Parmigiani Fleurier is synonymous with the production of exceptionally well-crafted timepieces. In the last eighteen years Michel Parmigiani has developed one of the most respected brands in the world of horology. His prime objective was to celebrate Swiss watchmaking by respecting traditional craftsmanship and design. Ultimately this vision helped him devise several complicated in house mechanical movements. All of these intricate calibers are manufactured at a 40,000-m²-production site in Fleurier, Switzerland.
Back in November 2013, I had the great pleasure of reviewing the Tonda Tourbillon. Generally I found the watch very comfortable to wear and was impressed with its elegant appearance. I have also written about the phenomenal Bugatti watch and Tonda Woodstock US in my article entitled ‘Wooden Watches’. Like most watch writers I rely on the good will of retailers who stock these exquisite timepieces. Without their generous support and assistance there is no way I could get access to these models. For that reason I would like to kindly thank the Hour Glass in Sydney for giving me the opportunity to try on Parmigiani Fleurier’s wonderful Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Rose Gold Havane.
My first impression of the Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Rose Gold Havane was how stylish the timepieces looked. Dimensionally the watch appears much larger than the Tonda Tourbillon and measures 44.7 x 37.2 mm x 11.2 mm. These proportions definitely appealed to me and should entice serious collectors. I also found the watch sat very comfortably on my wrist and there was no friction from the lugs. Primarily this is down to beautifully crafted tonneau case and the choice of luxurious 18-karat rose gold in production. Realistically a timepiece of this caliber would be reserved for extra special occasions. I feel this watch would look marvelous with a tuxedo at a gala dinner event.
Visually the Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Rose Gold Havane has a magnificent ‘Art Deco appearance. Generally I try to avoid comparisons but I do prefer the aesthetic of this timepiece to the Tonda Tourbillon. What makes this watch so exceptional is the multi-layered “Grille” dial. I absolutely love the three dimensional façade, which exposes parts of the mechanical movement and date wheel. Other sublime details include raised rose gold plated numerals/indexes and delta shaped hour/minute hands. Overall the design is cohesive and the finishing is superlative.
To power the watch Parmigiani Fleurier has developed a sophisticated twin barrel manual winding movement. The Calibre PF110 comprises 28 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). Each of the individual 227 components has been assembled and decorated by hand with the “Côtes de Genève” pattern. This brilliant mechanism is perfectly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Rose Gold Havane features hours, minutes, small seconds and date facility. The watch also has an impressive power reserve of 8 days and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Rose Gold Havane has a Hermès alligator strap with matching Ardillon buckle.
For more information visit the company’s website: http://www.parmigiani.ch
