At Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024 it was Parmigiani’s year to relaunch the latest incarnation of the Toric, after a year which they said was their best to date. The new models include a new Petite Seconde coming in two references (rose gold or platinum 950 case), and the Toric Chronograph Rattrapante, limited to thirty pieces.

Let’s first take a look at the Petite Skeleton, a deeply elegant dress watch with 18-carat gold movements.

At 40.6mm and 8.8mm thick, it has water resistance of 50m, and the polished case features a knurled bezel that it shares with the Tonda PF collection. The platinum variant has a grey celadon dial with 18 caratt gold rhodium-plated applied markers and the pink-gold variant, a sand gold dial with 18 carat rose gold markers.

These dials are not just about being a single colour, but have a grained texture achieved by the application of a mixture composed of cream of tartar, crushed sea salt, and silver, which is applied onto the base (gold) dials. The paste is polished off with special brushes, and the resultant texture is like an incredibly delicate graining that in an odd way, doesn’t appear ‘grained’ in the way that we normally think of it. On the dials are case-metal matched markers and hands.

Another point of (discreet) interest in the new Toric dials which is not visible at first glance, is their shape – their edges slope every so slightly downwards towards the case, which they call a form of bevelling and say is inspired by the shape of bevelled watch crystals over cases. What this means is that the indices also follow the shape of the dial, also sloping gently.

The new Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde is powered the newly manually-wound Cal. PF780 which beats at 28,800 VPH and has a power reserve of 60 hours. The three 18 carat rose gold sections are decorated with Côtes de Fleurier.

Another small but particular detail is the stitching on the straps. The hand-stitched alligator straps have a nubuck finish and a traditional “punto a mano” hand stitching which is associated with Neapolitan tailoring.

As others have said, there is something about these watches which cannot be experienced in photos, no matter how good the photos, and that is the feel of the movement when the watch is wound – it is remarkably buttery soft and a testament to its quality. It is that notable that should the opportunity arise, I’d recommend that you try it yourself.

The new Parmigiani Toric Petite Seconde in pink gold retails for CHF 49,500, the platinum execution has a sticker price of CHF 56,500.

Categories: Hands-on, Limited Editions, Parmigiani, Platinum, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024