SimplyAbuDhabi XLIV

grained and bevelled, following meticulous traditional art. Graining is a finishing technique that gives the surface a mattified texture of exceptional fineness, the quintessence of watchmaking craftsman- ship. This method, rediscovered through the perseverance and ex- pertise of master watchmakers such as Michel Parmigiani, involves the careful application of a special mixture on the dial, composed of cream of tartar, crushed sea salt, and silver, mixed with demineral- ized water to create a homogeneous paste. The application of this paste, followed by delicate polishing with specific brushes, generates an exceptionally regular and soft sur- face, characterized by a dispersion of light that visually softens the dial, making it unique. Inspired by a “vintage” aesthetic from the 1960s, the Toric dials are not uniformly flat but bevelled. Their edges drop slightly to rest against the inner face of the case, presenting a level difference. This “bevelled” technique is inspired by the manufacture of watch glasses, an also ancient traditional technique. The glass is shaped in a specific manner to adapt to the particular shape of the watch case. Unlike flat or slightly domed glasses, bevelled glasses are curved or rounded to perfectly match the contour of the watch case. Chromatic Disruption and “Punto AMano” The alligator strap, with a Nubuck finish, benefits from a sartorial stitch known as “punto a mano,” employed by the best Neapolitan tailors. It is an aesthetic signature as well as its role is to increase the comfort of wearing the suit. Their pastel shades are all subtle and, to be honest, disruptive, serene, and unexpected. With Toric, Parmigiani Fleurier is not just offering a new collection of watches; it invites a deeper reflection on what it means to be elegant in the contemporary world. This collection is the result of a thoughtful approach aimed at harmonizing exceptional craftsman- ship with innovative aesthetics. It is intended to transcend the usual boundaries of classicism, offering a contemporary interpretation of the watch that values the very essence of modern elegance. New Modernist Architecture The new Toric undoubtedly signals the beginnings of a new stage in the world of luxury. At the heart of these models that definitively escape the ephemer al, the movements. Crafted in rose gold, the movement of the Toric Petite Seconde is entirely new and barely noticeable at first glance. Three large surfaces in 18ct rose gold serve as bridges, arranged in a pure geometric perspective. Only the two barrels and the regu- lating organ are visible. This development with its unprecedented architecture, with its large bridges decorated with Côtes de Fleurier alternating with a sandblasted plate, references the great tradition of watchmaking in a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic configura- tion. Striking in its graphics, it is intended as a style element of the entire watch. Its structure has been deeply worked on in an approach where aes- thetic research predominates, considering the formal requirement dictated by elegance. The movement was designed to be manually wound to appreciate the finesse of rewinding and the tactile gesture that the watch deserves. Golden Tempo Gold movements are rare in high-end watchmaking. The Toric Chronograph Rattrapante’s movement is crafted from 18-carat rose gold. It beats at a high frequency (5Hz) and incorporates a double column wheel. Its structural elements, skeletonized to suggest an arabesque, leave ample room for visual appreciation of its moving components. This genuine competition-class machine invites an absolute immersion in gold that conceals a world-class masterpiece calibre, but in a resolutely Haute Horlogerie iteration. This move- ment integrates 285 components, 35 jewels, and a 65-hour power reserve. The tenth-of-a-second precision and the challenge of shap- ing such a malleable material as gold are assets that every devotee of the finest watchmaking will appreciate. It is a tribute to the zenith of horological artistry. It’s not just a movement; it’s a narrative of passion, expertise, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Simply Abu Dhabi | 177