After a hiatus of several years, Parmigiani Fleurier has reintroduced its line of Toric watches to the brand’s catalog. Billed as men’s dress watches, the new Torics continue Parmigiani’s exciting direction under the leadership of Guido Terrini, who has helmed the Swiss watchmaker since 2021. Available at launch in either 40.6mm rose gold or platinum cases, the introductory Torics are at first glance, simple small-seconds affairs. But viewed from the back, they exhibit a breathtaking movement crafted using solid gold bridges, giving the appearance of a massive gold caliber. A third Toric reference was also announced at the opening of the 2024 Watches & Wonders program. With the arrival of this all-gold rattrapante chronograph, Parmigiani puts to use a new version of the unique complication with which the brand has made a name for itself over recent years.
Titled simply the Petite Second, the new Torics have a design language as straightforward as their name. An expansive dial is punctuated only by twelve small polished rhodium-gold hour markers around the dial’s edge. In addition to the small branding above the post, a minimalistic small seconds subdial punctuates the 6 o’clock position. Other than that, the dial is devoid of decoration. Offering the faintest textures, the “sand gold” dial appears almost beige, but is paired with an 18 carat rose gold case that emanates warmth. Twinned to this is a green-dialed version that Parmigiani refers to as “grey celadon”. This one arrives in a 950 platinum case, making it somewhat of a “sleeper watch”, given platinum’s tendency to present as plain steel. Only when hefted is the weightiness of the material apparent. At just 8.8mm thick, these are appropriately svelte dress watches, thanks in part to the manual-winding PF780 movement. Visible via exhibition caseback, the decorated bridges provide the most captivating visual component of the Petite Second. The twin barrels and regulating organ are the only mechanical parts easily visible, making it an austere engagement.
Whereas the Petite Seconds constitute a very straightforward re-introduction of the Toric collection, the Chronograph Rattrapante represents the fruits of Parmigiani’s labors in recent years. Since debuting the Rattrapante GMT at Watches & Wonders 2022 (as part of its Tonda collection), the brand has continued to lean in on the unique complication. Roughly translated from French, “rattrapante” means to “catch up,” a sensible use of the term given that when engaged, the chronograph hand will catch up to the central seconds hand, hiding behind it in perfect synchronicity. While captivating in its simplicity, the rattrapante complication is devilishly hard to perfect, thus serving as a mark of excellence in watchmaking for those adept enough to master it. So it is that a solid gold rattrapante chronograph from Parmigiani runs at a cool .
It is no coincidence that under Terrini’s guidance, Parmigiani’s collections have taken on a discernible aesthetic. After all, we’re talking about the man responsible for the Bulgari Octo Finissimo. Across all parts of its catalog, Parmigiani watches now look more cohesive than ever and the re-introduced Torics are a continuation of that trend. While not limited in production, this small-batch timepiece from an artisanal manufacture represents fuel for a brand that’s picking up steam.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Toric collection will be available starting September 2024 from authorized retailers. The Petite Seconde in rose gold (PFC940-2010001-300181-EN) is priced at $48,400 USD while the platinum version (PFC940-2010004-300181-EN) is priced at $55,900 USD. The Toric Rattrapante Chronograph (PFH951-2010001-300181-EN) is limited to 30 pieces and priced at $145,200 USD. Learn more about all three models at the brand’s website.
