-word review:
The BBR Factory Roger Dubuis Replica (Excalibur V4) is currently the best Skeleton Tourbillon on the market. It finally solves the thickness issue of previous versions.
- The Movement: Real Flying Tourbillon (Manual Winding) with 50h power reserve.
- The Upgrade: Thickness reduced to 13.5mm (V3 was 14mm+).
- The Material: Real Grade 5 Titanium case, super lightweight.
Score: 9.6/10. The King of Skeleton Watches.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Tourbillon RDDBEX0479 |
| Factory | BBR Factory (V4 Upgrade) |
| Case Size | 42mm Diameter x 13.5mm Thickness |
| Case Material | Grade 5 Titanium (Polished & Brushed) |
| Dial | Fully Skeletonized (No Dial) |
| Movement | BBR Custom Seagull Manual Flying Tourbillon |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3Hz) – Correct for Tourbillon |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Real Flying Tourbillon at 7 o’clock |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Double-Sided AR Coating |
| Strap | Natural Rubber Strap with Titanium Clasp |
1. Introduction: The Art of the Skeleton Tourbillon
In the world of high-end horology, Roger Dubuis stands for extravagance, technical mastery, and the “Hyper Horology” ethos. The Excalibur Skeleton Tourbillon is their flagship model. It features a star-shaped bridge design (the “Astral Skeleton”) and a mesmerizing flying tourbillon.
For Roger Dubuis replica collectors, this watch has always been a “Grail.” Why? Because replicating a fully skeletonized movement is incredibly hard. There is no dial to hide flaws. Every gear, every spring, every bridge is visible.
BBR Factory is the only manufacturer that has successfully cloned this masterpiece. While their V1, V2, and V3 versions were good, they were all too thick. With the new V4 Upgrade, BBR has re-engineered the movement and case to achieve a thickness of 13.5mm, bringing this Roger Dubuis replica closer to the genuine than ever before.
Table of Contents
2. V3 vs. V4: The Thickness Revolution
The biggest complaint about the previous BBR Roger Dubuis replica (V3) was the bulkiness.
1. The Diet Plan (14mm -> 13.5mm)
- V3 Version: Measured around 14mm – 14.2mm. On the wrist, it felt a bit like a hockey puck.
- V4 Version: BBR shaved off nearly 0.5mm – 0.7mm. The new case measures 13.5mm.
- How? By machining the mainplate thinner and optimizing the sapphire crystal height. This makes the Roger Dubuis replica sit much lower on the wrist and slide under a cuff easier.
2. Middle Case Hollow
- The Upgrade: The V4 version features a fully hollowed-out middle case structure, exactly like the genuine Roger Dubuis Excalibur. Previous versions had solid blocks of metal where there should have been air. This transparency is key to the “Spider” look.
3. Finishing Upgrades
- Chamfering: The V4 uses CNC precision cutting for all the star-shaped bridges. The bevels (anglage) are sharper and shinier than the V3, catching the light beautifully.
3. The Case: Grade 5 Titanium Excellence
This Roger Dubuis replica is not made of steel; it is made of Titanium.
(Image Alt: Grade 5 Titanium case finishing on BBR Roger Dubuis replica)
Why Grade 5 Titanium?
Most cheap replicas use Grade 2 Titanium (which is dull and scratches easily) or Stainless Steel (which is heavy).
- BBR V4: Uses Grade 5 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). This alloy can be polished to a mirror finish, unlike Grade 2.
- Weight: The entire watch head weighs only about 80g. It is featherlight. You forget you are wearing a 42mm watch.
- Durability: It is harder than steel and highly resistant to corrosion.
The Crown
The crown has also been upgraded. The sandblasted texture on the crown grip is finer and more uniform, matching the genuine Roger Dubuis replica aesthetic.
4. The Movement: Real Flying Tourbillon (Not a Toy)
The heart of this Roger Dubuis replica is the movement. It is the only reason to buy this watch.
(Image Alt: Real Flying Tourbillon movement on BBR Roger Dubuis replica)
What is a Flying Tourbillon?
A standard tourbillon has a bridge on top to hold it in place. A Flying Tourbillon is supported only from the bottom, so it looks like it is floating in mid-air.
- The BBR Achievement: BBR uses a custom manual-winding movement based on the Seagull ST8000 architecture. It is a genuine Flying Tourbillon.
- The Look: The cage rotates once every 60 seconds. The “Celtic Cross” design on the tourbillon cage is polished to perfection. It is mesmerizing to watch.
Frequency Matters: 21,600 vph
- Genuine: Operates at 3Hz (21,600 vph).
- BBR Replica: Also operates at 21,600 vph.
- Why this matters: Many cheap Roger Dubuis replicas use high-beat (28,800 vph) movements to fake it. But a true tourbillon often runs slower to extend power reserve and reduce wear. BBR got the beat rate correct.
