Roland Iten for Bugatti, the ultimate gentlemen’s accessory
Roland Iten and Bugatti teamed up to create a mechanical belt buckle, a real masterpiece of fine-tuning for today’s discerning gentlemen looking for the ultimate accessory. Roland Iten is a well-respected pioneer in micro mechanics and has been commissioned by master watchmakers such as François-Paul Journe, Greubel Forsey and Jaeger-LeCoultre for his watch buckles that follow the same concept of contemplated calibration and fitness for purpose.
A unique mechanical belt mechanism and a unique design
Developed in association with the legendary Bugatti company, Roland Iten has designed a unique mechanical belt mechanism to rival even the finest watch movements. Created to obtain the absolute precise fit, hand-crafted bridges, cogs, wheels, springs and pinions all interconnect to create a unique mechanism!
Traditional belts come in lengths of 90, 100, 110 or 120 cm, but the Roland Iten R22 Mk.I-22mm Bugatti edition mechanical buckle is micro customizable to any size. This sophisticated instrument, constructed with the highest precision mechanics and the finest materials, not only allows a contemplated adjustment to the exact waist measurement, but affords an expansion range of 22mm thanks to a unique reverse engineered “engrenage” invention which is discreetly cached under the “hood” of this magnificent piece.
The patent-pending expansion mechanism uses flow-guiding wheels that are incorporated into the teeth of the gear system to provide a “click-free click” and minimal friction. There are five gears in total that allow the fine-tuning calibration of the belt from 0-22mm. A rolling click calibration lock complication, a vertical rotating friction controlled pin and a mechanically leveraged belt insertion clip all demonstrate the incredible mechanical savoir-faire that is hiding under the smoked sapphire crystals and Côtes de Genève decoration.
Comprised of precisely 100 components in solid white gold, lightweight titanium and stainless steel, each piece of this limited edition series of 22, has been entirely handcrafted, polished and assembled by R Magnin Bijouterie, master –craftsmen in hi-precision watch-making in Geneva, Switzerland and supervised throughout the production process by Roland Iten himself.
The R22 Mk.I-22mm Bugatti edition buckle is an object of precision engineering that opens a whole new world of surprise, delight and amusement to gentlemen looking for the ultimate toy. “When you turn the ignition of a Bugatti, it doesn’t roar into action like so many sports cars, it turns over flawlessly, a sound that reveals the highest level of tuning and results in phenomenal car speeds of over 400 km/h,” explains Iten. A Roland Iten mechanical accessory performs to the same grade of excellence – the sound of its mechanism in motion, the feel of the materials and its handling are on par with the most sophisticated engines – something that can only be appreciated by a true gentleman connaisseur.
The official price of the R22 Bugatti Calibre in solid Gold and titanium is approximatively CHF 75 000 without tax (Approx. $84,000) and the Gold rose and titanium model is issued in a limited edition series of 11 pieces. Later in 2014, 22 pieces will be issued in steel and titanium, most likely 11 in black steel and 11 in natural steel, for a retail price of approximately CHF 48K without tax but this is still to be confirmed.
