Limited to 10 pieces, this Parmigiani Toric Rattrapante combines a classic design with modern touches. While the split-seconds function is a coveted complication in and of itself, the watch is further distinguished by its unusual colouring and design.

From Restoration to Creation

Michel Parmigiani is widely recognised as one of the foremost restorers ofvintage clocks and watches. In 1976, in the midst of the Quartz Crisis, he opened his own workshop, where he most notablybrought back to life several pieces which now sit in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, building his appreciation and understanding for traditional watchmaking. Interestingly, it wasin the Parmigianiworkshop that Kari Voutilainen first began his own watchmaking journey, restoring vintage masterpieces for nearly ten years, from 1990 to 1999. It was there that helearnt everything they dont teach you at watchmaking school," Voutilainen once commented.

Alongside restoringhistoric pieces, Parmigiani also began to branch out, attempting more original creations such as minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and other pieces. In 1996, he established his own manufacture, in Fleurier.Backed by the Sandoz Family Foundation - whose collection of watches and clocks were restored by Parmigiani - he was afforded greater creative freedom through this financial backing, with the foundation also acquiring dial, movement, and case makers to allow for greater freedom and in-house production.

A Tribute to the Past

Many of the early Parmigiani Fleurier pieces paid tribute to the archives of watchmaking, displaying the admiration for vintage pieces that Michel Parmigiani developed over his years in restoration. This split second chronograph speaks to that approach, by taking avintage calibre Venus 179, then modifying and refinishing it to a remarkably high standard. It is understood that this model was first introducedaround 2000, making it amongst the earliest pieces to leave the manufacture.

TheVenus 179 was first introduced in '40s, and remained in production for close to two decades, before being phased out of production. The depth of the movement, as well as its mechanical complexity, remains as impressive today as it wasduring the mid-20th century. In the process of production, Parmigiani Fleurier even added twojewels and incabloc shock protection to the base movement, to improve its reliability and function.

First invented in the 19^thcentury by Adolphe Nicole, a Swiss watchmaker, this complication is perhaps more commonly known as a split-seconds timer. One of the more challenging and complex mechanical feats to pull off, the rattrapante complication is similar to a chronograph but allows the wearer to time two intervals instead of just one.The rattrapante function on this piece can be activated by the pushers found on either side of the crown.

The Design

The design of this Parmigiani Toric Rattrapante combines classic elements with distinctly modern colouring. The case is polished, with stepped and fluted bezels that are inspired by classical Greek and Roman Doric columns, in addition to the curvature of the Golden Ratio. The two pushers found on the right-hand side of the watch are also beautifully polished.

The dial of the watch is a dark blue, with engine-turned silver sub-dials placed at the 3, 6, and 9 oclock sections, representing a 30-minute chronograph counter, a 12-hour chronograph counter, and a sweep seconds counter respectively. The Breguet-style applied Roman numeral at 12 oclock serves to give the piece a balanced look, with applied silver dots representing the other hours. A tachymeter dial encircles the main part of the dial, with light blue indicators that provide a modern touch to the design.

The manufactures signature can be found just below the 12 oclock marker, and is enclosed by a light blue ring in a similar colour that draws subtle attention to the name. The piece also features polished javelin-style hands rendered in silver, which provide a contrast against the rest of the dark-coloured dial. The second hand can also be seen in silver, with a stylised half-moon at the base, while the flying-seconds hand is rendered in blue.

The Movement

This Parmigiani Toric Rattrapante is powered by the calibre 271, which is based on the vintage calibre Venus 179 and is a manually-wound chronograph movement. The calibre is fitted with 21 jewels and has a power reserve of 49 hours. When viewed through the sapphire caseback, the movement has a combination of hand-chamfered bridges and mechanisms, with circular-graining, straight brushing, and Ctes de Genve, making it equally as attractive as the dial.

The Set

The watch is accompanied by an outer and inner box, as well as a certificate of origin, several booklets, and a pamphlet detailing the chronograph specifications. Included is a bespoke grey grained leather strap andtheoriginal white gold buckle and black alligator strap.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this ToricRattrapante will be subject to 20% VAT.Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.

Closer look