Power Reserve: 50 Hours
Manual winding tourbillons can be a pain if they die quickly.
- Test Result: We tested the BBR V4 Roger Dubuis replica. On a full wind, it ran for approximately 48-50 hours. This is enough to leave it off your wrist for two days.
5. Skeleton Dial: The “Astral Skeleton”
There is no dial on this Roger Dubuis replica. The movement is the dial.
(Image Alt: Astral Skeleton star bridge design on Roger Dubuis replica)
The Star Bridge
The defining feature of the Excalibur is the star-shaped bridge (the “Astral Skeleton”).
- BBR Execution: The V4 upgrade has improved the finishing on this star. The top surface is circular brushed, while the edges are beveled and polished.
- Symmetry: The points of the star align perfectly with the hour markers. This level of precision is rare in the Roger Dubuis replica market.
Visibility
Because the mainspring barrel (at 12 o’clock) is skeletonized, you can see the spring winding tight as you turn the crown. This visual feedback connects you to the machine. It is pure mechanical art.
Hands & Legibility
- Hands: The gold hands are skeletonized at the base and filled with luminous material at the tips.
- Legibility: To be honest, skeleton watches are hard to read. But you don’t buy a Roger Dubuis replica to tell time; you buy it to stare at the mechanics.
6. The Crown & Winding Feel
Since this is a manual-wind watch, you will interact with the crown daily.
- The Feel: The winding is crisp and has a distinct “click” sound. It feels robust, not fragile.
- Torque: As you wind it, you can feel the resistance building up.
- Warning: Do not overwind! Once you feel strong resistance, stop. A tourbillon movement is delicate.
7. Strap & Clasp: Comfort Meets Durability
A heavy watch needs a good strap. BBR delivers on this Roger Dubuis replica.
(Image Alt: Natural rubber strap and titanium clasp on Roger Dubuis replica)
Natural Rubber Strap
- Material: BBR V4 uses high-density natural rubber. It is not cheap silicone that attracts dust.
- Feel: It is incredibly soft and pliable out of the box. It does not need a “break-in” period.
- Fit: The strap is cut to fit the unique triple-lug design of the Excalibur case perfectly.
Titanium Folding Clasp
- Material: The clasp is also made of Titanium.
- Upgrade: BBR V4 has corrected the engraving depth on the clasp. The “Roger Dubuis” logo is now deep and crisp, not shallow laser etching. It snaps shut with a reassuring click.
8. On-Wrist Experience: The “Iron Man” Feel
What is it like to wear a skeleton tourbillon?
- Weight: Because it is Grade 5 Titanium, it is shockingly light (approx. 80g). You expect a big metal watch to be heavy, but this Roger Dubuis replica disappears on the wrist.
- Size: At 42mm, it is large but not oversized. The triple-lug design helps the strap hug the wrist, so it fits wrists down to 17cm comfortably.
- Visual Impact: This is a “loud” watch. The moving tourbillon catches everyone’s eye. It is a conversation starter.
9. Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- Real Flying Tourbillon: It works, it looks amazing, and it is reliable.
- Grade 5 Titanium: Premium material that is light and strong.
- Thinness: At 13.5mm, the V4 is the thinnest Roger Dubuis replica with this movement.
- Finishing: The star bridge chamfering is top-tier.
❌ The Cons
- Manual Wind: You must wind it every 2 days. Some people prefer automatic.
- Legibility: It is hard to read the time quickly against the skeleton background.
- Price: It is expensive (usually $700+), but you are paying for a real tourbillon.
10. Final Verdict – Is the BBR V4 Worth It?
Yes. It is a masterpiece.
The BBR Factory Roger Dubuis replica (Excalibur Skeleton Tourbillon V4) is in a league of its own. Most replicas are just copying a look; this one is copying high-end horology engineering.
Why you should buy it:
- Mechanics: Owning a real tourbillon for under $1000 is an incredible value proposition.
- Materials: The titanium case feels genuinely expensive.
- Accuracy: The V4 upgrades (thickness and hollow lugs) make it nearly indistinguishable on the wrist.
If you want a watch that showcases the mechanical heart of timekeeping, this Roger Dubuis replica is the best choice in 2025.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ: Common Buyer Questions
Q1: Is the Tourbillon real?
A: Yes! It is a genuine Seagull-based manual winding Flying Tourbillon. The cage rotates 360 degrees every minute.
Q2: Is the watch fragile?
A: Tourbillons are more delicate than standard movements. Do not drop it, and do not play golf/tennis while wearing this Roger Dubuis replica.
Q3: How long does the power reserve last?
A: On a full wind, it lasts about 48-50 hours. We recommend winding it once a day to keep accuracy high.
Q4: Is it waterproof?
A: It is splash-proof (3ATM). Do not swim with a skeleton tourbillon watch. Water can easily damage the exposed movement parts.
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