Bugatti’s Chiron Supercar Gets its Wristwatch Equivalent

With the Parmigiani Bugatti Type 390.

When the first Bugatti Veyron rolled off the product line in 2005 it was the fastest and perhaps the most advanced supercar in the world. That same year Parmigiani unveiled the Bugatti Type 370, a tubular wristwatch that was one of the most cutting edge watches of the period (remember, this was before the first MB&F had even been unveiled).

Just under a year ago Bugatti took the covers off the Veyron’s successor, the Chiron. Named after 1930s racing driver Louis Chiron, Bugatti’s latest supercar boasts almost 1500 bhp and a 0-60 time of 2.4 seconds. And now Parmigiani has unveiled the wristwatch to go along with the Chiron, the Bugatti Type 390, which is unsurprisingly no ordinary timepiece.

The Chiron outside Château Saint Jean in Molsheim, once Ettore Bugatti’s office and now the company’s headquarters

First hinted at with an angular concept watch presented last year, the Bugatti Type 390 has since been refined and streamlined, giving it a slimmer, sleeker profile. The case measures 42.2mm wide and 57.7mm long, and is 18.4mm high at its thickest point.

The Bugatti Type 390 combines the movements of the two earlier Bugatti timepieces: the tubular, transverse movement of the first Bugatti timepiece, and the wing-shaped calibre of the subsequent Bugatti Super Sport watch.

Sitting horizontally at 12 o’clock, the transverse section of the new calibre contains the twin barrels as well as a flying tourbillon visible through a porthole on the left side of the watch. A large crown on the right winds the watch, which has an 80-hour power reserve

The one-minute tourbillon

The gear train is set perpendicular to the barrels, requiring a worm screw to transfer energy from the mainsprings to the gear train. This allows the open-worked dial of the watch to sit on the sloping face that resembles the wing which deploys when the Chiron brakes.

As notable as the movement construction is the case, which pivots through a 12° angle, to allow it to sit better on the wrist.

Price and availability 

The Bugatti Type 390 is limited to 10 pieces each in rose and white gold. According to Parmigiani, delivery will take place over the coming weeks, and most have already been pre-sold.

The Bugatti Type 390 costs SFr295,000 or S$485,700.


 

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