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On the occasion of the Geneva International Motor Show 2016, Parmigiani Fleurier is unveiling a new milestone of its partnership with Bugatti. While the automotive brand presents the Bugatti Chiron, a technical marvel and “super car” of unrivaled power, Parmigiani Fleurier unveils the watch associated with the car: the PF-Bugatti 390 Concept Watch.

PF-Bugatti Type 390 Concept Watch

She is the representative of a new generation of Bugatti timekeepers.

The PF-Bugatti 390 is conceived as a motor-bloc on the wrist which movement takes a tubular, perfectly concentric shape. This coaxial structure splits the functional sections of a movement into separate compartments, which are in mutual interaction just like the motor of a car.

This spectacular piece falls in with the proud tradition of the PF-Bugatti family, which transgresses watchmaking conventions and presents exceptional mechanisms.

MOVEMENT

Sections of the tubular movement and dial display

1 Supply – winding

2 Energy

3 Transmission

4 Regulation (TB)

5 Dial

Modular construction: a tubular engine, which can be removed from its receptacle.

Coaxial construction: true precision of assembly.

A Base of time: cylinder – frequency machine=car engine

B Display: displays the time like an additional module=cockpit

1 SUPPLY

This section determines:

– Power reserve indication

– Winding of the barrels

– Time setting

Key elements:

– Clamp rod – A unique piece that replaces four components (trigger piece, humper, lever, lever spring) and ensures the transition between the winding of the barrels and the time setting

– Torque limiting system – Anti-breakage system, which has a free return function.

2 ENERGY SUPPLY

Two barrels ensure constancy in the supply (Analogy with the two fuel tanks of a Bugatti car). Series-coupled barrels with a “triangular coupling” innovation:

– Barrel 1 is directly combined with barrel

– Consequently, the energy supply is even more constant.

3 TRAIN WHEEL

Function: Energy transmission from the barrel to the escapement.

– Axial configuration instead of flat

– The classical reduction ratio (alternation of Wheel-Pinion-Wheel-Pinion) is no longer used. The transmission is ensured by a planetary gear, which consists of a central wheel, three satellites and a fixed toothed crown

There are three series of planetary gears that enable together:

– The reduction ratio function

– Transmission of the torque

– The centring of the force at each level.

4 TOURBILLON

– Flying tourbillon 60 seconds which diameter defines that of the whole concentric tube

– 4 Hz, very rare for a tourbillon; great inertia of the balance wheel

– Excellent power to weight ratio: very light yet resistant materials. Enables optimal adjustments and compatibility with the COSC standards.

5 DIAL

The link with the dial occurs at the level of the central planetary gears (Transmission section)

Recovery of the torque and transposition by means of a worm screw (an exceptional element for a wristwatch), which enables:

– Angle function: the energy switches to a new plane and exits the closed tubular circuit, thus allowing a dial-display

– Anti-return system: irreversible mechanism, maintaining the hands’ original position

– Robust and reliable mechanism.