Concepto Watch Factory, a Swiss watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, announces a partnership with the prestigious French brand, as an exclusive supplier, developer, and producer of an extraordinary mechatronic instrument cluster, which will be equipped in Bugatti’s latest hyper sports car model, named “Tourbillon”. This latest creation from the iconic French brand was presented at a world premiere on June 20th, 2024, to guests from all over the world at Château Saint-Jean in Molsheim.
Based in Neuchâtel, Concepto has been recognized in the world of watchmaking for almost 20 years as a discreet “engine” manufacturer for several leading brands. Now the company is expanding to new outlets of expression by sharing its experience with the designers and engineers of the hyper sports car brand.
“The team and I are proud of to have been able to interpret Mate Rimac and his team’s vision and make it a reality. We have been working together on the R&D for nearly 4 years and the fruits of our labor are now finally visible” Valérien Jaquet, CEO of Concepto Watch Factory.
Incomparable. Bugatti
“Bugatti has been a pioneer of extraordinary mechanical and technological prowess since 1909. Each new hyper sports car model is developed with the approach that every single component must be incomparable, because it’s this attention to detail in every part that makes for an extraordinary whole. This leading motif obviously applies to our new Tourbillon model, both in terms of its engine and its aesthetics. The customer experience must always be unique, incomparable, and considered, down to the smallest details.” Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti-Rimac.
It’s here that the teams from Concepto Watch Factory could distinguish themselves by materializing a concept that seems contrary to current trends: designing and producing a mechatronic dashboard (combining mechanical and electronic parts) and uniting prestigious Swiss watchmaking mechanisms with the manufacturer’s superlative requirements.
Watchmaking and automobiles, the best of two worlds united again
The symbiotic relationship between watchmakers and automobile manufacturers has existed from the beginning of the 20th century. It started with collaborations on the development of instrument clusters and electromechanical instruments, followed by countless partnerships mainly relating to communication and marketing.
The shared vision of Mate Rimac and Valérien Jaquet sparks an innovative reunification and marks a return to the fundamentals of excellence and pure mechanics.
“When Mate Rimac contacted us, we immediately thought that we would be designing a simple timepiece in connection with the next model from Bugatti. However, we quickly realized that he wanted us to deliver an integral component of the hyper sports car model, with a creative approach combining the best of our two worlds, our two teams. A component with real, precise mechanical functions and that would not only have a purely decorative function.” Valérien Jaquet
Back to basics: Retrofuturistic and uncompromising specifications
Digital dashboards with high-definition displays are now found in every car. This equipment is now commonplace, with fully customizable displays that can connect to the driver’s mobile devices.
An incomparable approach was proposed instead, with reference to the history of Bugatti and its close relation to exceptional mechanics.
The assembly has three meters, nested in a “monobloc” aluminum casing which sits in the center of the steering wheel, giving the impression of being suspended above the steering column.
Each meter has a spectacular look, made up of hand-decorated gears, visible below open-worked components, backlit numbers in 3D and dials made from various metals, comparable to the aesthetics of luxury Grandes Complications timepieces. The driver can easily read all the important information from the hands, made with the same finishing as in high-end watchmaking and clearly visible thanks to ingenious lighting systems.
One vision, four years of development, eight engineers and project managers
Bugatti’s and Concepto’s engineering teams worked together to overcome all the constraints and demands of the sports car world, while still offering unlimited possibilities for personalization. The materials, finishes and decorations are presented and sealed under three sapphire-glasses.
The center dial shows the speedometer with large numbers. The RPM counter is suspended in the middle and partially covers the rack for the coaxial hands, connected to micromotors and then to the electronic components, hidden under the main plate.
A discreet digital display confirms the analog information from the hands in real- time.
The left dial is made up of three smaller subdials and shows the different gauges for the hybrid engine (battery charge and fuel status) as well as the temperature. Lastly, the right dial displays the electrical and thermal power.
Technical data summary
- Mechatronic dashboard with hybrid gauges – analog and digital – patented and developed by the Concepto Watch Factory teams in La Chaux-de-Fonds, with the support of local companies, all within a 30km radius.
- 100% of the mechanical components, micromotors and displays (except for the digital display) are produced in Switzerland.
- International automotive certification according to the highest standards and requirements.
- 4 years of development
