Released in a highly coveted limited edition of 30 pieces comes the new Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Rattrapante. A high-frequency and double-column wheel split-seconds chronograph that is cased in a generous 18K rose gold case measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and 14.4 mm in thickness. Even though solid gold movements are rarely seen in the watch industry —and only a brand like F.P. Journe uses it for their movements—, now Parmigiani Fleurier is equipping some of their watches with solid gold movements and such is the case of the new Toric Chronograph Rattrapante.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Rattrapante is equipped with an 18K rose gold case and ARunic anti-reflective sapphire crystals on the front and back. The knurled bezel is one of the signature elements of the brand and part of the new Toric timeless design. The solid gold dial is hand-grained finished and is beveled with a slight curvature towards the edge of the case. The dial features a running seconds indicator at 6 o’clock, a 12-hour chrono counter at 9, and a 30-minute chrono counter at 3 o’clock.
A split-seconds a.k.a rattrapante chronograph is a highly complex and sophisticated timepiece that allows the wearer to measure multiple time intervals simultaneously. The word 'rattrapante' describes the split-seconds mechanism on a chronograph, which catches up with the primary chronograph hand. A watch featuring a double chronograph always comes with two chrono seconds hands set at the center pinion. One hand is superimposed over the other, and while one hand moves continuously, the other one can be either stopped, started, or reset to zero as necessary.
Activating the chronograph with the start pusher at 2 o'clock releases both seconds hands. While one is registering the elapsed time, the other —split-second hand— can be repeatedly stopped or reset with a pusher usually located either at the 10 or 8 o'clock position but in the case of the new Toric Chronograph Rattrapante is integrated into the winding crown to maintain a more visually pleasing design.
The Movement
Turning the watch over reveals one of the most beautiful movements we have seen. The 18K solid gold manual wound movement calibre PF361 has been exquisitely skeletonized with beautiful anglage and with its double-column wheel fully visible and rising in all glory.
This movement beats at a high frequency of 36,000 vph —5 Hz—and its structural elements have been skeletonized to suggest an arabesque, leaving ample room for visual appreciation of all its moving components. This 285-part movement includes 35 jewels and it provides a power reserve of 65 hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with immaculate wrist presence, thanks to its very unique dial which is perfectly paired with the alligator strap that is nubuck finished giving this watch a slightly sportier and casual appearance. The strap is secured by a pin-buckle matching the metal of the case and finished with a double-point stitch called ‘Punto a Mano’ —stitch by hand—that is reminiscent of the sartorial stitching from Neapolitan tailors.
Despite its solid gold case and gold movement combination, the total weight of the watch is not super heavy at 147 grams. This well-balanced weight makes it still quite comfortable for all-day wear, and an ideal companion for both formal and casual occasions. The watch is available in a highly exclusive 30-piece limited edition.
Sticker Price CHF 135,000 —approx USD 150,000. For more info on Parmigiani Fleurier click here.
