The Calibre R22 Mark I Bugatti Edition in a nutshell: it is a sophisticated instrument crafted with the highest precision mechanics; it has precisely 100 components of hand-crafted bridges, cogs, wheels, springs and pinions all in solid white and rose gold; it is sheathed in lightweight titanium and stainless steel; it has been entirely handcrafted, polished and assembled by master craftsmen in hi-precision watch-making in Geneva, Switzerland. No, it is not a watch, but a belt buckle…that costs CHF 75,000 (US$83,660).

Roland Iten has worked with the Bugatti Automobile Company to create the R22 Mk.I-22mm "Bugatti edition" mechanical buckle. Unlike traditional belts which have defined adjustment lengths of 90, 100, 110 or 120 cm, the Calibre R22 Mark I Bugatti Edition is micro customizable to any size within a 22mm range, for example 87.29, 99.45 or 108.98 cm. The buckle’s patent-pending expansion mechanism uses flow-guiding wheels that are incorporated into the teeth of the gear system to provide minimal friction.

There are in total, five gears that allow the fine-tuning calibration of the belt from 0-22mm. A rolling click calibration lock complication, a vertical rotating friction controlled pin and a mechanically leveraged belt insertion clip all demonstrate the incredible mechanical savoir-faire that is hiding under the smoked sapphire crystals and Cotes de Geneve decoration. Calibre R22 Mark I Bugatti Edition is a limited edition of 22. Forget horological complications…a belt buckle complication? How cool is that?

Roland Iten