Elegano.com

When haute horlogerie manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier presented its Bugatti Type 370 watch five years ago, it created quite the sensation among timepiece connoisseurs due to an unusual design, and an even more audacious traversely-mounted mechanical movement. 

Designed to evoke a high-performance car motor, the Type 370 reinforced Parmigiani Fleurier's commitment to daring high luxury watchmaking, while giving collectors an entirely new format to appreciate the mechanics which drive time. 

The original edition of 200 pieces is nearly finished, and the house brings the series to a fitting conclusion with two specially-engraved "Centenaire" models in rose gold and platinum.  The watches also pay homage to legendary carbuilder Bugatti, which in 2009 is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.  

Difficult to describe without the aid of photographs, the case of the Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370 Centenaire merges expressive artistry with elements of technical design necessity.  A creation of future-tinged Art Deco elegance, it measures 32.4mm x 52.5mm.  Despite its unusual combination of curves, wearing comfort is excellent due to the curved central case which follows the contours of the wrist. 

This section serves as a support frame for the cylindrical component which houses the remarkable PF 370.01 movement.  This unusual 10-day caliber, which requires a specialized dynamometric tool for winding and setting, is visible from numerous angles thanks to no fewer than six sapphire crystals arranged around the case.  

The intricate draughtboard and chevron engravings which adorn the rose gold and platinum Bugatti Type 370 Centenaire watches are the work of Philippe Bodenmann.  Bodenmann, a master of his craft, decided upon the distinctive patterns after analyzing the intricate lines and unusual form of the case which offered a true challenge. 

Over 300 hours were invested to create the engravings on each watch. As an example, the creation of a single square of the pattern on the rose gold model require as many as thirty hand-cut grooves, each of which require additional passes to realize the right degree of depth and resulting play of light on the surfaces.  

More at: http://tinyurl.com/ybjjvgv