The engraved and enameled case back of the Parmigiani Fleurier L’Amoriale High Complication Pocket Watch
Today, in honor of master watchmaker Michel Parmigiani’s birthday, Parmigiani Fleurier presents a one-of-a-kind pocket watch, L’ Armoriale. The stunning work of métiers d’ arts combined with high horology in art to be worn, the pocket watch is inspired by the labyrinths of the Palazzo Te in Mantua – at the crossroads of Venice, Milan and Genoa.
The L’Armoriale movement is a complex high complication including a chronograph, a minute repeater, and a perpetual calendar with moon phase indication using white gold hand-hammered moons set against an aventurine sky. The hunter style case back of the pocket watch is created in elaborate enamel in shades seen at the Hall of Giants within the Palazzo. The hues of translucent yellow, brown and red are meticulously executed by master enameller Vanessa Lecci.
The dial of the Parmigiani Fleurier L’Amoriale High Complication Pocket Watch
Other master artisans tapped for this project include top-notch engravers Eddy Jacques and Christophe Blandenier for the intricate engraving of the case – with striking patterns that draw the eye in — and for the engraving behind the translucent Grand Feu enamel. Master chain maker Laurent Jolliet for the creation of the pocket watch chain. Jolliet holds the distinction of being one of the last practitioners of his craft, infusing exceptional creation with a rare authenticity. The chain’s motif mirrors the hand-engraved patterns on the watch case, as well as on the latch, establishing an elegant aesthetic continuity. The watch chain is shaped by hand with meticulous precision.
The dial of the 18-karat white gold watch is also 18-karat gold and is hand-engraved with a “mezzo vibrato” theme and finished in a brown hue. The case is fitted with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The movement of the grand complication Parmigiani Fleurier L’Amoriale High Complication Pocket Watch as seen via the open hunter case back.
The original movement within the watch, PF9933, manufactured by Golay Leresche & Fils in Geneva, beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and is manually wound. It offers on-demand minute repeater to strike the hours, quarter hours and minutes, and is further equipped with a central seconds chronograph and a perpetual chronograph. Every one of the 375 components in this Grand Complication is hand finished and the movement is visible via the case back when the hunter cover is opened. The watch is a one of a kind and price is available only on request.
Themaster craftsmanship inherent in the Parmigiani Fleurier L’Amoriale High Complication Pocket Watch is breathtaking — from inside to outside.
The concept for the watch was the brainchild of Guido Terrini, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier, after he visited the Renaissance royal palace, Palazzo Te. “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.”
