Pictures hi res bugatti aerolithe performance titanium 1

Bugatti Aérolithe Performance: The mark of destiny

When creating the Bugatti Aérolithe Performance, Parmigiani Fleurier was inspired by the Bugatti Aérolithe car, which was designed by Jean Bugatti himself.

Its case is made entirely from titanium, a metal found in the meteorites that helped originally inspire Bugatti’s design. Meanwhile, use of laser technology on the Bugatti Aérolithe Performance allows Parmigiani to apply finishes beyond the capability of conventional machining.

In another feat of engineering innovation, underneath the crown and the pushers the intermediate ring displays an ‘inverted diamond point’ pattern, which is impossible to create by removing material with the usual methods.

The dial of the watch is split into two parts, and this continues onto the angled section of the bezel, where the indications are a nod to the exceptional performances of modern-day Bugattis.

The ends of the diamond points in the pattern are polished, while the exterior of the dial is selectively laser sand-blasted.

The counters at 3 and 9 o’clock have keen angles and are finished with a circular satin grain, while the stepped counter at 3 o’clock is formed of three half-levels, each of which has a different textured effect.

Finally, the rhodium-plated indications were formed using a technique which builds up the material by focussing a high-intensity laser beam on it. There is a nod to the world of high-speed pursuits in the double tachometer, which has km/h indications in red and mph in blue in reference to the signature colours of Bugatti.

The double tachymeter (km and miles) on the minute chronograph counter runs continuously in periods of 30 minutes. So, if you wish to calculate the pace for one kilometre during one hour of walking, the figure indicated by the dual-colour hand must be multiplied by two.

Other elements contribute to the personality of this timepiece, such as the famous lugs featuring the dorsal seam of the Bugatti Aérolithe, the strap inspired by the embossed pattern of the manufacturer’s seats, and the deployant buckle, which is textured to match the dial.

The Bugatti Aérolithe Performance is driven by the proprietary PF335 movement, which boasts a flyback chronograph module and is decorated with ‘Côtes de Genève.’

The model is priced at £18,300. For any enquiries call Atelier Parmigiani on: 020 7495 5172.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *