The gauge cluster inside the new Bugatti Tourbillon is not just a display but a fully mechanical masterpiece inspired by traditional Swiss watchmaking, featuring over 650 individual components and built to function like a luxury timepiece rather than a digital screen.
In an era where most modern supercars rely heavily on large digital displays, Bugatti chose a radically different approach for its Chiron successor. Instead of filling the dashboard with screens, the company designed an analog instrument cluster that resembles and operates like a high-end mechanical watch. The name “Tourbillon” itself comes from a watchmaking innovation invented in 1801, a mechanism designed to improve timekeeping accuracy and widely regarded as one of the most prestigious features in horology.
To bring this idea to life, Bugatti partnered with Swiss watchmaker Concepto, a firm known for producing complex mechanical watch movements. The result is an automotive gauge cluster constructed using the same principles and craftsmanship found in luxury watches. Inside the assembly are hundreds of miniature gears and even synthetic rubies, which act as low friction bearings, just like they do in mechanical watches costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, creating a watch inspired gauge cluster for a car presented unique engineering challenges. Unlike traditional watches, the cluster had to withstand extreme automotive conditions such as vibration, temperature changes, and long term use. Engineers also had to integrate modern automotive electronics, including LED lighting and vehicle monitoring systems, without compromising the mechanical purity of the design.
The cluster is mounted behind a fixed hub steering wheel, ensuring it remains perfectly visible regardless of steering angle. This setup enhances both usability and aesthetics, allowing drivers to fully appreciate the intricate mechanical movement at all times.
Bugatti also offers customers multiple finishing options, including decorative surfaces inspired by its historic prewar cars. Each cluster is assembled and finished with extreme precision, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering.
This approach reflects Bugatti’s broader philosophy with the Tourbillon. Rather than relying on digital convenience, the company deliberately chose complexity and artistry. The goal was not just to display information, but to create something that could last generations and remain beautiful long after digital displays become obsolete.
In a world dominated by software and screens, Bugatti’s mechanical gauge cluster stands out as a rare example of engineering focused on permanence, craftsmanship, and emotion rather than pure efficiency.
