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Parmigiani Fleurier's Bugatti Type 370

Luxury Watches: Parmigiani Fleurier's Bugatti Type 370 wristwatch draws from the automotive world for its innovative craftsmanship and intricate design. At first glance, it strongly resembles an engine block strapped onto a wrist. Albeit its unique look alone is quite captivating, it is what is under its hood that is setting off the alarms of haute horologists worldwide. Until now wristwatches were built on a vertical axis. This is the first wristwatch ever to be built on a horizontal axis. Its revolutionary transversal movement is set over five separate plates.

Michel Parmigiani's sedulous efforts to bring the Bugatti Type 370 to fruition were recently acknowledged by the Japanese press, being voted "2006 Watch of the Year Award" by a panel of the world's most eminent watchmakers and prominent representatives of culture and fashion. The limited edition, precedent-setting wristwatch has three variants of 50 each, which are engraved for authenticity. The case is 18-carat gold, and the dial comes in black, red, or "engine-turned." The movement features 37 jewels, and it is hand-wound with a 10-day power reserve. An exterior of six-sapphire crystals enables viewing of its mesmerizing internal mechanisms. It is water resistant up to 10 meters. The supple and very secure calf straps of the watch calf straps are provided by Hermes.

The Bugatti Type 370's extraordinary wrist-power is sure to continue revving up attention. Other notable limited collections of Parmigiani Fleurier, which are featured on its website, include Novelties, Kalpa, Toric, and Masterpieces.

For LxM James Rothaar