Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390. The latest wristwatch from Parmigiani Fleurier is a tribute to the Bugatti Chiron, the world's fastest car with a top speed of 420 km/h (limited for road use). Designed to emulate the Bugatti Chiron in watch form, the new Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 is a hub of innovations and new solutions with an engine block which is truly unique with its horizontal cylindrical construction. The price of the Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 (10 pieces in white gold with ref. PFH390-1201401-HA1442 and 10 pieces in pink gold with ref. PFH390-1001401-HA1442) is Swiss Francs 295,000.
The latest wristwatch from Parmigiani Fleurier is a tribute to the Bugatti Chiron, the world's fastest car with a top speed of 420 km/h (limited for road use).
Designed to emulate the Bugatti Chiron in watch form, the new Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 is a hub of innovations and new solutions with an engine block which is truly unique with its horizontal cylindrical construction.
Housed in a cylinder, the patented calibre PF390 features a flying tourbillon boasting an 80-hour power reserve thanks to two series-mounted barrels. This new type of "engine" has been slimmed down so that its diameter is no larger than the regulator of its 60-second tourbillon, which shows the seconds.
The transmission of information from the tubular structure to the perpendicularly positioned dial is made possible thanks to a worm screw which moves twice through a 90° angle. This angle transmission function enables a 90º transfer of energy, out of the closed cylindrical circuit and into the display on the dial. The central planetary gear train is responsible for this transmission to the dial. This solution marks a first in watchmaking.
Moreover, this worm screw eliminates all the problems of indenting (caused by the hand sliding on the spindle) often found in ordinary watches. Finally, a spring at one end of the worm screw ensures regularity and comfort when setting the time on the movement via the crown.
Inspired by the principles behind the construction of the Chiron, the designers chose an engine/interior/bodywork design. Specifically, the horizontal cylindrical movement (the "engine") is connected by a worm screw to the dial and the displays (the "interior") which are positioned perpendicularly; the entire assembly is enveloped in a rose gold case and sapphire crystal (the "bodywork") through which the moving mechanism can be admired. Thanks to its modular construction, the movement can be removed from its housing just as an engine would be removed from a supercar for important modifications.
Due to the cylindrical configuration of the movement, the usual alternating wheel-pinion-wheel-pinion configuration is replaced by a transmission using three planetary gear trains. Each of these three planetary gear trains is equipped with a central train wheel, three planetary gears and a metallised fixed ring gear. A new type of component, this planetary gear train has never before been used in watchmaking gear trains and uses the smallest ball bearing in the world: just 1.28 mm in diameter for 12 ceramic balls measuring 0.2 mm in diameter. Each of the three planetary gear trains features three bearings, making a total of nine ball bearings in all. Another key point is the fact that the assembly requires no lubrication: a significant advantage in terms of reliability and maintenance.
The series-type coupling guarantees a constant transfer of energy and rate regularity for optimal timekeeping. The energy is then transferred via the planetary gear trains to the flying tourbillon regulator, at the end of the transmission chain which oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour). This Calibre PF390 also features a torque limiter which protects the movement during winding by preventing any accidental breakage with a free return function.
Also inspired by the components used for the Bugatti Chiron, the PF390 movement is equipped with a bevel gear differential to show the power reserve. By designing a display tube (made from sapphire) which is peripheral to the movement, the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacture developed this unique construction in which a power-reserve train wheel drives a fixed toothed ring gear inside the tube. This taper pivots on two guide rings thereby enabling the power reserve to be read on the tube, by means of a fixed hand.
The Calibre PF390 boasts exceptional finishes across all its components. Enclosed in a titanium cage designed to control the forces at play without any deformation, the two barrels are engraved – one with the signature of Louis Chiron, the other with the inscription "le vieux renard" (the old fox), in reference to the nickname of this legendary racing driver.
The black openworked dial features luminescent applique indices and hands which create a stark contrast to ensure optimal legibility. Thanks to the 60-second tourbillon, the seconds can be read through the magnifying effect of the sapphire crystal at the end of the cylinder.
