If there’s one watch that now we have praised in each problem this yr, typically with no good purpose apart from the truth that we prefer it, it have to be the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde. That is the type of watch that we think about ourselves sporting 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 each one lovers and collectors ought to need to personal. Not like far too many assertion watches making an attempt to provide 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 might be a significant story on Parmigiani Fleurier quickly, and the particular topic has not been determined. By operating this piece now, we threat having to go a unique route. Consider it as taking a weekend journey to your dream vacation spot, when you have got an prolonged journey to the identical spot arising. However we love this watch an excessive amount of to move on any likelihood to have a good time it. To be honest, Parmigiani Fleurier simply launched some new supplies to help the arrival of the brand new Toric watches in Singapore so the timing is true. 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 seen that we lined the Toric assortment as soon as earlier than, within the Summer season problem, so what may we or Parmigiani Fleurier deliver 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 contains 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 deliver extra perspective into the dialog a couple of assortment that wants extra contemplation.
In recognition, Parmigiani Fleurier has made way more than simply the fundamental data obtainable from the unique launch throughout Watches and Wonders Geneva. CEO Guido Terreni instructed 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 folks to take discover nevertheless it 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 apart from Michel Parmigiani. Bridge-side, a whole lot 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 whole lot 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 meaning. 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 kind 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 nice bristles) to ultimately get the grains of silver to stay. This should all be executed 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 a protracted option to revealing the qualities of the Toric assortment. Sadly, we shouldn’t have the house to get into particulars concerning the actions and straps however our longer treatise will hopefully cowl all of it. Take into account for a second that now we have not even recounted the small print 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 small print that outline the Toric.
This text first appeared on WOW’s Legacy Difficulty #75
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