Bugatti Type 370 – Faubourg editions
An absolute world first, the Bugatti Type 370 watch has completely revolutionised the way of understanding a mechanical watch since its presentation in Autumn 2004. Never yet had a watchmaking brand pulled off the feat of a transversely set movement.
- Bugatti Type 370
Faubourg editions
Its creation arose from a revolutionary idea: inventing a wrist-borne motor unit that indicates the time as an auxiliary function. Adorned with a case leaving plenty of room for its mechanical beauty, its design is a tribute to the inventiveness of Ettore Bugatti and the exceptional look of his cars. Furthermore, the alliance bringing together Bugatti Automobiles and Parmigiani Fleurier is an exclusive licence partnership set up for the long term.
Inspired by motor vehicle technology, the mechanism, fully crafted in the Parmigiani Fleurier workshops, has its five main plates, its bridges and its constituent parts set on a horizontal axis parallel to the wrist rather than vertically, letting enthusiasts immerse themselves in the heart of the gear-trains.
The look of the wristwatch was designed entirely to reveal the movement’s workings. The 18 carat white gold case, comprising six transparent sapphire glasses, is transformed into a light box to show off the mechanical work to its best advantage.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti watch has an astonishing lateral hour and minute arrangement. The dial is not actually placed on top, but on the side, which is very handy when your eyes are occupied by driving.
An ingenious movement winding system had to be specially designed for the watch, which could not take a conventional crown. Using a “starter” tool, the user can set the watch’s time or recharge the movement, with an extraordinary life of 10 days, by means of the two winding stems built into the case-back.
- Bugatti Type 370
Faubourg editions
A unique watchmaking piece, it took no less than five years to bring the Bugatti Type 370 to fruition, with its 374 constituent parts, and the contribution of over fifty different professions.
Since its presentation in 2004, it has constantly reasserted its commercial success, becoming over the passing months one of the watchmaking pieces most coveted by collectors and fine mechanism enthusiasts.
With for now over one hundred and fifty models sold worldwide, the Bugatti Type 370 watch will soon see new adaptations, incorporating several all-new mechanical complications. (Parmigiani press)