Parmigiani Fleurier presents the new Tecnica Ombre Blanche

News • 04 Jul 2014

Parmigiani Fleurier presents the new Tecnica Ombre Blanche


The Parmigiani Fleurier Tecnica Ombre Blanche is one of the most complex timepieces in Haute Horlogerie with three complications integrated into a single complete movement
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tecnica Ombre Blanche is one of the most complex timepieces in Haute Horlogerie with three complications integrated into a single complete movement

The Tecnica Ombre Blanche is one of those timepieces whose value is self-evident; it does not need to flaunt its worth with opulent decorations or an especially thick case. Its beauty lies in the purity of its lines, the sophistication of its interplay of light and the finesse of its details – for those who appreciate such things. This piece is about the fundamentals, evoking simplicity, tradition and high quality through the Parmigiani Fleurier codes; it represents the very essence of what can be achieved in a watch – hours, minutes, seconds and date, all certified to guarantee exceptional precision.

AESTHETICS

The dial on the Tecnica Ombre Blanche features Grand Feu enamelling, created using the champlevé technique. The result is a dazzling white dial whose myriad enamel layers create an interplay of light which brings it to life; a perfectly flat, satin-finished dial, which nevertheless gives an exquisite impression of depth.

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.

MOVEMENT

The 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.

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 chimes on the Tecnica Ombre Blanche are called “cathedral” chimes as 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, immediately signalling the Tecnica Ombre Blanche’s eligibility for a place in the watchmaking Hall of Fame.

Two sets of cathedral gongs sounds the hours, quarter-hours and minutes in a case that has been designed to ensure that the minute repeater chime has the best possible resonance in an optimal space
Two sets of cathedral gongs sounds the hours, quarter-hours and minutes in a case that has been designed to ensure that the minute repeater chime has the best possible resonance in an optimal space

Parmigiani Fleurier has been involved with the prestigious certification label since 2004, and this is not the first of its pieces to meet the rigorous test criteria required of Certified Haute Horlogerie. The new Tonda Qualité Fleurier offers superior chronometric performance to that of its predecessors, and has been entirely reworked in terms of design and aesthetics. The result speaks for itself.

The Parmigiani Fleurier calibre 4000

The Tonda Qualité Fleurier is built on the Parmigiani Fleurier calibre 4000 with a power reserve of 55 hours. The unique feature of this movement is its series-mounted double barrel, which helps to stabilise the distribution of energy and ensure its transmission to the regulator at a constant level. In line with the requirements of the Fleurier Quality Foundation, each Tonda bearing its name and stamp has undergone a series of rigorous tests to assess the overall reliability of the movement and the exterior (strict quality criteria for each component, COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification, the Chronofiable reliability test and the Fleuritest wearing simulation). The inscription “Qualité Fleurier” on a watch’s dial guarantees chronometric performance and durability which are higher than the average.

Fleurier Quality certification also requires a very high quality aesthetic finish on the movement. The gold oscillating weight on the Tonda Qualité Fleurier and the crossed Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges illustrate the attention to detail and fine craftsmanship that have long characterised Parmigiani Fleurier.

The Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer for Parmigiani Fleurier.

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