I have to mention a watch released at SIHH 2010, although the event is month-old now. It is Atalante Flyback Chronograph, the latest Bugatti-inspired timepiece unveiled by Parmigiani.
With its unique design and technical virtuosity, the Parmigiani’s Bugatti Type 370 collection has been extremely sought-after among collectors and enthusiasts. As the new entrant of this classic collection, the Atalante Flyback Chronograph is avialable in red and white gold, with a limited number in platinum. It is Parmigiani’s first flyback watch.
I want to say the Atalante Flyback Chronograph model features a more traditional round case, compared with the highly unconventional Type 370. Taking inspiration from the Bugatti Atalante 57S Sport grill, the openwork dial offers glimpses of the mechanism below with several vertical embrasures. The chronograph pushers are located on the left. The “EB” emblem at 6 symbolizes the relationship between the brands. In a word, the overall aesthetic is far from staid.
Inside the watch is Caliber PF 335, based on the brand’s first in-house chronograph movement, highlighting an added flyback mechanism. A single press resets it instantly to zero and restarts the chronograph immediately when the chronograph hand is moving. In addition to the chronograph’s 30-minute counter and small seconds, the Atalante features two separate tachymetric displays. One on the bezel allows high speed events to be timed, and the other on the 30-minute counter can be used for slower events such as walking or running. The calendar is read via a window.
The Atalante Flyback Chronograph costs $59,000 in red and white gold. And A limited edition of 17 pieces in platinum goes to $93,000.
Technical Specifications
Parmigiani Bugatti Atalante Flyback Chronograph
Movement
PF 335
Automatic winding movement
50 hour power reserve
Calibre 13″‘ ¼ – Ø 30.3 mm
Frequency 4 Hz – 28,800 vib/h
68 jewels. Two series-coupled barrels
“Côtes de Genève” decoration, chamfered bridges
22 carat gold oscillating weight on gold models
Functions
Hour
Minute
Small seconds at 9 o’clock
Date under openworked dial
1⁄4 second chronograph (large seconds in center, 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock), flyback
Exterior
Round case: 43 mm. Thickness: 13.40 mm
Material: 18 ct white gold, 18 ct rose gold. Polished and satin-finished
Water resistance: 30 m
Shaped push-pieces at 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock
Bezel with tachometer.
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Crown: Ø 9 mm.
Open case-back
Consecutive number engraved on the case-back
Bezel set with 68 “brilliant” cut diamonds (Top Wesselton VVS, ~1.1 ct)
Dials
“Silver” openworked dial – Rhodium-plated applique indexes, Delta shaped hands with luminous coating
“Ivoire” openworked dial – Rhodium-plated applique indexes, Delta shaped hands with luminous coating
Flange at 3 o’clock set with 27 brilliant cut diamonds (Top Wesselton VVS, 0.4 ct)
Straps
Hermes alligator with 18 ct gold deployant safety clasp
