Bugatti
When it comes to leaving a mark on the history of luxury and eccentricity, the name Bugatti comes to mind. This name is remembered today by many as it takes us to a time when said brand, of French origin, manufactured luxury and competition cars, which thanks to Ettore Bugatti became an icon in 1901 and still are today.
However, after more than 100 years of Bugatti history, Parmigiani Fleurier (a prestigious Swiss brand of luxury watches, known since 1975 for creating unique pieces with a unique charm), decided to create a Bugatti watch collection, looking to celebrate the history of the great auto industry with which its owner, Michel Parmigiani, was fully identified.
In September 2004, during Bugatti’s 100-year celebration in the park at the St. Jean Castle in France, Parmigiani unveiled the majestic creation: the Bugatti Type 370 Centennial collection of two watches, one in platinum and one in rose gold. Manufacturing each of these pieces required 300 hours, and included the famous PF310 mechanism engraved by Philippe Bodenmann.
The Bugatti Type 370 has astonished many. It is a unique watch in history, as it is the first created with a transverse movement and a car concept; it is like watching a car with a small engine on your wrist. To manufacture it, 50 engineers from Parmigiani Fleurier worked hard for four years, achieving an indescribable and impressive watch, thanks to a dynamometer instrument called Starter, which allows the user to set the time or trace the movement.
This collection was inspired by the Veyron 16B car. The watch is totally original and reflects class and finesse. Its dial, case and buttons are uneven, resembling the air intakes on the side of the sports car. Thinking about the comfort and the safety of the user, the buttons were placed on the left side. The dial reveals the rotors and the date indicator disc.
The Bugatti 16C Galibier was also released, and it is specially designed to use in the car or as a bracelet. With a seven-day power reserve and a thirty-second tourbillon, the piece can be used three ways. It can be worn on the wrist with a special strap designed by Hermes, as a pocket watch with an 18k gold case, and as a table clock for home or office with a special automatic system for winding every five days. Undoubtedly, this is a tempting model that offers elegance and harmony, both characteristics of the Bugatti world.
The Bugatti Vitesse is also one of the watches manufactured by the Swiss brand Parmigiani. This new timepiece is inspired by the Bugatti Veyron Grand Spot Vitesse convertible. It is presented in titanium with a satin finish case and a dial made of a new material named Texalium that combines fabric with aluminum.
The top of the dial is partially skeletonized and, at the six o’clock position, there is a small ring with the corresponding needles and Arabic numerals; additional areas are guarded by six sapphire crystals with an antireflective system. Its crown is made of white gold decorated with lapis lazuli, has 333 parts, 40 rubies and special functions for hours and minutes. The crocodile strap is designed by Hermes with a brushed titanium buckle. It is definitely a piece that everyone will want to have.
Considered as the world’s fastest watch, Parmigiani Fleurier launched the limited edition watch Bugatti Super Sport, inspired by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. This large piece has been a sensation with its aerodynamic shape featuring a black dial, with orange touches, made of carbon fiber. The watch is shaped like a small tear allowing you to immediately see the inside.
The Bugatti Super Sport brings together 370 pieces and, with a total of six sapphire crystals, it is a symbol of greatness. Only 30 watches have been released into the market with a price tag of $259,000.
Clearly, Bugatti watches are a true work of art. It is impressive to see these fantastic creations by Parmigiani Fleurier, inspired by the most prestigious automobiles manufactured by Bugatti. Those who can buy a watch like this will surely hold on to it forever.