In the new Bugatti Type 390 by Parmigiani Fleurier (RM1.2 million), its mechanics are concentrated in a tubular shape that echo last year’s stunning Bugatti Chiron, one of the world’s fastest street-legal hypercars in production. Fitting for a timepiece inspired by this particular automobile, the use of a hand-wound coaxial movement makes it the most complex movement ever to be made by the brand.
“There are similarities between the automotive and watchmaking industries, and the Bugatti collection by Parmigiani is an expression of extravagance. It’s like a joker who goes unpunished, where he can do anything he wants,” says master watchmaker Michel Parmigiani. “Creating a watch inspired after an engine block to be worn on a wrist is not easy, so proportions must be spot on.”
On a case of either white or rose gold, you find large openings covered with concave sapphire crystal displaying the heart of the watch, that take notes from the Chiron’s W16 engine. While the Bugatti Type 390 and its predecessors are known for their unorthodox designs, Parmigiani’s other timepieces are styled with a more traditional approach, taking inspiration from two main elements: nature and man-made architecture. The design influence of the Toric, for example, comes from the base of the columns found on ancient Greek temples. For the Tonda, it visualises the old paintings made by Michelangelo.
Parmigiani’s source of invention comes from a hard-earned past in restoring old timepieces during the 1970s quartz crisis. “Restoration is harder compared to creating something new from scratch. For originality, I can’t be creative during restoration, so I channel my creativity into creating my own timepieces at night.”
Bugatti, however, will only be his collaboration with an automotive marque. “There are similarities between both brands — the exclusivity, technicality and engineering of our Bugatti watch is shared with the actual car. It can’t be applied to any other makes. Parmigiani Fleurier and Bugatti just fit.”
