Parmigiani Fleurier has consistently stood as a beacon of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. The brand's unwavering commitment to preserving traditional watchmaking techniques while embracing contemporary design has resulted in a series of timepieces that capture the imagination and ignite the passions of collectors worldwide. Founded by Michel Parmigiani, a master watchmaker and restorer with an unparalleled understanding of horological history, the company has, since its inception in 1996, carved a niche for itself by creating timepieces that seamlessly blend technical prowess with artistic expression.
Parmigiani Fleurier's relentless pursuit of excellence is deeply rooted in the philosophy of its founder. Michel Parmigiani's profound appreciation for the intricate mechanics of timekeeping, coupled with his keen eye for aesthetic detail, has shaped the brand's identity and guided its trajectory. His reverence for the golden ratio, a mathematical principle found throughout nature and art, is evident in the harmonious proportions and balanced designs that characterize
Parmigiani Fleurier watches.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
The brand's dedication to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship is further exemplified by its integrated manufacturing approach. Unlike many other watchmakers who rely on external suppliers for components, Parmigiani Fleurier controls every stage of the production process, from the initial design concept to the final assembly. This vertical integration allows the brand to maintain strict quality control and ensure that each timepiece meets its exacting specifications.
Parmigiani Fleurier's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of the most respected names in the watchmaking industry. The brand's timepieces are coveted by collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate their technical sophistication, artistic merit, and enduring value. Each watch is a testament to the brand's unwavering dedication to preserving the art of horology and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The legacy of Parmigiani Fleurier is inextricably linked to the vision and passion of its founder. Michel Parmigiani's unwavering commitment to excellence has shaped the brand's identity and guided its trajectory. His deep respect for the traditions of watchmaking, coupled with his embrace of contemporary design, has resulted in a series of timepieces that capture the imagination and ignite the passions of collectors worldwide.
Now, on the anniversary of Michel Parmigiani's birth, the brand unveils a new masterpiece that pays homage to its founder's legacy and embodies the pinnacle of horological artistry: L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse. This extraordinary timepiece is not merely a watch; it is an objet d'art that transcends the boundaries of timekeeping to become a symphony of sound, vision, and emotion.
L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is an invitation to experience time in a new way, through the harmonious interplay of sight and sound. Its intricate design, adorned with guilloché, engraving, and enamelwork, conceals the time on a secret dial, transforming the act of reading time into a moment of personal discovery. At its heart lies an acoustic marvel: cathedral gongs that wrap twice around the movement, producing a rich, resonant melody with every chime.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
The watch's white gold case, a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's architectural prowess, is adorned with intricate guilloché, engraving, and enamelwork. The centerpiece of this artistic canvas is the pinecone motif, handcrafted by the atelier of Yann Von Kaenel. This symbol of harmony, infinity, and natural perfection is inspired by the Fibonacci spirals found in nature, echoing Michel Parmigiani's fascination with the golden ratio.
Turning the watch reveals a disk of Guatemalan white jade, where poetic rose gold hands quietly rest. This hidden dial adds an element of mystery and intrigue, inviting the wearer to embark on a journey of discovery with each glance at the time. The juxtaposition of the vibrant green enamel and the serene white jade creates a captivating visual contrast, further enhancing the watch's allure.
The 42mm white gold case is a study in architectural elegance, incorporating Parmigiani Fleurier's signature godron motifs and the proportions of the Golden Ratio. Its satin-brushed and polished finishes create a visual dialogue of contrasts, making it as much a sculpture as a timepiece. The lateral godrons, a nod to the Maison's aesthetic heritage, add depth and texture to the case, while the hidden dial and the intricate enamelwork create an air of mystery and intrigue.
But the true magic of L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse lies in its acoustic performance. The cathedral gong system, a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's mastery of horological complications, produces a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. With each chime, the watch evokes the grandeur of cathedral bells, honoring the ancient purpose of the minute repeater: telling time in the dark.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
The watch's movement, a marvel of micro-engineering, is composed of 392 components, each meticulously crafted and finished to the highest standards. The hollowed back and precision striking regulator ensure clarity and tonal purity, making every chime a flawless acoustic experience. The manual-winding movement offers a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring that the symphony of time continues uninterrupted.
The enamel dial itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, created through a meticulous process that involves applying multiple layers of translucent enamel, each carefully fired and polished to achieve a luminous depth and brilliance. This painstaking technique, known as grand feu enameling, results in a dial that is both visually stunning and remarkably durable.
