04 September 2016 | Parmigiani Fleurier

This year, manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier is celebrating its first 20 years of life but if you take a better look at what Michel has been able to craft in that period of time, it will be as if we were invited to the birthday party of a manufacturing company with at least 150 years of history behind it. The “master”, as the man himself is usually - and rightly so – dubbed, is famous for his extraordinary creations, like the Bugatti-dedicated collection that accompanied me in my youth, or even the iconic Kalpa collection. As a gift to himself to mark this important milestone, Michel has decided to release a unique timepiece based on the Kalpa, once again he has been able to look at the art of watch-making from a perspective that is completely different from the usual one.

The Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Anniversaire features a stainless-steel case and a gold movement, in line with an idea that identifies the case as the protective element situated on the most important side of a timepiece, namely its own movement. The PF110 caliber is extremely fascinating and technically-modern thanks to its double barrel and its 8 days of power reserve, it is an homage to the history of those gold-made bridges that feature a decoration pattern that reminds us of a dragon’s wing. This wing has been crafted in such an intense and intertwined manner that it recreates a strong feeling of plasticity and a perception of richness thanks to the hand-made decoration and the use of gold material in complete contrast with the smooth polished stainless-steel edge of the case. Placed in the right bottom corner of the caliber, the “col-de-cygne” adjustment device pays tribute to the purest tradition of haute horlogerie.

This Parmigiani Fleurier XL Kalpa Hebdomadaire Anniversaire is an imposing timepiece, the case measures 44,7mm by 37,2mm and it is 11mm thick. The Havana color dial sports gold applied indices and Sunray Guilloché decorations on the far end, an opaline disc in the middle with running seconds indications located at 6 o’clock that include a window for the date. The power-reserve indicator is located at 12 o’clock and the dial also features the unmistakeable delta-shaped hands.

 This is a unique model that is not for sale, unless it catches some big collectors’ attention – and I am sure it will -. What matters the most to us is to be able to see this timepiece with our very own eyes, take some pictures of it and then write a detailed article about it, hopefully we will be able to seize this opportunity at the next 2017 SIHH provided that the manufacturer will decide to showcase its masterpiece there.

(Photo credit: courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier)

Gaetano C @Horbiter

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