In the rarefied air of ultra-luxury automobiles, Bugatti continues to redefine what’s possible with its latest masterpiece, the Tourbillon. This extraordinary hypercar, slated for release in 2026 with a starting price of 4.6 million euros (~$4.8 million), combines breathtaking performance with an unexpected twist of Swiss precision horology at its core.
The Tourbillon hypercar, capable of reaching 446 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 200 km/h in a mere 5 seconds, draws its power from a complex hybrid system featuring electric motors alongside a naturally aspirated V16 engine. But it’s what sits in front of the driver that truly captures the essence of Bugatti’s commitment to mechanical artistry.
In a bold move against the industry’s digital tide, Bugatti commissioned Swiss watchmaking powerhouse Concepto Watch Factory to create something extraordinary for its dashboard. After four years of meticulous development involving eight specialized engineers, the result is a mechanical marvel that looks and functions like a luxury Swiss timepiece—only larger and connected to the vehicle’s electronic systems.
The dashboard features three distinct displays housed in a monobloc aluminum casing that appears to float above the steering column. Through sapphire crystal glass, drivers can observe hand-decorated gears and mechanical components moving in concert, transforming mundane vehicle data into a choreographed mechanical ballet. The central display shows speed and RPM, while satellite displays monitor hybrid powertrain data and power distribution.
What makes this system particularly remarkable is its technical complexity. Each of the four precision Faulhaber stepper motors—costing upwards of $600 apiece—works to translate electronic signals from the vehicle’s computer into precise mechanical movements. These motors must operate flawlessly across extreme temperature ranges from -30°C to +120°C while maintaining perfect accuracy, as reported by Engineers Online.
The partnership between Bugatti and Concepto represents more than mere aesthetics. As Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti-Rimac explains, “Every single component must be incomparable… this attention to detail in every part makes for an extraordinary whole.” For Concepto, typically known as a discreet supplier of movements to prestigious watch brands, this collaboration marks an expansion beyond traditional watchmaking into automotive excellence.
Valérien Jaquet, CEO of Concepto, notes that his company initially thought they’d be designing a simple timepiece for Bugatti. Instead, they were tasked with creating “an integral component of the hyper sports car model… with real, precise mechanical functions.”
The dashboard contains over 600 custom-designed components, each requiring the same level of precision found in high-end Swiss watches but at approximately 80% larger scale. This required Concepto to adapt their production equipment while maintaining their legendary attention to detail.
In an age of ubiquitous touchscreens and digital interfaces, Bugatti’s choice to invest in mechanical complexity represents a refreshing commitment to tangible luxury and craftsmanship. This fusion of Swiss watchmaking tradition with cutting-edge automotive technology ensures that the Tourbillon delivers not just extraordinary performance, but an emotional connection through mechanical artistry that no digital display could ever match.
