A deep-dive into Parmigiani’s Toric chronometers

Advanced chronometer watches in rose gold. Sophistication in form and function—the Parmigiani Toric Chronomètre The devil is in the details of these timepieces that present modern interpretations of Parmigiani’s original vision Parmigiani has a penchant for delivering sophistication and technical superiority across their watchmaking pillars. With manufacturing facilities in various parts of Switzerland, it is one of the few watchmakers capable of manufacturing everything in-house, which is rather impressive for a brand that’s been around for just about 25 years. The Toric QP Retrograde, unveiled in 1999, was the brand’s first wristwatch. This historic timepiece adorned a bezel with knurling, thereby introducing Parmigiani’s now idiosyncratic style of watch design to the world. What’s fascinating is that through his creations, founder Michel Parmigiani has maintained his association with the same artisan who applies the knurling to every single Toric watch by hand. Unknown to many, the vision of the Toric collection—as nurtured by Michel—rests heavily on the concept of the ‘golden ratio’. The golden ratio is a general design language, deeply rooted in mathematics and geometry, which describes the perfectly symmetrical relationship between proportions. It finds expression in various forms of art, music, architecture, and design in general. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in the architecture of the pyramids, by the Greeks for the pillars of the Parthenon in Athens, and far more recently, by Michel Parmigiani in designing watches. This superior design language, paired with technical finesse is seen at its finest in the two Toric Chronomètre watches crafted from rose gold. These certified chronometers can well be touted as new-age interpretations of Parmigiani’s original vision from the mid-90s. A perfectly-proportioned case designed on the basis of the harmonious 'golden ratio' The 18-karat polished rose gold case of the Toric measures 40.8mm, with a slim profile of just 9.5mm. Applying the golden ratio that is derived from the famous Fibonacci sequence, Parmigiani has endowed the case with sensual curves, making its presence felt through elements such as the sloping lugs. Mysteriously harmonious as well as rigorously mathematical, the golden ratio can be found all around us, in art, in architecture and in nature, and its application in the creations of Michel Parmigiani is virtually ubiquitous. Not only is the case structure designed ergonomically with curved contours that make for added comfort and dynamism for its user, but even visually, it presents sheer harmony and balance, which is sure to strike a chord with watch connoisseurs, who appreciate the finer details in design. The case may come across as simple from a distance, but on closer inspection, it is remarkably complex in form, with nuanced details. It comes affixed with a luxurious black Hermès alligator leather strap, secured with an 18-karat rose gold buckle. How the Doric pillars of ancient Greek architecture inspire the bezel and crown Besides the beautifully proportioned case-bands and lugs, the alternating smooth gadroons and the knurling on the bezel make the Toric evocative of the Doric columns of ancient Greece. Gracing the right-hand flank of the case, the fluted crown, has also been inspired by the Doric columns, and is yet another imposing feature of the timepiece. The crown has been knurled by hand, which means the material was manipulated with a toothed wheel that imprints notches into the metal. Besides helping to retain the signature codes of the collection. the crown also ensures practicality and ease of handling, owing to the grip it provides. The distinctive knurling on the bezel is handmade by a craftsman in the Jura—the same person who has knurled all Toric bezels since 1997. The bezel, middle part of the case, and lugs claim their own distinct visual entity, and when blended together, sport a refined yet aesthetically striking look, serving as the perfect frame for the impeccable dial. A sublime white dial with nuanced detailing and intricate grained finishing These chronometers flaunt uncluttered dials with minimal elements, yet with nuanced detailing that makes a big visual impact. After all, detailing has always been Parmigiani’s forte. The white grained finishing is done by hand, using a complex process that ensures each dial is unique. The grained effect is produced by rubbing silver powder onto a brass plate to create a textured surface. The force and duration of the rubbing action and the properties of the silver mixture determine how pronounced and luminous the final grain is. Everything is done with a horse-hair brush. The artisans who craft these dials spend many years finding the ideal balance to create a perfect grained finish. Parmigiani's signature wide-date window is positioned just above six o’clock, presenting a striking contrast, while the Arabic numeral hour markers are perfectly complemented by the rose gold javelin-shaped hands. A touch of luminescence on the hand pointers and the crescent-moon counterweight on the seconds hand add to the visual flair. There is also a subtle minute track around the circumference. Right beneath the arc-shaped date aperture is the display of the timepiece’s ‘chronomètre’ distinction. It signifies that the movement that runs this watch has passed the rigorous accuracy tests of the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, or COSC. The dial also comes in black with an opaline finishing. The minuscule detailing and texture of both versions enhance the appeal of these elegant dress watches, while also ensuring perfect legibility. MRP: ₹19,25,000 For any other information, please call our Luxury Watch Helpline on [+91 8725028890](tel:08725028890), [+91 8725028889](tel:08725028889). [Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp.]