Angus Davies extolls the many virtues of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Tourbillon Platinum Slate, a wonderful example of haute horlogerie. This fine timepiece indulges the desires of purists with its exalted movement finishing, platinum case, 30-second tourbillon and the most becoming dial vista.
There are many times in life when it is preferable to start afresh, setting aside the past and working with 'a clean slate'. This is a notion familiar to high-end Swiss watchmaking company, Parmigiani Fleurier .
Unlike some practitioners of fine watchmaking, Parmigiani Fleurier often creates timepieces without the constraints imposed by using an off the peg movement. This maison is a 'manufacture' par excellence, crafting exquisite timepieces which few marques can surpass.
Parmigiani Fleurier is unusual in that it sits alongside several sister companies which specialise in the creation of various watch components, including dials, cases, springs, screws etc,. Indeed, with the exception of rubies, sapphire crystals and the Hermès leather straps affixed to many of the maison's watches, everything is made by Parmigiani Fleurier or its sibling firms.
This degree of vertical integration is remarkable. I have witnessed, first hand, the no-compromise gestation of infinitesimally small parts, executed to an exalted standard. Moreover, the capacity of said companies to craft blemish-free parts has led several other famous watch brands to procure components from this highly capable ensemble of factories.
Recently, I happened upon a perfect illustration of Parmigiani Fleurier's famed proficiency, the Tonda Tourbillon Platinum Slate, a comparatively rare timepiece, limited to only 100 pieces. vedere di piu orologi rolex e Rolex Daytona II