Parmigiani Fleurier presents the Toric Collection, a refined line of dress watches that reimagines traditional craftsmanship through the lens of modern elegance. Building on the brand’s deep horological expertise, the Toric Collection reflects a delicate balance between centuries-old techniques and the evolving demands of contemporary style.
“In crafting the new Toric collection, we drew upon the rich horological culture and expertise of Parmigiani Fleurier to redefine the essence of the men’s dress watch,” said Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier. “This collection embodies a spirit of freedom and sophistication that resonates with the modern individual’s refined tastes.”
A Tribute to Craftsmanship and Elegance
The Toric Collection exemplifies Parmigiani’s commitment to preserving traditional watchmaking techniques, such as grenage dial finishing, while embracing contemporary design. Each timepiece in the collection is a statement of understated luxury, designed to complement any wardrobe, whether formal or casual. This seamless integration into modern life reflects Parmigiani’s vision of a versatile, sartorial accessory.
As Tom Chamberlin, Editor-in-Chief of The Rake, remarked, “The release of the Parmigiani Toric feels like the gates have been opened and the noble beast returned to the wild. A true adherence to the codes of what dress watches are but a dynamic and craft-led approach to innovating the rubric.“
The Revival of Grenage and Gold Movements
Parmigiani Fleurier has revived the ancient art of grenage, an elaborate technique that lends the dials of the Toric Collection a distinctive, grain-like texture. This meticulous process involves applying a mixture of tartar cream, sea salt, and silver to the dial’s surface using a horn spoon. The result is a textured finish that can only be achieved by highly skilled artisans.
The use of 18ct gold movements in the Toric Chronographe Rattrapante is another testament to Parmigiani’s pursuit of horological excellence. The gold bridges, hand-bevelled and skeletonized, are finished with intricate arabesques, showcasing the brand’s ability to combine structural integrity with aesthetic beauty. These gold movements are rare in the luxury watch industry, where steel and brass are more common due to their durability.
The Toric Petite Seconde: Minimalism with a Refined Touch
The Toric Petite Seconde models, available in platinum or 18ct rose gold, embody a minimalist approach to luxury. The hand-grained dials, adorned with hand-applied gold indices, highlight Parmigiani’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship. With a case size of 40.6mm and a thickness of 8.8mm, the Petite Seconde is designed to slip effortlessly under a shirt cuff, making it an ideal choice for both formal and relaxed settings.
Powered by the PF780 manual-winding movement, these models offer a 60-hour power reserve and feature intricate finishing, including Côtes de Fleurier and hand-bevelled steel bridges, continuing Parmigiani’s legacy of artisanal mastery.
The Toric Chronographe Rattrapante: Mastering Complexity
The Toric Chronographe Rattrapante is the pinnacle of Parmigiani’s technical achievements, featuring a split-seconds chronograph complication and a 65-hour power reserve. The PF361 manual-winding movement, crafted from 18ct rose gold, operates at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. This limited-edition model, with only 30 pieces available, stands out not only for its precision but also for the artistry displayed in its skeletonized bridges and satin-finished components.
As Wei Koh, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Revolution, notes, “The Toric represents a shift away from the outmoded definition of a dress watch. It still has a strong, masculine presence, still extremely refined, but it injects a particular kind of dynamism and flair through its case design, carefully considered dial furniture, and the most seductive, painterly colors.“
Italian Craftsmanship in Hand-Stitched Straps
Parmigiani Fleurier extends its attention to detail beyond the movements and dials to the straps of the Toric Collection. Using the Italian tailoring technique known as “punto a mano”, each alligator leather strap is hand-stitched, requiring nearly two days of work per bracelet. This meticulous process ensures the straps are as much a part of the watch’s identity as the movements inside.
The Nubuck-treated alligator leather straps offer a soft, luxurious feel achieved through delicate sanding, a process perfected by skilled artisans.
Conclusion
Parmigiani Fleurier’s Toric Collection stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Each watch is a masterpiece in its own right, reflecting Parmigiani’s commitment to excellence in every detail. For those who appreciate refined, high-end horology, the Toric Collection offers a modern reimagining of the classic dress watch.
For more information, visit Parmigiani Fleurier’s official website at www.parmigiani.com.