The inspiration for Parmigiani Fleurier’s L’Armoriale Pocket Watch was the Palazzo Te in Mantua, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Milan, Genoa, and Venice.
The Hall of Giants within the Palazzo Te, in particular, resonated with echoes of founder, Michel Parmigiani’s passions, embracing elements such as the Renaissance, architecture, nature, and the Golden ratio. The timepiece itself is a genuine work of art, meticulously crafted with care and attention. Ever appreciative of exceptional craftsmanship, Michel surrounded himself with artisans traditionally referred to as ‘Mains d’Or’ (‘Golden Hands’) in the industry. These skilled craftsmen devoted their expertise to bring L’Armoriale to life. Each artisan specialized in distinct crafts, including the intricate engraving of the case, the delicate enamel work on the backcase, the meticulous crafting of the chain, and more.
“L’Armoriale is not just a unique pocket watch; it is a Masterpiece from the Maison Parmigiani Fleurier that carries within it the story, passion, and excellence of a man out of the ordinary. It reminds us that sometimes, watchmaking can transcend Time to become a true work of art. This masterpiece invites us to lose ourselves in the labyrinths of the Palazzo Te, to feel the essence of the Renaissance, and to celebrate the extraordinary journey of Michel Parmigiani.”
Guido Terreni, CEO, Parmigiani Fleurier
At the core of this pocket watch lies a mechanical movement dating from 1890 and signed A. Golay Leresche & Fils in Geneva, showcasing a chronograph minute repeater. It is a veritable piece of history, a testament to the essence of Renaissance architecture of the time. In 1985, Michel Parmigiani restored the movement and added a perpetual calendar developed in his Ateliers PMAT (Parmigiani Fleurier Mesure et Art du Temps). Today, the movement showcases a chronograph, a minute repeater, and a perpetual calendar featuring a moon phase set against an aventurine sky and hand-hammered moons in white gold.
L’Armoriale movement beats at a frequency of 2.5 Hz, equivalent to 18,000 vibrations per hour, providing a leisurely and refined experience for watch enthusiast. Additionally, it features a minute repeater, enabling on demand striking of hours, quarters, and minutes, coupled with a central seconds chronograph. This exceptional caliber, by virtue of its origins and characteristics, seamlessly integrates all the fundamental functions and complexities inherent in the art of watchmaking.
The sumptuous dial, with a mordant brown hue delicately engraved in the “mezzo vibrato” theme, embodies a fusion of craftsmanship, art, and technical prowess. The engraved ring encircling the dial elegantly reflects the almond motifs present on the case and lugs. The white gold counters, also intricately engraved and adorned with delicate rings, add a subtle touch to the overall composition.
Technical Specifications:
FUNCTIONS
Hours, minutes, small seconds, minute repeater, chronograph, perpetual calendar
Pfh993-2010001-200100
One-of-a-kind
HANDS
Hours and minutes: Delta-shaped 18ct white gold, openworked
Seconds and counters: Baton-shaped 18ct white gold
Chronograph: blued steel
CHAIN
18ct white gold, entirely handcrafted
35 square and 33 oval links, beveled and polished, 1 oval link with PF logo engraved
Length: 300 mm
CALIBER
PF993 – ORIGINAL MOVEMENT MANUFACTURED BY GOLAY LERESCHE & FILS IN GENEVA, NUMBERED 19052, MANUAL WINDING, HOURS, MINUTES, SMALL SECONDS, MINUTE REPEATER, CHRONOGRAPH AND PERPETUAL CALENDAR
Power reserve: 30 hours
Frequency: 18,000 vph. (2.5 Hz)
Number of jewels: 29
Number of components: 375
Diameter: 40.9 mm
Thickness: 11.1 MM
Decoration: Hand-beveled and engraved bridges and plate
DIAL
Color: brown-treated 18ct white gold
Finish: hand-engraved according to L’Armoriale theme Rectangular hour-markers, PF logo appliqué and counter contours in 18ct white gold
Moon disk: aventurine sky and hand-hammered 18ct white gold moons
CASE
Hand engraved and polished according to the theme ‘L’Armoriale’ in 18ct white gold PD210, Lépine pocket watch.
Diameter: 58.2 mm. Thickness: 17.5 mm.
Crown: Ø 9.5 mm. Bow: hand engraved.
Crystals: anti-reflective sapphire and chevées. Case back: polished and chevé, hand engraved according to the theme ‘L’Armoriale,’ ‘grand feu’ enameled with translucent yellow, brown, and red. Water-resistant: dust resistant.
Price: Upon request
For more information please visit Parmigiani Fleurier