The Toric Chronometre is the first watch designed by Michel Parmigiani and it is a watch that symbolizes both innovation and culture. Each release of the Toric Chronometre is unique and presents new features that defines and differentiates itself from the rest of the crowd.
For this year’s SIHH release, Parmigiani Fleurier unveiled its latest iteration of the Toric Chronometre with its latest design features. Up till now, the Toric collection has been the exclusive realm of the complicated and very complicated where Parmigiani reserves their minute repeaters, tourbillons watches. For the first time, a time only Toric is revealed, and at a great price of CHF 18,500 ex-tax.
The design takes its cues from Ancient Greece as the brand seeks to make and become a part of history in watchmaking. One of the clear inspirations taken for the design are columns found in Ancient Greece where this aesthetic is taken up by the gadroons and knurling, all reflected on the case of the Toric Chronometre.
The latest design takes its cues from Ancient Greece’s column designs
Case, Dial and Hands
The latest release of the Toric Chronometre comes in a 40.8 mm white gold case and possesses distinct features especially around the bezel where we see alternating patterns of gadroons and knurling. We like the profile of the case as it only measures at 9.5 mm and would be an ideal dress watch for most. The case structure was also designed ergonomically with curved contours to inject comfort and dynamism for its user. The latter was made possible with a redesign of the strap and the attachment of the watch, giving the Toric Chronometre a streamlined and elegant look.
The case structure was designed ergonomically with curved contours to inject comfort and dynamism.
The dial is available in two options, black opaline or white grained, both offering a very defined look that complements very nicely with the case design. Overall, the dial has a pretty simple design, featuring a very subtle minute track with two long Javelin hands sweeping across the dial.
The date is a moving disc shown in an aperture at 6. Some may not like the ability to partially see a future and a past date at the same time as today’s. Only odd dates are enumerated, even ones represented by a dot.
The Toric Chronometre’s crown is also an imposing feature for the watch as it helps to retain the signature codes of the collection and complement the aesthetics of the watch.
The alternating patterns of gadroons and knurling giving the Toric Chronometre its own character.
To enhance the design and elegance of the dial, we see the use of a textured background which is made possible by brushing the surface of the dial with a mixture of salt and silver powder. We like the idea of a textured background as it gives that extra touch to differentiate this release from others and give it its own mark of distinction.
The Movement
The Toric Chronometre is powered by the PF331 calibre movement and it operates at 28,800 vph, featuring a power reserve of 55 hours. Each movement features a unique certification number engraved on it to detail the uniqueness of each piece and the meeting of the most stringent of standards for accuracy and reliability. The watch features a see-through case back which gives a full view of the movement in action and we like the design of the oscillating rotor, simply well-executed by Parmigiani in terms of design and craftsmanship.
The watch features a see-through caseback which gives a full view of the movement in action.
Movement finishing is typical of the Parmigiani higher end pieces. Which means it is very good to excellent. All the traditional finishing elements are address nicely, and we can see a lot of handwork on the movement. The aesthetics of the movement is also quite nice, and a good harmony of beauty and function follows.
Concluding Thoughts
This latest iteration of the Toric Chronometre is well-executed and we liked how the brand took its design cues from Ancient Greece and incorporated it into their design. Especially for the dial, the use of the textured background gave the watch a different feel though it may have a simple design, making this release unique. The Toric Chronometre comes with a black Hermes alligator strap which complements very nicely with the design of the watch. And at CHF 18,500, it is reasonably good value for money.
1 Comment
I believe there are some inaccuracies in your review. The 1st watch designed by Mr Parmigiani is the Toric, not the Toric Chronometre.