Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Tecnica Ombre Blanche
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tecnica Ombre Blanche is one of the most complex timepieces in haute horlogerie as its mechanism houses a Minute Repeater, Tourbillon and Perpetual Calendar – three complications integrated into a single complete movement.
Tecnica Ombre Blanche features a 45mm diameter rose gold case and a stunning Grand Feu enamelled dial, created using the champlevé technique. This perfectly flat, satin-finished dial gives an exquisite impression of depth.
The side of its iconic lugs, traditionally straight and elongated, has been bevelled on this model, making it ever so slightly rounded. Although this is a tiny and almost imperceptible change, it makes a subtle difference to the appearance of the lug. The rose gold case is very slender for a timepiece which includes a minute repeater.
The minute repeater is activated by pivoting a knurled bezel, which is delicately integrated into the profile, as a traditional side bolt would have disrupted the harmony of the timepiece.
The precious finishing touch made to the timepiece is a unique decoration on the bridges of the movement. It uses a very intricate guilloché technique, formed of thousands of ribbed lines which are parallel, but without creating a rigid geometric pattern. This decorative work is significantly more complex than a classic “Côte de Genève”; it generates a wave effect which animates the bridges and brings the fresco to life, reflecting light in all directions.
The minute repeater is wound elegantly by rotating a knurled ring under the bezel a quarter turn clockwise. This sophisticated activation mechanism represents a challenge in terms of water resistance, as the surface area to be protected from water is much larger than a traditional side bolt.
The rose gold case has been designed to ensure that the minute repeater chime has the best possible resonance in an optimal space.
The Tecnica Ombre Blanche features so-called “cathedral” chimes. They form two sets of gongs around the case. This greatly amplifies the acoustic quality compared with a single set, but the watchmaker’s work on the housing is considerably more difficult. The minute repeater chimes the hours, quarter hours and minutes with an exceptional chime.
Technical details
Model: Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Tecnica Ombre Blanche
Movement
Calibre: PF351
Winding: Manual
Minute repeater, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, & power reserve movement
Sounds the hours, quarter-hours and minutes on 2 cathedral gongs
Power-reserve: 42 hours
Frequency: 3 Hz – 21.600 A/h
Dimensions: 13’’’ – Ø 29.90 mm
Thickness: 7.7 mm
Components: 504
Jewels: 39
Barrel(s): 1
Decoration: Hand-bevelled main plate and bridges
Functions
Hours and minutes
Tourbillon
Minute repeater wound by the bezel
Perpetual Calendar
Power reserve indication
Case
Shape: 3-part round case
Dimensions: Ø 45.00 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Material: 18 ct rose gold
Finishing: Polished
Water-resistance: 10 m
Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire
Crown: Ø 7 mm
Back: Sapphire
Back engraving: Individual number
Dial
Material: 18 ct rose gold
Colour: White
Index: 18-ct rose gold appliqués
Bracelet
Material: Alligator – Colour: Havana
Brand: Hermès
Buckle type: Ardillon
