If there may be one watch that we now have praised in each problem this yr, typically with no good motive aside from the truth that we prefer it, it should be the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde. That is the form of watch that we think about ourselves carrying in the future, when our tastes lastly mature. Really, we will be so daring as to say it’s precisely the form of watch that every one fans and collectors ought to wish to personal. Not like far too many assertion watches making an attempt to present you whiplash, the Toric Petite Seconde invitations quiet contemplation. Oh sure, and that’s for homeowners solely; onlookers will merely stroll on by, none the wiser.
Now, in doing this story we run the danger of writing ourselves right into a nook within the coming Festive problem. Longtime readers can guess that there can be a serious story on Parmigiani Fleurier quickly, and the particular topic has not been determined. By working this piece now, we danger having to go a distinct route. Consider it as taking a weekend journey to your dream vacation spot, when you’ve an prolonged journey to the identical spot developing. However we love this watch an excessive amount of to go on any probability to have a good time it. To be truthful, Parmigiani Fleurier simply launched some new supplies to help the arrival of the brand new Toric watches in Singapore so the timing is correct. The watch has additionally simply been nominated for the GPHG, alongside notable Parmigiani Fleurier fashions in six classes. That needs to be some form of document however that’s not the topic of this story.
You may additionally have observed that we lined the Toric assortment as soon as earlier than, within the Summer time problem, so what may we or Parmigiani Fleurier convey to the desk. Definitely not a brand new watch. As an alternative, the model doubled down on its sartorial ambitions and horological prowess with a particular information pack on the Toric assortment. This consists of cleverly crafted takes on the Chronographe Rattrapante and Petite Seconde from the editors of The Rake (together with Revolution founder and authentic gentleman influencer Wei Koh), and France’s Monsieur. These commentaries convey extra perspective into the dialog a couple of assortment that wants extra contemplation.
In recognition, Parmigiani Fleurier has made rather more than simply the essential info out there from the unique launch throughout Watches and Wonders Geneva. CEO Guido Terreni advised us then that he thinks most individuals solely tune in to look at the information at particular moments, like WWG for instance, and maybe Geneva Watch Days too; the GPHG most likely solely makes the information feeds of watch afficionados. Properly, maybe he has discovered a recent option to get individuals to take discover but it surely most likely solely works when the gathering is as effectively put collectively because the Toric is. For instance, the Toric brings again the misplaced dial ornamental artwork known as “grenage,” which was revived by none aside from Michel Parmigiani. Bridge-side, a variety of emphasis has been given over to the significance of handwork and conventional (vintage) machining. When a watch assortment is as low-key because the Toric, it wants a variety of cautious explaining.
Merely saying that “grenage” has been used for the dial is meaningless as a result of nobody, or hardly anybody, will know what which means. Briefly, this method sees tartar cream and sea salt floor along with a glass pestle, with the outcomes becoming a member of forces with grains of silver and demineralised water to type a paste. This paste is utilized to the bottom dial with a horn spoon. It’s then brushed in all instructions (presumably as evenly as potential) with a brush (with positive bristles) to ultimately get the grains of silver to stay. This should all be achieved in semi-darkness as a result of silver is famously photosensitive (that means it reacts to mild). If nothing else, this description evokes extra questions so the worth of house for explanations is evident.
The dial, together with the gold motion and the artisanal nubuck alligator strap, goes an extended option to revealing the qualities of the Toric assortment. Sadly, we don’t have the house to get into particulars in regards to the actions and straps however our longer treatise will hopefully cowl all of it. Take into account for a second that we now have not even recounted the main points of the watches, by way of specs. See you within the subsequent installment of this evolving story, the place we’ll dive even deeper into extra of the main points that outline the Toric.
This text first appeared on WOW’s Legacy Problem #75
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