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An engine block on the wrist

By Léa Bignon, photos: Dominic Fraser

Parmigiani Fleurier continues its quest for the extraordinary by designing an iconic new model inspired by “the most powerful car in the world”, the Bugatti Chiron.

Blessed with a perfect balance of weight and power, the Bugatti Chiron breaks every speed record, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds! What’s more, this off-the-charts hypercar, the latest from the Molsheim builder, fired the imagination of Michel Parmigiani: the Bugatti Type 390 watch, with a concept and design inspired by the luxurious race car, singular aesthetics and fascinating features.

© Parmigiani

The two series- mounted barrels ensure an autonomy of nearly 80 hours, the 12° articulated case fits every wrist, and – new to the watchmaking world – one can extract the mechanism from the case, much as one does an automobile engine, for major “tune-ups”. Of a sophistication that sets it apart as a mechanical work of art, the Bugatti Type 390 will mesmerise automotive enthusiasts with its sleek, sporty lines, sculpted flanks reminiscent of the Chiron’s, and unique engineering, designed by its creator to be “an engine block on the wrist”. The partnership forged by Bugatti and Parmigiani Fleurier in 2004 travels down another exciting road.

© Parmigiani