Since 2001 Bugatti has been partnered with Parmigiani to create some amazing time pieces. In fact there are more Bugatti watches then models in the automakers entire lineup throughout history.
The last Bugatti and Parmigiani piece we will cover for a little while, the Atalante fly-back chronograph, is yet one more watch that takes its inspiration from the famous Bugatti Atlante 57S Sport. It would be a mistake though to think that it is anything like other pieces that come from the same origin. It has an entirely original aesthetic that is a first for Parmigiani. The 43mm rounded case is the only concession to tradition.
First of all, what’s so special about a chronograph and why you’re going to see it in this article repeatedly?
Chronographs are said to be so accurate that (if it were possible to power them long enough) you could set them, time capsule them for decades or even centuries and they would still be 99.9% accurate when the lucky future recipient decided to wear it.
The Atalante’s case profile, dial and chronograph push-pieces which are located left of the case, are completely original. You would probably miss the satin finish on its case created where the case-back and bezel meet, inspired by the 57S Sports air intakes.
The left of center location of the chronograph push-pieces give the ability to easily start timing. Once the chronograph hand is in motion, another press will reset it instantly to zero and restarts the chronograph immediately. In addition to a 30 minute counter, two separate tachymetric displays can be used to time slower events (on the 30 minute counter) and high speed events (displayed on the bezel). This is a feature unique to the first-ever in-house PF 335 Chronograph movement.
Add a dial directly inspired by the design of the Bugatti’s radiator grille and the EB acronym at 6 o’clock and there is no mistaking the official alliance that brings these two juggernauts of priceless precision and performance. The dial also delivers the bonus of being able to view the inner workings of the piece as well as the date disk.
Model Bugatti 43 Flyback chronograph.
Movement PF 335
Automatic winding movement.
50 hour power reserve.
Calibre 13”’ ¼ – Ø 30.3 mm.
Frequency 4 Hz – 28,800 vib/h.
68 jewels. Two series-coupled barrels.
“Côtes de Genève” decoration, chamfered bridges.
22 carat gold oscillating weight on gold models.
Functions Hour.
Minute.
Small seconds at 9 o’clock.
Date under openworked dial.
1⁄4 second chronograph (large seconds in centre, 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock), flyback.
Exterior Round case: 43 mm. Thickness: 13.40 mm.
Material: 18 ct white gold, 18 ct rose gold. Polished and satin-finished.
Water resistance: 30 m.
Shaped push-pieces at 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock.
Bezel with tachometer.
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Crown: Ø 9 mm.
Open case-back.
Consecutive number engraved on the case-back.
Jewelry:
Bezel set with 68 “brilliant” cut diamonds (Top Wesselton VVS, ~1.1 ct).
Dials Two variants
“Silver” openworked dial.
Rhodium-plated applique indexes, Delta shaped hands with luminous coating.
“Ivoire” openworked dial.
Rhodium-plated applique indexes, Delta shaped hands with luminous coating.
Flange at 3 o’clock set with 27 brilliant cut diamonds (Top Wesselton VVS, 0.4 ct).
Straps Hermes alligator with 18 ct gold deployment safety clasp.
Author Bio
Jonathan Gandy was born in San Jose California and raised in the DC area all his life. He dedicated himself to financial and business education through authors like Napoleon Hill, Robert Kiyosaki and Blaine Harris to name a few. He learned that the easiest and quickest way to start doing what he wanted to do was to write. An automotive journalist as well as entrepreneur, John is not only involved in journalism but also shares a passion for fine watches and automobiles. You can read more of Jon’s work at www.Up-Shift.net
