By Jovan Krstevski
The SIHH 2016 is quite especial for Parmigiani Fleurier since they are also celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. As expected, they are really going to introduce something with a loud bang at least when considering their new masterpiece that features an in-house manually wound movement that combines a chronograph and a split second function including a large date on the very same main plate. For the uninitiated, this feat is very difficult to achieve and is mostly expected from really old watchmakers who have mastered every bit of the mechanical watch. Well, Parmigiani Fleurier seems to be getting old in a short time and this is actually a good thing for the horology fans. To be honest, it is not everyday that we see this kind of movement, a fully integrated split-seconds chronograph complete with large date and high frequency.
So what do we really have here aside from the movement? Well for one in line with their anniversary celebration, the case used is from the original 1960 Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Chronor. This 42.10 mm case available in 4 versions (white gold with silver dial, white gold with blue dial, pink gold with silver dial, and pink gold with blue dial) looks bigger compared to other dressier watches. Although we can forgive the watchmaker since the split-seconds chronograph movement results to 14.6 mm thickness and to be honest, the size is negligible when you think about what Parmigiani Fleurier accomplished. In all, the case is classical with lugs shaped like water droplets which gives the watch its unique identity.
The dial available in either silver or blue is classic too and looks clean for a chronograph. Owing to its traditions, we see the tri-compax layout and the combination of the chronograph second hands with the main seconds hand at the central axis. The tachymeter scale and the seconds scale surrounds the dial while the date being not so large by the way sis at the 12. The hands either in pink or white gold are lumed making them easier to read even on low light. For me, the silver dial exudes an excellent classic appeal since it amplifies the watch’s sophistication in a whole new level especially when you know what facilitates every detail on the watch which is one nicely integrated sleek movement.
Okay so I’m talking mainly about the movement and here are the details of the Calibre PF361 in focus. This manually wound movement sports a staggering 5 Hertz frequency which is very high for this grade. We know what it results to which is a more accurate chronograph. Then there is the vertical clutch that resolves the issues of initial jolts on low-end chronographs, this is easier said than done by the way. Finally, there is the 2 column wheels that makes the activation of the chronograph and the split second function a breeze.
The price is yet to be announced but certainly you can wear this stunning watchmaker’s watch on either brown or black leather strap. For more info, please visit parmigiani.ch
JOVAN KRSTEVSKI – FOUNDER, PROPRIETOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Jovan Krstevski has been collecting watches every since his father bought him an Omega Seamaster back when he was just a teenager. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. Read his articles here
