Cover Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse
Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse
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A tribute to Michel Parmigiani, this piece unique showcases the exceptional mechanical and artistic expertise of the Swiss watchmaking maison
Every December 2, on the birthday of founder Michel Parmgiani, Parmigiani Fleurier will unveil a horological objet d'art. This year, it presents a masterpiece with a chiming mechanism. The L'armoriale Répétition Mystérieus is a marriage of exceptional mechanical engineering and artistic beauty, a fitting homage to Michel’s legacy as a master watchmaker.
The white gold case is custom-made for this project, and features design elements inspired by Doric columns and the Golden Ratio to highlight the geometry and timeless elegance of classical architecture. The front of the watch does not display the time—instead, it features a striking pastel green guilloché pattern with delicate engravings of a pinecone.
Read more: Meet Parmigiani Fleurier Pocket Watch L'Armoriale featuring a restored vintage movement
Above The front of Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse features a beautiful green grand feu enamel guilloché pattern
The front of Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse features a beautiful green grand feu enamel guilloché pattern
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The hours and minutes are revealed on the back, represented by the rose gold letters “H” and “M” respectively. The periphery of the back dial is adorned with a Guatemalan white jade disc set with circular indices.
The overarching purpose of this atypical design is not just to give it a special character, but also to create a more profound connection between the timepiece and the wearer by relying mainly on telling time through sound.
As CEO Guido Terreni explained: “We created the Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse to transcend the simple act of telling time, inviting its owner to connect with time purely through sound, honouring the original purpose of minute repeaters—to tell time in the dark, long before electricity. While the ear listens, the eye is free to fully appreciate the beauty of the artistry of our master craftsmen.”
See also: Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Xiali Calendar is the most complete Chinese calendar wristwatch
Above Although the Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is a minute repeater, time can still be read on the back, indicated by the “H” and “M”. The circular indices are set on Guatemalan white jade.
Although the Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is a minute repeater, time can still be read on the back, indicated by the “H” and “M”. The circular indices are set on Guatemalan white jade.
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The chiming mechanism is distinguished by its “cathedral” gongs that are extra long and wrap around the movement almost twice. This prolongs the sound resonance to deliver a richer and deeper tone, reminiscent of grand cathedral bells. The hollowed-out back and sides of the case amplify the sound further. Renaud Papi developed this manual-winding PF355 movement.
The watch is presented in a bespoke watch box equipped with a resonator crafted from Risoud spruce wood that is beloved by luthiers for its superior acoustics. The box adds depth and richness to each sound. One can also modulate the resonance by placing the watch at various points within the case for a tailored auditory experience.
Above Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is fitted with a chiming mechanism with “cathedral” gongs
Parmigiani Fleurier L’armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is fitted with a chiming mechanism with “cathedral” gongs
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
