A La Vielle Russie and Parmigiani Fleurier have been presenting the Mechanical Wonders exhibit in New York, showcasing unique mechanical artisan pieces from the 19th and 20th century. Along with classic and contemporary timepieces, Parmigiani Fleurier has made two new watches, both tributes to iconic pocket watches of the past. Currently on display at A La Vielle Russie until December 10th, if you don’t have a chance to visit in person, please enjoy the preview below. Pictures courtesy of Watchonista.com, with the new Parmigiani version shown first, followed by its inspiration.
Toric Minute Repeater
This new, but ancient looking piece by Parmigiani Fleurier was inspired by an early 19th century pocket watch by Perrin Freres. Instead of a face, this unique watch uses a half-moon shaped aperture to tell the hours in minutes, something that has rarely been seen since it’s inspiration and never on a wristwatch. Inside are three gears, each with four hands on them, counting from 1 to 12 for the hours. As each numbered hour hand travels across the markers in the aperture, it counts the 60 minutes before the next numbered hand arrives. The minute repeater features a serpentine cathedral chime, something rarely seen these days and even more so in a wrist watch.
The case is 45mm wide in white gold, with hand engraved and knurled bezel. It is 13mm thick to house the large movement and chimes and adds to the old-world pocket watch aesthetic. The alligator strap is by Hermes, with a gold ardillon buckle. Already almost as rare as it’s inspiration, there will only be four Toric Minute Repeater watches, with a price tag of $670,000 each.
Caseback of the Toric Minute Repeater
19th century Perrin Freres, inspiration for the Toric Minute Repeater.
Toric Oval Watch
This new Parmigiani Fleurier piece features an over shape, with unique telescopic hands to accommodate it. The original piece, a 19th century pocket watch as well, was inspired by legendary British watchmakers Vardon & Stedman. Like with the Toric Minute Repeater, this watch uses a forgotten complication that’s also never been seen on a wristwatch. The telescopic hands always keep the dame distance from the bezel, extending as they near the 12 or 6 o’clock position and retracting at the 9 and 3 o’clock position.
The hands are made with blued titanium and the face is hand painted. Two small apertures are used, one for the date at 6 o’clock and the 8-day power reserve at 12 o’clock. The Toric Oval Watch is limited to 30 rose gold and 30 white gold pieces, both with a black aligator strap. Selling for $95,000 each.
Related Post: 5 Antique Pocket Watches on eBay, All Over 100 Years Old.
Caseback for the Toric Oval Watch
19th Century Vardon & Stedman Pocket Watch, inspiration for the Toric Oval Watch.
