L'Armoriale Pocket Watch
“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.
The inspiration for this project stems from a journey undertaken by Guido Terreni in the northern region of Italy—a voyage not only to explore Michel Parmigiani's origins but also to revel in the architectural wonders of the area. Among the places visited was the Palazzo Te in Mantua, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Milan, Genoa, and Venice. This Renaissance-era royal palace, adorned with meticulous handcraftsmanship of its time, left a lasting impression. The Hall of Giants within the Palazzo Te, in particular, resonated with echoes of Michel Parmigiani's passions, embracing elements such as the Renaissance, architecture, nature, and the Golden ratio. Thus, it felt instinctive to breathe life into these influences, moving beyond their original two-dimensional expressions. In the creation of the extraordinary pocket watch case, each detail underwent a thoughtful reimagining in a three-dimensional reinterpretation.
The timepiece itself is a genuine work of art, meticulously crafted with care and attention. Michel Parmigiani, ever appreciative of exceptional craftsmanship, surrounded himself with artisans traditionally referred to as “Mains d’Or” or “Golden Hands” in the industry. These skilled “Maitre” 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 - a bridge between the centuries
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. Michel Parmigiani himself rescued this movement from obscurity, preserving it from a time when mechanical movement faced extinction to the the ascent of quartz movements.
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. The L'Armoriale movement embodies the very essence of luxury watchmaking an exquisite fusion of history and innovation, serving as an authentic bridge between centuries.
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. It stands as a timepiece of extraordinary intricacy and elegance. Every aspect of this movement, from its gears to the meticulously engraved and polished bridges, serves as a testament to the exceptional mastery of Parmigiani Fleurier.
In essence, the L'Armoriale movement transcends the realm of a mere mechanical watch; it stands as a heritage, a meticulously restored and enhanced masterpiece encapsulating the soul and excellence of Parmigiani Fleurier. Every component, every detail, and every complication narrates a captivating story.
L'Armoriale horological harmony : an ode to art, technicity, and elegance
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.
