The new Bugatti Tourbillon inspires an extravagant watch

What could be more normal for a Bugatti whose name pays a strong tribute to the watchmaking excellence.

By establishing a partnership with Jacob & Co in 2019, Bugatti has only extended a long tradition. Automobiles and watchmaking have always made a good match, as our colleagues at AUTOhebdo remind us every week in the “Horological Mechanics” section. Their first creation, the Chiron Tourbillon, also featured many design elements from the record-breaking hypercar, as well as a detailed and functional miniature interpretation of its W16 engine, made of sapphire crystal. Simply named Bugatti Tourbillon, the latest timepiece common to both houses perpetuates this tradition.

Being a watch inspired by a real car, we must first talk about the automobile. And what a car this new Bugatti Tourbillon is. An atmospheric V16 engine of 8.3 liters hybrid delivering 1,800 horsepower thanks to three electric motors, a design dictated by the science of aerodynamics, and a wealth of technology perhaps never before seen on a road car. Succeeding the Veyron and the Chiron, it takes Bugatti into a new era under the leadership of its young CEO Mate Rimac.

Looking at the technical specifications, the master watchmakers at Jacob & Co must have had some cold sweats at the thought of translating it onto a wrist, but the tension surely gave way to excitement quickly. Jacob & Co’s latest creation features a titanium case that incorporates the stylistic markers of the car, and Bugatti in general, including the grille, radiator intakes, and large side windows. With its generous dimensions of 52 mm x 44 mm, it is certainly not for the faint of heart, but it is slightly smaller than the preceding Bugatti Chiron. Through the various sapphire glasses of the case, one can see a spectacular engine inspired by Bugatti’s new masterpiece.

This miniature V16 engine block, no longer a W16, is bold and expressive. It is made from a single block of sapphire in which 16 cylinders are machined to house as many titanium pistons. These are driven by a single-axis crankshaft. Just like the Bugatti engine, the engine block’s automaton has its own set of exhaust collectors. Pressing the button integrated into the crown initiates the animation. The engine comes to life for 20 seconds as the crankshaft turns and the pistons rise and fall.

It displays three sub-dials, starting from the left with a 30-second flying tourbillon. This original rotation speed for the tourbillon makes its ballet even more spectacular, and according to the brand, it is their fastest tourbillon to date. In the center, the hour and minute hands mimic the tachometer and speedometer of the new Bugatti. Finally, the third sub-dial shows the 48-hour power reserve.

Only 250 pieces will be produced, just like the namesake hypercar. The first version in black DLC titanium is a limited edition of 150 pieces, and subsequently, a digital configurator will allow customers to personalize their own Bugatti Tourbillon. The watch is worn on an interchangeable ventilated rubber strap secured to the wrist by a black PVD titanium deployant buckle. It is now time to face reality rather than dreams, as the price is set at $340,000!