Pictures hi res new ovale pantographe guilloche barly grain dial gold movement 1

Ovale Pantographe inspired by 1780 pocket watch

The genesis of the Ovale Pantographe came about when Parmigiani Fleurier came across an oval pocket watch from 1780.

It was fitted with a system in which two pawls in a cam enable the hands to extend and retract, which presented a challenge to Parmigiani.

The pocket watch itself held the solution but it was the brand’s task to transfer it to a wristwatch, which places more demands on the device due to the range of positions the watch adopts throughout the day.

The challenge lay in finding the perfect compromise between the weight of the components, the balance of the system and the reliability of the watch.

The Ovale Pantographe realised that more flexibility was required. This is true of the hands, which comprise of more than 30 elements in continuous movement.

They appear static, yet nothing could be further from the truth. There is only one material in the world, an aluminium alloy with a magnesium base used in the automotive industry, able to meet the exacting specifications, whereby no immobility is permitted.

Parmigiani Fleurier also equipped this creation with a movement made entirely from rose gold. It is part of a series of pieces which have enabled the Manufacture to develop specific expertise.

The movement of the Ovale Pantographe also boasts an 8-day power reserve. The dial is stamped with a decorative “barley grain” pattern, while the indices, replacing the transfers used on the previous model, lend the watch a richness.

The disc power reserve and the large date window at 6 o’clock complete the dial.

With its Hermès strap and rose gold ardillon buckle, the Ovale Pantographe is available in a limited edition of 50 watches and is priced at £68,000. For any enquiries call Atelier Parmigiani on: 020 7495 5172.

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