Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole in Rose Gold / Brown Dial

Since the SIHH 2017, Parmigiani has relaunched the Toric collection, bringing it back not only in hyper-complex editions but also in more simple versions, like the Toric Qualité Fleurier and the Toric Chronomètre – two watches with time-and-date displays, which were re-editions of Michel Parmigiani’s first watch. However, PF doesn’t forget its high-end collection and as part of the pre-SIHH 2019 novelties, the brand introduces a new version of the superb and original Toric Capitole, now in Rose Gold / Brown Dial – with a combination of a chiming complication and wandering hours.

Surprisingly, the Toric collection by Parmigiani Fleurier houses some of the most classic models of the brand – with the “vintage” inspired Toric Qualité Fleurier, the Toric Chronomètre and the Toric Hémisphère Rétrograde – but it also comprises the most high-end pieces of the brand – think minute repeaters or tourbillons. PF will be introducing a new version of the time-and-date model for the SIHH 2019 (more in the coming days), and there will also be another model on the opposite end of the spectrum. Complex, original and unique, it is a demonstration of the brand’s savoir-faire.

This 2019 Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole is based on an existing model, which was discreetly introduced at the SIHH 2018, again as a pièce unique. If technically nothing has changed, the brand now offers a new colour combination as well as a new dial. For the occasion, this watch is now available in a combination of an 18k rose gold case – measuring 45mm in diameter and still relying on the signature Toric case, with gadroons and knurling – with a rose gold guilloché dial and multiple brown accents – resulting in a warm watch.

One of the two fascinating aspects of this Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole (the second one is on the reverse side) lies in its display. Traditional hands are not used here but instead a combination of wandering hours and minutes on a track – so-called sector-time indication. Inspired by the pocket watch made by Perrin Frères dating from the early 19th century, and now owned by the Sandoz Foundation (owner of PF), this module, directly meshed with the hour wheel, incorporates a rotary system comprising three planetary gears with four arms, each end of which bears a numeral to indicate the hour (1 to 12). The time is displayed in a semi-circle on the upper half of the bezel, on a dial comprising 60-minute indexes.

This unusual display isn’t the only delicacy found in the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole. As you might have noticed, the left side of the case features a trigger, indicating the presence of a minute repeater complication. To enhance the sound, PF chose to equip the Toric Capitole with cathedral gongs, which are coiled twice around the movement – meaning much longer than normal gongs, amplifying the acoustic quality compared with a single set. The movement, manufactured in-house, is superbly finished.

This new version of the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole is a unique piece – which will be displayed at the SIHH 2019 – and its price will only be given upon request. More details at www.parmigiani.com.