( COSC-certified movements with gold rotors richly decorated with a fine pattern inspired by stalks of barley The movements that run Parmigiani watches are invariably a major part of the value offering. The white dial version is powered by the COSC-certified PF 441 calibre while the black dial version houses a PF 331 calibre. Each calibre beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers a power reserve of 55 hours. Both are relatively slim with a thickness of 3.5mm each. Comprising 220 components each, the calibres are decorated according to the highest haute horlogerie standards, with superbly angled, beaded and Côtes de Genève-decorated bridges and plates. However, the highlight is the rotor, which is decorated with a barley grain pattern using hand-guilloche work—an art in its own right. The oscillating weight in each calibre is made of gold, delicately engraved and stamped with the initials 'PF'. The extraordinarily intricate pattern is an embodiment of utmost refinement. One can enjoy a clear view of these details, thanks to the exhibition caseback. MRP: ₹19,25,000 For any other information, please call our Luxury Watch Helpline on [+91 8725028890](tel:08725028890), [+91 8725028889](tel:08725028889). [Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp.]( A faithful representation of the manufacture’s foundation watch These Chronomètres offer a compendium of classically-inspired motifs and COSC-certified, in-house movements. Much more than just simple, three-hand date-display timepieces, these Toric models have been inspired by ample historical and academic phenomena. These truly live up to Parmigiani’s reputation of perfecting aesthetic harmony and mechanical performance. Even with vintage elements that lend it strong character, the Toric Chronomètre is still very contemporary. Watch enthusiasts with an eye for simple yet charming details will surely find these timepieces to be great choices. MRP: ₹19,25,000 For any other information, please call our Luxury Watch Helpline on [+91 8725028890](tel:08725028890), [+91 8725028889](tel:08725028889). [Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp.]( Watch this video for a more dynamic view of the Parmigiani Toric Chronomètre About Parmigiani At a time when people were being dissuaded from joining the mechanical watch industry—when it was entering some of its darkest hours—founder Michel Parmigiani, who was a well-renowned horologist, decided to nurture his curiosity towards discovering the art of restoring luxury watches. With an initial desire to be an architect, Michel leaned towards horology by enrolling into a watchmaking school 15 minutes away from his home in Fleurier, Switzerland. In 1976, Michel opened his traditional watch workshop in Couvet in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. In 1980, he had a tryst with the Sandoz Family Foundation. Established by sculptor and painter Edouard-Marcel Sandoz, the foundation’s goal was to encourage entrepreneurial commitment through long-term holdings in companies in various sectors. With immense support and encouragement from the foundation, he went on to launch his own brand in May 1996, while investing in a strong staff who have truly mastered the tourbillon and chronograph. Throughout his quest towards the discovery of the heritage of traditional watchmaking, Michel produced unique, beautiful mechanical objects and small series for a few brands and collectors. As an atelier, Parmigiani’s entire design language is inspired by the golden ratio, which explains the subtle biomorphism, wherein rounded and elongated forms are naturally preferred to completely straight lines. These principles of design inform Parmigiani’s creations, which are developed in a big way at the Vaucher manufacture in Fleurier, Parmigiani’s watchmaking powerhouse. When Hermès—the luxury label known significantly for their leather goods—acquired a stake in this manufacturing centre, it eventually led to the use of leather straps by Hermès on Parmigiani watches. Each Parmigiani creation is a reflection of the calibre of Michel, who is quite involved in the development of the timepieces. Known for their ergonomically designed watches, and an illustrious past in the restoration of historical timepieces, which drives their innovative approach to fine watchmaking, Parmigiani offers horological pieces with a distinct visual and technical identity. [Discover the entire Parmigiani Toric collection]( [Explore all Parmigiani watches]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( Ethos Watch Boutiques India's largest chain of luxury watch boutiques. You are receiving this email because you signed up for communications on our website/at our store. 204-206, Second Floor, Square One Mall, District Centre Saket New Delhi - 110017 [Unsubscribe](