Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde

The Watch

At a time when the dress watch is enjoying a hearty resurgence, in 2024, Parmigiani Fleurier returned the highly coveted Toric name to the modern-day collection with this, the Toric Petite Seconde. Rendered in 18k rose gold, this 40mm dress watch redefines the look of the Toric line, favouring more of an inspired re-imagination of the Toric rather than a direct re-issue. 

Traditional is often a common word when talking about watchmaking, but for this case, it's perfect, as the rounded precious metal case is svelte (8.8mm), with straight lugs and just a single row of knurling for its bezel instead of double seen on original 1990s models. The case carries a polished finish throughout, and due to its manual winding calibre, the crown measures around 6mm. It's a simple, straightforward exterior that conforms to the wrist effortlessly with its overall form factor being an underrated element that aids in the symmetrical balance of the entire design. The aforementioned knurled bezel is reduced in width, yet its impact is still felt, transforming an otherwise minimalist case design into one with just the right amount of nuance.

But it's the dial of the Toric Petite Seconde that holds the most allure, as its all 18k gold rendering is made by hand, is not flat but bevelled and delivers the tricky balance of pure and restrained yet detailed. A narrow chapter ring houses extremely compact and applied hour indices, unbroken and unimpacted by the sunken subsidiary seconds register at six. With zero minute markers and only printed cardinal seconds markers in the register, the use of empty space on this dial is both a confident and successful move by Parmigiani Fleurier. In fact, there is zero typography on the dial either, as the ‘PF’ logo at twelve within the oval cartouche is as far as branding goes on this modern Toric. The large, polished, gold delta-shaped handset stretches right to the edge of this lovely-grained dial. It’s discreet, yet perhaps the most striking feature of the Toric’s dial is what it doesn’t have than what it does, with such a pure and elegantly refined dial configuration that allows its 18k gold rendering to shine.

The Movement

The PF780 manufacture calibre powers this Toric, and Parmigiani Fleurier’s commitment to gold continues. Visible through the display caseback, turning the watch over reveals the twin barrel setup, which ensures the watch can deliver 60 hours of autonomy. Barrels aside, the movement view is all bridges, with each carrying Côtes de Fleurier finishing, anglage, no harsh interior angles to match the flow of the timepiece, and a sandblasted gold base plate. 

How It Wears

It's not the size, not even the elegant starkness of its dial that first hits you when strapping this piece to the wrist, but rather the amount of warmth the watch brings to the wrist. With the gold case, dial, hands, and dial furniture, the overwhelming sense of rose gold warmth can only be experienced once on the wrist.

Condition 

This Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde dates from 2024 and is presented in brand new, unworn condition. The watch is sold as a full set with all its boxes, paperwork, and original strap.

Origin

While previous decades delivered phases of turmoil, the 1990s marked a turning point for mechanical watchmaking. It was a decade of significant advancements with a transition towards vertically integrated in-house manufacturing, a growing curiosity surrounding fine watchmaking and complications, and a tangible impact of the impending new millennium.

Someone who has a first-hand understanding of this period was Michel Parmigiani. Before founding Parmigiani Fleurier in 1996, Parmigiani was a horological restoration specialist at a time when an air of uncertainty encompassed the mechanical watchmaking scene due to quartz technology from Japan. He was also enlisted to assist in Chopard's desire to establish proprietary manufacturing during the 1980s, which the brand achieved during the 1990s. Between his work for the Patek Philippe Museum, Breguet, Vacheron, and the Sandoz Family Foundation, Parmigiani's skills and understanding of traditional, historically influential techniques were crucial for establishing his namesake watch brand. With the foundation's backing, Parmigiani Fleurier premiered in 1996 with the Toric Memory Time. This hour, minute, and uniquely executed second timezone jump hour display was extremely classic in its intentions, with case nuances inspired by Greek columns, embellished fine finishing, and an overall aesthetic alert to the guiding principles of the golden ratio. It was the ultimate expression of Parmigiani Fleurier's future intentions, with complex vertical watchmaking and traditional sensibilities as the brand's core tenets.

Over the coming years, the Toric became the keystone of Parmigiani Fleurier, with numerous references coming to fruition. Typically seen in its 36mm realisation, the Toric was also produced in a larger 40mm sized case with both javelin-style hands and skeletonised delta hands. In 2024, Parmigiani Fleurier stepped away from the Tonda PF and brought the affectionately revered Toric name through the Toric Petite Seconde. This time only model was powered by a newly developed calibre, a commitment to gold, and a fresh look for the brand. 

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. Viewings by appointment only. We are based in Ghent, Belgium

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