Parmigiani Fleurier has once again proven itself to be a master of artisry with the release of the L’Armoriale pocket watch, a complete one off in the Objets d’Art collection.
Launched in celebration of Michel Parmigiani, the Swiss watchmaker who founded his eponymous brand back in 1996, and his recent birthday, this unique timepiece pays true testament to the unrivaled skill of each Parmigiani Fleurier artisan.
The piece itself is inspired by a journey to northern Italy that Parmigiani Fleurier CEO, Guido Terreni, undertook. This journey was not only to understand more about the brand’s origins but also to marvel at the architecture that has so inspired the founder’s work. One site that left a particular impression on Terreni was Palazzo Te, a Renaissance villa in Mantua which he felt echoed Michel Parmigiani’s influences.
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And from here the L’Armoriale pocket watch was born. Forming the core of the piece is a mechanical movement that dates to 1890, which Parmigiani successfully saved from obscurement, and in doing so created a bridge between modern and historic watchmaking practices. Today, this movement features a chronograph, a minute repeater and a perpetual calendar.
The hand-engraved, 18-karat white gold case takes cues from the floors of Palazzo Te. Adorning the back is an impossibly intricate enamel design, with a rich color scheme selected from a palette inspired by the coat of arms of the Gonzaga family, owners of the Palazzo. Inside, L’Armoriale’s elegant brown dial is delicately finished in a “mezzo vibrato” theme with a stylized “Florentine” motif.
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“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,” said Terreni.
“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 celebrate the extraordinary journey of Michel Parmigiani.”
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As is a Parmigiani signature, a team of master craftspeople, known as Mains d’Or or “Golden Hands” were carefully selected to bring the piece to life. This included master engravers Eddy Jacques and Christophe Blandenier, master enameler Vanessa Lecci, and master chain maker Laurent Jolliet.
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