Geneva, Switzerland – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
Roland Iten and Bugatti Automobiles have joined forces to create a mechanical belt buckle that is a masterpiece of fine-tuning for today’s discerning gentlemen.
The Piece 00/00 in Solid White Gold is being debuted on the Bugatti Stand at the 81st Salon International de l’Auto et Accessoires Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Developed in association with the legendary Bugatti automotive company, Roland Iten has designed a unique mechanical belt mechanism reminiscent of a fine watch movement. 100% made with Geneva watch-making machinery, custom bridges, cogs, wheels, springs and pinions all interconnect to create a mechanism that allows the wearer to obtain the absolute precise fit.
Traditional belts come in lengths of 90, 100, 110 or 120 cm, but the Roland Iten R22 Mk.I-22mm “Bugatti edition” mechanical buckle is micro customizable to any size, whether it is 87.29, 99.45 or 108.98 cm. This sophisticated instrument, constructed with the highest precision mechanics and the finest materials, not only allows a contemplated adjustment to the exact waist measurement, but affords an expansion range of 22mm thanks to a unique reverse engineered “engrenage” invention which is discreetly cached under the “hood” of this magnificent piece.
Comprised of precisely 100 components in solid white gold with rose gold accents, lightweight titanium and stainless steel, each piece of this limited edition series of 22, has been entirely handcrafted, polished and assembled by R Magnin Bijouterie, master –craftsmen in hi-precision watch-making in Geneva, Switzerland and supervised throughout the production process by Roland Iten himself.
Says Iten “ I have been working together with Patrick Magnin on the engineering and manufacture of my mechanical buckles since 2002. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect and together we have amassed considerable knowledge proprietary to the manufacture of Roland Iten® mechanical pieces”.
The patent-pending expansion mechanism uses flow-guiding wheels that are incorporated into the teeth of the gear system to provide a “click-free click” and minimal friction. There are five gears in total 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 Côtes de Genève decoration.
Performance and calibration are at the heart of all of Roland Iten’s inventions – precision adjusting watch buckles, cufflinks which regulate the circumference of your cuff to your watch size, mechanical cases which cascade your credit cards at just the precise angle and gold shoelace tips which keep your shoelaces fixed into the perfect knot bring the ultimate in performance to the gentleman in search of perfection.
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Roland Iten is a well-respected pioneer in fine mechanics and has been commissioned by the royal gun-makers James Purdey and Sons as well as master watchmakers such as François-Paul Journe, Greubel Forsey and Jaeger-LeCoultre for the creation of watch buckles that follow the same concept of contemplated calibration and fitness for purpose.
The R22 Mk.I-22mm “Bugatti edition” buckle is an object of precision engineering that opens a whole new world of surprise, delight and amusement to boys looking for the ultimate toy. “When you turn the ignition of a Bugatti, it doesn’t roar into action like so many sports cars, it turns over flawlessly, a sound that reveals the highest level of tuning and results in phenomenal car speeds of over 400 km/h,” explains Iten. A Roland Iten mechanical accessory performs to the same grade of excellence – the sound of its mechanism in motion, the feel of the materials and its handling are on par with the most sophisticated engines – something that can only be appreciated by a true gentleman connoisseur.
