Cover Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronographe Rattrapante with a decorative dial achieved through the traditional technique of grenage

Rare craftsmanship meets sartorial elegance in the new Parmigiani Fleurier Toric collection

For the modern man, a watch is more than a device to tell time; it is a reflection of his style and identity. If your taste leans toward the elegant spectrum of dress watches, the new Toric collection from Parmigiani Fleurier could be the perfect fit for your wrist.

Comprising two Petite Seconde watches in platinum or rose gold, and a Chronographe Rattrapante (limited to 30 pieces), the Toric collection is designed for discerning collectors who appreciate a product of discreet luxury with a high level of craftsmanship. 

Read more: Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier, on the revival of the Toric timepiece

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Above Parmigiani Fleurier Petite Seconde in rose gold
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Above Parmigiani Fleurier Petite Seconde in platinum

DIALING UP

The dials of the new Toric watches feature a long-forgotten decorative technique called grenage, revived by brand founder Michel Parmigiani to lend the pieces a refined differentiation. It involves applying a mixture of tartar cream, sea salt, and silver, spread over a surface with horn spoon. It is then rubbed, in circular motions, using special brushes, starting with a stiff brush and then a finer, softer brush. The dial is now covered with silver particles or tiny grains that stick to the material.

See also: How Parmigiani restored an archival dragon clock

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Above Brushing during the grenage process

MY PRECIOUS 

The use of gold is not limited to what’s visible on the outside. Known for its pursuit of excellence, Parmigiani Fleurier crafts the movement bridges and plates in 18-karat rose gold, a hallmark reserved for the highest tier of haute horlogerie. 

The Petite Seconde’s manual-winding PF780 calibre is adorned with Côtes de Fleurier guilloché pattern, derived from the crossed Côtes de Genève and executed to the brand’s exacting standards. The gold plates are incised using an antique cam-operated guilloché machine to achieve a finish reminiscent of the work of ancient guilloche-makers.

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Above PF780 calibre features rose gold bridges decorated in Côtes de Fleurier guilloché pattern

The split-seconds chronograph’s PF361 movement is a little more tricky as the bridges are skeletonised—removing material without compromising the functional rigidity of the components adds to the complexity. On 18-karat rose gold, the result is both delicate and spectacular, enhanced with a harmonious ensemble of precious arabesques, satin-finished and bevelled by hand. 

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Above Parmigiani Fleurier Chronographe Rattrapante in rose gold
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Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronographe Rattrapante
Above The skeletonised rose gold bridges of the PF361 calibre that powers the Toric split-seconds chronograph
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronographe Rattrapante

TAILORED PERFECTION

Parmigiani Fleurier is inspired by Italian tailoring when it comes to the construction of the Nubuck leather strap. Mirroring the meticulous process of tailoring a bespoke suit, the entire strap is hand-crafted, including the stitching using a technique known as punto a mano. The top side features a tiny stitch (1mm) followed by an ample space of 4mm; the underside is reversed, with a large stitch followed by a small space. No strap manufacturer had ever attempted this stitching before, but the result is well worth the effort, complemented by the soft Nubuck. 

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Above Hand-stitching the Nubuck leather strap

The Toric was the watch that launched the Parmigiani Fleurier brand in 1996. It has been keeping a low profile in the last few years as the brand built its Tonda collection, but it’s safe to say that the new releases mark a triumphant return of the Toric.

Parmigiani Fleurier is available at Cortina Watch in The Starhill, Kuala Lumpur.

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