SimplyAbuDhabi XLVI

COSMIC MECHANICS ON THE WRIST Created over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese calendar, or Xiali, is a marvel of ingenuity. Based on a lunisolar system, it divides time into complex cycles. Each day and month in the Xiali calendar holds specific meanings, frequently linked to significant events such as harvests, festivals, or ceremonies. This calendar aligns natural forces with human life cycles, embodying a philosophical perspective where harmony takes precedence over linearity. Through the Tonda PF Xiali, Parmigiani Fleurier translates this timeless tale onto a dial, inviting its wearer to engage in a unique dialogue with time. The 24 solar terms (or periods) are based on the sun’s position in the Chinese zodiac, reflecting changes in climate, agricultural factors, and other phenomena impacting human life. Created by farmers of ancient China, they correspond to 24 divisions of 15° of the sun’s path along the ecliptic, or the path of the sun as seen from the earth. Each year is divided into four seasons and within each season are six solar terms, two per month. Some of these 24 solar terms correspond with traditional Chinese festivals. Each solar term has a Chinese name whose meaning is derived from the natural world and its phenomena, mostly relating to the changes of seasons and climates. The names reflect the belief that nature is our teacher and we must learn from her. The 24 solar terms were important in ancient China for farming and getting the best yield from the land according to the climatic changes. Later they were adopted into Chinese medicine and Daoist internal alchemy to better prescribe treatments according to the cycles of nature. Creating the timepiece – which features hours, minutes, complete Chinese solar and lunar calendars, and precision moon phases – was a tremendous and rewarding challenge. As a result, Parmigiani Fleurier has achieved for the very time the presentation of both Chinese calendars on a single dial – a staggering accomplishment of immense complexity. Beyond the technical achievement, it’s an object of immense beauty as well, highlighting a soulful shade of “Imperial Red”, which is extremely significant in Chinese culture. Housed within a 42mm case, the dial of this very special timepiece is finished in a ‘Grain d’Orge’ – or barleycorn – treatment adding texture and further visual interest. 228 | Simply Abu Dhabi