Inspired by the fluid curves of the Bugatti Chiron, the 42.2 x 57.7 x 18.4 mm (height) case is crafted from white gold or pink gold and engraved on the back with the inscription "EDITION LIMITEE 10 PIECES" (10-piece limited edition).
This case was created by Les Artisans Boîtiers – one of Parmigiani Fleurier's manufacture divisions; constructed around the cylindrical structure and water resistant to 3 ATM, it stands out thanks to its ability to pivot 12° around its drive shaft (patent pending), to ensure perfect ergonomics around any wrist.
The alligator leather strap is signed by Hermès and is fitted with a gold folding buckle. The price of the Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 (10 pieces in white gold with ref. PFH390-1201401-HA1442 and 10 pieces in pink gold with ref. PFH390-1001401-HA1442) is Swiss Francs 295,000. parmigiani.com
Designed to emulate the Bugatti Chiron in watch form, the new Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 is a hub of innovations and new solutions with an engine block which is truly unique with its horizontal cylindrical construction.
The transmission of information from the tubular structure to the perpendicularly positioned dial is made possible thanks to a worm screw which moves twice through a 90° angle. This angle transmission function enables a 90º transfer of energy, out of the closed cylindrical circuit and into the display on the dial. The central planetary gear train is responsible for this transmission to the dial. This solution marks a first in watchmaking.
Moreover, this worm screw eliminates all the problems of indenting (caused by the hand sliding on the spindle) often found in ordinary watches. Finally, a spring at one end of the worm screw ensures regularity and comfort when setting the time on the movement via the crown.
Due to the cylindrical configuration of the movement, the usual alternating wheel-pinion-wheel-pinion configuration is replaced by a transmission using three planetary gear trains. Each of these three planetary gear trains is equipped with a central train wheel, three planetary gears and a metallised fixed ring gear. A new type of component, this planetary gear train has never before been used in watchmaking gear trains and uses the smallest ball bearing in the world: just 1.28 mm in diameter for 12 ceramic balls measuring 0.2 mm in diameter. Each of the three planetary gear trains features three bearings, making a total of nine ball bearings in all. Another key point is the fact that the assembly requires no lubrication: a significant advantage in terms of reliability and maintenance.
Also inspired by the components used for the Bugatti Chiron, the PF390 movement is equipped with a bevel gear differential to show the power reserve. By designing a display tube (made from sapphire) which is peripheral to the movement, the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacture developed this unique construction in which a power-reserve train wheel drives a fixed toothed ring gear inside the tube. This taper pivots on two guide rings thereby enabling the power reserve to be read on the tube, by means of a fixed hand.
The Calibre PF390 boasts exceptional finishes across all its components. Enclosed in a titanium cage designed to control the forces at play without any deformation, the two barrels are engraved – one with the signature of Louis Chiron, the other with the inscription "le vieux renard" (the old fox), in reference to the nickname of this legendary racing driver.
The black openworked dial features luminescent applique indices and hands which create a stark contrast to ensure optimal legibility. Thanks to the 60-second tourbillon, the seconds can be read through the magnifying effect of the sapphire crystal at the end of the cylinder.
This case was created by Les Artisans Boîtiers – one of Parmigiani Fleurier's manufacture divisions; constructed around the cylindrical structure and water resistant to 3 ATM, it stands out thanks to its ability to pivot 12° around its drive shaft (patent pending), to ensure perfect ergonomics around any wrist.
The alligator leather strap is signed by Hermès and is fitted with a gold folding buckle. The price of the Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 (10 pieces in white gold with ref. PFH390-1201401-HA1442 and 10 pieces in pink gold with ref. PFH390-1001401-HA1442) is Swiss Francs 295,000. parmigiani.com
Love the lines and the overall look but in terms of function I think readability could be improved.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree but at this level the mechanisms are more important than reading the time!
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