Concepto Watch Factory, a Swiss watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, announces a partnership with the prestigious French brand Bugatti. 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 was presented at a world premiere 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 Bugatti.
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.
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.
Concepto Watch Factory SA, “The silent partner”
Located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, with over 20 years in its own 7,500m2 industrial building, Concepto is one of the rare independent manufacturers of watch movements, with verticalized manufacturing and specialized knowledge of Grandes Complications. With a team of 160 employees, the company’s workshops deliver on average 30,000 mechanical movements and timepieces each year. Made for clients mainly composed of prestigious watch brands. Concepto is now starting a new chapter in its history as a “silent partner”, by creating a service dedicated exclusively to the automotive sector.