Adding to the dial's allure is the pinecone motif, meticulously engraved by the atelier of Yann Von Kaenel. This symbolic representation of harmony, infinity, and natural perfection is seamlessly integrated into the guilloché pattern, creating a captivating interplay of light and texture.
But the true surprise lies beneath the intricate dial. Turning the watch reveals a hidden disk of Guatemalan white jade, a serene and unexpected counterpoint to the vibrant green enamel. This secret dial, adorned with delicate rose gold hands, transforms the act of reading time into a moment of personal discovery.
The juxtaposition of the vibrant green enamel and the serene white jade creates a captivating visual contrast, further enhancing the watch's allure. The hidden dial adds an element of mystery and intrigue, inviting the wearer to embark on a journey of discovery with each glance at the time.
Encasing this artistic masterpiece is a 42mm white gold case, a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's architectural prowess. The case design seamlessly integrates the brand's signature godron motifs, a series of decorative grooves that add depth and texture, while adhering to the proportions of the Golden Ratio. This mathematical principle, found throughout nature and art, ensures a harmonious and balanced aesthetic.
The case's satin-brushed and polished finishes create a captivating interplay of light and shadow, further enhancing its sculptural quality. The lateral godrons, a nod to the Maison's aesthetic heritage, add a subtle yet distinctive touch, while the hidden dial and the intricate enamelwork contribute to the watch's air of mystery and intrigue.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
At the heart of L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse lies its namesake complication: the minute repeater. This intricate mechanism, a hallmark of haute horology, allows the watch to chime the time on demand, transforming it into an auditory symphony. But what sets this particular minute repeater apart is its unique cathedral gong system.
Unlike traditional minute repeaters, which feature gongs that circle the movement once, L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse boasts cathedral gongs that wrap twice around the movement. This innovative design results in a sound that is not only louder but also richer and more resonant, evoking the grandeur of cathedral bells.
The minute repeater mechanism is a marvel of micro-engineering, composed of numerous intricate components that work in perfect harmony to produce the desired chimes. The gongs themselves are meticulously tuned to ensure a clear and harmonious sound, while the striking regulator ensures precision and rhythmic accuracy.
Activating the minute repeater is a tactile pleasure, thanks to the thoughtfully designed slider located on the side of the case. With a gentle push, the watch springs to life, chiming the hours, quarters, and minutes in a clear and melodious sequence. Powering this intricate mechanism is the Caliber PF355, a hand-wound movement comprising 392 components. This meticulously crafted movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch can keep time accurately even when not worn for several days.
The movement's architecture is a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's commitment to both technical excellence and aesthetic beauty. The bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève stripes, a traditional decorative pattern that adds a touch of refinement, while the meticulously polished screws and jewels gleam with brilliance. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the Caliber PF355 is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the intricate workings of the minute repeater mechanism and the graceful dance of the balance wheel. The hollowed back of the movement not only enhances the watch's acoustic performance but also provides a glimpse into the heart of this horological masterpiece.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
To further enhance the auditory experience, L'Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is accompanied by a bespoke resonator case crafted from Risoud spruce wood. This carefully designed case acts as an amplifier, enhancing the resonance and clarity of the chimes. The resonator's design allows the wearer to fine-tune the sound, creating a personalized auditory experience. This interactive element adds another layer of engagement to the watch, transforming it into a true multisensory journey.
From its intricate dial, adorned with grand feu enamel and guilloché, to its hidden jade disk and cathedral gong minute repeater, every aspect of this watch has been meticulously crafted to create a truly exceptional timepiece. The bespoke resonator case further enhances the auditory experience, transforming the watch into a multisensory symphony. For those fortunate enough to acquire one of these limited-edition masterpieces, the price is available upon request, reflecting the exclusivity and unparalleled craftsmanship of this horological treasure.
Case: 42mm white gold case with lateral godrons and hidden dial. Satin-brushed and polished finishes. Sapphire crystal with ARunic anti-reflective coating. Engraved and enamelled case back.
Movement: Manual-winding Caliber PF355 with 392 components. 72-hour power reserve. 3 Hz (21,600 A/h) frequency. 35 jewels.
Dial: Grand feu enamel dial in pastel green with guilloché detailing and pinecone motif. Hidden dial in Guatemalan white jade with 18ct rose gold hands.
Strap: Alligator strap
Price: Upon Request
Notes: Features a cathedral gong minute repeater with gongs that wrap twice around the movement. Includes a bespoke resonator case in Risoud spruce wood to amplify the chimes. Limited to 5 pieces.