On August 13th, 2010 Parmigiani Fleurier launched the automobile-inspired Bugatti Super Sport timepiece. A super watch made in conjunction with the world’s fastest production car, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 SuperSport. The car is an amazing feat in engineering as is this new Bugatti timepiece from Parmigiani. I really liked the original watch Parmigiani created for Bugatti, however, this version has been fully redesigned. The new watch is arguably better looking, and maintains an unmistakable look, much like a Bugatti supercar. The restrained, with a sleeker more wearable case, and an aesthetic that perfectly blends subtle Bugatti Veyron elements, without being quite as loud as the previous model, and that is definitely a good thing.
Press Release Parmigiani Fleurier
“In 2004, Parmigiani revolutionized the world of watchmaking by placing the entire movement of its Bugatti Type 370 watch on a transverse axis, just like a car engine block. A pillar assembly connected the caliber’s five plates and the train wheels cut in the shape of a car wheel.
In 2010, Parmigiani flips all the mechanical components of the new caliber Bugatti PF 372 onto a vertical axis, retaining the lateral time display so appreciated car drivers.
In a world premiere, Parmigiani has successfully developed a 90° time setting system – the dial is positioned perpendicular to the display axis (hours/minutes) – by integrating a system of double pinions with bevel gearing. Like the complete movement, this unique and complex mechanical system, which allows the time to be displayed on the side, has been entirely designed and created in the workshops of the Fleurier manufacture (VMF).
Another key feature of the new Bugatti: its dynamometric crown. Perfectly integrated just above the profile, this is one of the essential technical components in terms of the harmony of the model’s aerodynamic lines. To retract the winding stem from its housing and make it accessible for setting, a slight pressure is sufficient.
Its movement is the embodiment of Parmigiani Haute Horlogerie. The manually wound Calibre Parmigiani 372 (power reserve of 10 days) was designed in two planes in order to match the contours of the new Bugatti watch. On the wrist, the watch movement is displayed at an angle of 30°. On the upside, the balance and escape wheel bridges form an arc reminiscent of the Bugatti oval. The screw balance, produced at atokalpa – the Parmigiani manufacture’s bar turning facility – is perfectly visible, just like the central circular power reserve bridge with a 10-day graduated scale.
Striking aesthetic characteristics, the train wheels are once again cut in the form of car wheels, the plate and its 10 bridges, designed and decorated in line with Parmigiani’s exclusive criteria, adopt the pillar system already used on the Calibre 370. A total of six sapphire crystals reveal the 337 impressive components of the new Bugatti Super Sport, which is water-resistant to 10 meters. The carbon fiber hour wheel can be seen through the dial’s open-worked center, and is an homage to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The hands, applique indexes, and counter are picked out in the same shade of orange used on the limited edition “world record” Veyron.
The highly tapered profile of the Bugatti Super Sport recalls the body of a wing, however, the inspiration for the design lies in the iconic shape of the case lugs on a Parmigiani watch. Boasting the brand’s characteristic curves the new Bugatti represents the decisive signature of the Parmigiani style. Highly ergonomic on the wrist, the Bugatti Super Sport offers even greater comfort thanks to the two removable lugs incorporated at the front of the watch.
Of a complexity rare in watchmaking, the design of the new Bugatti’s 18 ct white gold case – created by Les Artisans Boîtiers, the Parmigiani manufacture’s case production facility – reproduces the taut lines of the Bugatti Veyron’s wings. Brushed or polished, inclined planes and bevels are brought to life by contrasting light effects to reveal its generous volumes. The watch’s aerodynamic curves, which are reminiscent of those on the 1200 bhp Bugatti Veyron, are matched with an integral Hermès strap specially created for the occasion.”
