The Parmigiani Bugatti Aerolithe Flyback Chronograph, the perfect timepiece
Late September, Bugatti unveiled its “Lifeline Collection”, an assortment of accessories and clothing which designs are all inspired by the aerodynamic bodies of the Bugatti cars. The jewel of this prestigious collection is the latest creation of Parmigiani Fleurier, the Bugatti Aerolithe, an outstanding chronograph of abyss blue colours, bearing resemblance to the legendary car of the same name.
A timepiece in tribute to a legendary car
Parmigiani Fleurier constantly drives research to transpose the most striking and distinctive features of the Bugatti cars car onto a watch. A successful challenge for Parmigiani Fleurier which unveiled in 2013 the Bugatti Aerolithe which pays tribute to the Aerolithe Bugatti legendary car.
The distinctive feature of the Aerolithe car is the rivet that crosses it from front to end, giving it a fluid and futuristic streamlined look. This dorsal seam was hence replicated on the watch, on each of its four lugs, symbolising the genius of Jean Bugatti and the technical prowess that gave rise to the car almost 80 years ago.
The Bugatti Aerolithe is equipped with a flyback chronograph, allowing the wearer to stop, reset and restart the chronometer with a single press. Originally used by pilots to precisely calculate their flying time for a given course, this flyback module was specially offset at 180° to make its push-buttons more accessible. They are easier to grip with the thumb at 8 and 10 o’clock, rather than with the index finger at 2 and 4 o’clock as they would normally be.
A stunning elegance and overall design
Thinner than the brand’s other chronographs, the titanium and white gold case of the Bugatti Aerolithe has a redesigned, more slender, more elevated profile, echoing the captivating curves of the car.
The abyss bluedial – first of other dial colours to come for this model – is a unique achievement of Quadrance et Habillage, the dial manufacture of Parmigiani’s watchmaking hub. Over its infinite depths sit the vivid red hands, which echo the red and black Bugatti logo at six o’clock. This blue and red contrast is further echoed in the Hermès strap, with its grained sapphire blue calfskin offset by edging in the high-shine vivid red of the dial. Finally, the buckle has been completely redesigned to symbolise a car grille, so that the Bugatti DNA encircles the wrist from all angles.
The Bugatti Aerolithe is technical feat, a marvel of aesthetic as well as it embodies an intrinsic illustration of the potential an independent manufacture can offer. In its making, the watch relates the tale of a perfectly verticalised watchmaking centre with boundless creativity, giving Parmigiani Fleurier its strength.
