Magical kaleidoscope: A brief review of the Parmigiani minute repeater watch

      ParmigianiThe haute complication collection newly introduces the Toric “ Kaleidoscope ” watch at SIHH. This highly magical timepiece features a dial created using pure artistic techniques, exhibiting a captivating and unique charm. The kaleidoscope was invented by a Scottish physicist in 1816, embodying the art of creation — creating new things from existing ones to amaze people. This distinctive Parmigiani Toric Kaleidoscope draws inspiration from a Sandoz family pocket watch dating from the late 18th century, which the Parmigiani restoration workshop undertook to restore. When the chiming mechanism is activated, the gongs innovatively manufactured by Parmigiani can chime four melodies, elegant and moving.

          The watch dial is crafted from gold, featuring hand-executed guilloché patterns with black-gold plating; these patterns meander and wind, as if extending from the rose motif in the centre of the watch.

          This applied motif is formed through a series of openwork and hand-bevelled processes, taking up to 80 hours. Beneath the openworked rose motif, an exquisitely delicate mother-of-pearl marquetry dial peeks through, displaying its full splendour.

        “ Three-piece ” round case, diameter 45 mm, thickness 14.1 mm, crown diameter 7 mm

        Hermès strap, paired with a rose gold pin buckle.

        Parmigiani PF358 minute repeating movement, with hand-bevelled mainplate and bridges.

Double cathedral gongs

         The rose gold case of this timepiece has been specially forged to ensure the ideal acoustic quality for the minute repeater chimes, allowing the sound waves to resonate within the case at an optimal frequency. The minute repeater mechanism chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes with a unique melody, making the Toric Kaleidoscope Prestige a true horological masterpiece.