While most car makers have embraced digital instrument clusters, Bugatti has taken an entirely different approach with the new Tourbillon supercar.
Its analog instrument cluster is a technical and artistic achievement born from the convergence of watchmaking precision and automotive engineering at their highest levels.
The latest episode of Bugatti’s ‘A New Era’ documentary series reveals the extraordinary details behind this mechanical masterpiece.
The name Tourbillon reflects the Bugatti philosophy of mechanical timelessness.
Unlike its predecessors, which honored legendary racing drivers, the marque’s latest hypercar takes its name from a watchmaking invention created in 1801 that counteracts gravity’s effects to ensure precise timekeeping.
Over 200 years later, it remains revered as the pinnacle of watchmaking.
This ethos and naming choice demanded timeless components that would never age.
The solution: an entirely analog instrument cluster assembled by hand at Concepto, a Swiss manufacture specializing in haute horlogerie.
Featuring more than 650 individual components crafted using traditional watchmaking techniques and finished with the same care found in the world’s greatest timepieces, it represents a masterpiece within a masterpiece.
“Because this car is different from its predecessors, which were named after Bugatti pilotes, this one is called Tourbillon” Bugatti’s Alexandra Tavares, said.
“The idea behind this car is to have the very best in its field for every component. The engine is developed at the highest level by true specialists, and the instrument cluster is created in the same way, in collaboration with renowned experts in fine watchmaking.”
Watchmaker at Concepto David Olafsson said the technical challenges were formidable.
“The cluster had to combine the mechanical precision of haute horlogerie with automotive electronics capable of keeping pace with the Tourbillon’s performance.
“These are components entirely foreign to traditional watchmaking, yet they had to be integrated seamlessly with hand-finished mechanical elements.
“The difference in scale between traditional watchmaking and its automotive application presented a unique challenge for the Concepto team.
“While timepieces are typically measured in mere millimeters, the Tourbillon’s instrument cluster modules are vastly larger in scale.
“Yet despite this dramatic increase in scale, the same meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising finishing standards of haute horlogerie were required.
“The concept of creating something that transcends time fits perfectly within the world of fine watchmaking.
“As a watchmaker, building the instrument clusters for Bugatti is an amazing project.
“We’re applying centuries-old traditions to create something that will remain relevant and beautiful for generations to come, which is exactly what we strive for in haute horlogerie,” he said.
To find out more tune in to the latest episode of Bugattis ‘A New Era’ documentary series on the Bugatti YouTube channel.
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