In keeping with tradition, Parmigiani Fleurier unveiled an extraordinary horological creation on December 2, Michel Parmigiani’s birthday. The brand presented the Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse, a ground-breaking masterpiece that merges artistic beauty with exceptional acoustic engineering, defying conventional norms
Designed in an ultra-limited edition, this masterpiece pays homage to Michel Parmigiani’s vision and the Maison’s expertise, combining magic and innovation within a white gold and enamel masterpiece. The first in a series of five unique pieces, each Armoriale Mysterious Repeater is meant to be different, personalised in its aesthetics, marking a milestone in the history of contemporary watchmaking.
The Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse features a meticulously crafted 42mm white gold case designed exclusively for this unique model. It celebrates the aesthetic principles cherished by Michel Parmigiani, with design elements inspired by Doric columns and the Golden Ratio, underscoring the geometric precision and timeless elegance of classical architecture. Every detail, from the case to the intricately engraved pin buckle, embodies the pursuit of harmony and aesthetic perfection that defines the Maison Parmigiani Fleurier.
The Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse does not reveal its secrets at a glance. Unlike a traditional watch, the Armoriale conceals the time on its reverse side, dedicating its front surface entirely to artistic craftsmanship. The pastel green translucent enamel grand feu displays a finely guilloché pattern, further enhanced by delicate engravings of a pinecone, a symbol of inspiration for Michel Parmigiani and a metaphor for infinity.
Upon turning the watch, the wearer discovers the rose gold hour and minute hands discreetly placed on the back of the case. This back dial, adorned with a disk of Guatemalan white jade and featuring circular indices, harmonises with the jade’s natural elegance. The “secret” dial bestows an introspective and personal character to the watch, making checking the time an intimate and privileged experience.
Historically, the minute repeater provided a way to tell time in the dark before the advent of artificial lighting by chiming the hours and minutes on demand. This intricate mechanism, featuring a precise system of hammers and gongs, offers a sound-based method of telling time, embodying the highest refinement in watchmaking. By listening to each strike, the wearer can discern the hours, quarters, and minutes through distinct, precisely tuned sounds, each resonating with clarity and purity.
The Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is distinguished by its “cathedral” gongs, which are extra-long and wrap around the movement almost twice. This technical choice prolongs the resonance of each sound, delivering a rich and deep tone reminiscent of grand cathedral bells. Each hammer is engineered to strike with millimetric precision, ensuring optimal sound intensity. The cathedral sound amplifies the emotional impact, transforming each note into one filled with mystery and depth, an echo resonating beyond time.
Inside the Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse, a meticulously crafted manual winding movement by Renaud Papi powers the watch. Comprising 392 components and boasting a 72-hour power reserve, this movement ensures unparalleled clarity and tonal purity. The cathedral gongs, securely fixed to the movement, enhance resonance, while the hollowed-out back and sides of the case naturally amplify the sound. Additionally, a striking regulator ensures smooth, uninterrupted sound, maintaining a steady rhythm in the chimes. The assembly of this movement into the case represents a technical challenge of the highest order. The precise, millimetric fitting ensures optimal tension and direct sound transmission, with each component calibrated to maximize sound quality and maintain precise timekeeping.
Parmigiani Fleurier has envisioned a bespoke watch box for the Armoriale, featuring a resonator crafted from Risoud spruce wood, renowned for its superior acoustic properties and beloved by luthiers worldwide. This elegant box enhances each sound, adding depth and richness to the Minute Repeater’s sound. By placing the watch at various points within the case, the owner can modulate the resonance, creating a tailored auditory experience that highlights the craftsmanship of the artisans and the horological mastery of Parmigiani Fleurier.
Parmigiani Fleurier offers owners of the Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse a rare sensory experience, where the seen and unseen, the heard and felt, merge to celebrate time. This work of art results from the labour of Master Artisans, each contributing their unique expertise: Yann Von Kaenel for guilloché, Eddy Jaquet for the central engravings, and Vanessa Lecci for the enamelling.
