The watch engine manufacturer from La Chaux-de-Fonds becomes exclusive provider to the prestigious French brand: development and production of the extraordinary mechatronic and retro-futuristic dashboard of the new “Tourbillon” automotive model.
Joël A. Grandjean, Editor-in-Chief JSH Magazine & Swiss-Watch-Passport.ch
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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 recognised 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.
Based in Neuchâtel, Concepto has been recognised 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 Valérien Jaquet, CEO de 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 materialising 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
– 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
“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 customisable 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 personalisation. 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.
Located in the heart of the Swiss Jura in La Chaux-de-Fonds, with over 20 years in its own 7,500 m2 industrial building, Concepto is one of the rare independent manufacturers of watch movements, with verticalised manufacturing and specialised knowledge of Grandes Complications.
With a team of 160 highly qualified 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.
“We had to consider all the necessary parameters to handle and meet the demands of the automotive sector. This required some adaptations to our procedures, which are now in the validation phase for an ISO 9001 certificate. As for our organizational changes, our expansion and renovation work that started in 2020 will soon be complete. This will allow us to allocate a nearly 500m2 area to workshops dedicated to our collaboration with Bugatti.” Valérien Jaquet
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Concepto is now starting a new chapter in its history as a “silent partner”, by creating a service dedicated exclusively to the automotive sector
“We had to consider all the necessary parameters to handle and meet the demands of the automotive sector. This required some adaptations to our procedures, which are now in the validation phase for an ISO 9001 certificate. As for our organizational changes, our expansion and renovation work that started in 2020 will soon be complete. This will allow us to allocate a nearly 500m2 area to workshops dedicated to our collaboration with Bugatti.” Valérien Jaquet
Bugatti has been at the pinnacle of the automotive industry for 115 years, creating the world’s most groundbreaking automobiles from its home in Molsheim, France. Every vehicle created since the company was founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909 is praised for its comfort, drivability, design and technology desired by automotive collectors from around the world. A Bugatti is more than a car, it is a timeless piece of automotive art.
With a reputation built in motorsport, and a history of the most innovative, beautiful and luxurious cars ever created, Bugatti continues to follow the vision of its founder: ‘If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.’
Today, Bugatti is part of the Bugatti Rimac Group, led by CEO Mate Rimac, who is renowned for excellence in high-performance automotive electrification. With the same visionary genius as Ettore Bugatti, Rimac and the Bugatti team are developing the next generation of incomparable hyper sports cars, true to the founder’s vision, while simultaneously expanding Bugatti’s excellence beyond the automotive industry with luxury lifestyle collaborations and products.
