Parmigiani Fleurier Telescopic Hands Complication

FanFrancisco · 2014-11-28T10:45:16Z

FanFrancisco meets Michel Parmigiani, exploring the telescopic hands complication in a restored pocket watch and a modern Parmigiani Fleurier wristwatch. Discover this unique horological feat.

FanFrancisco

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

8 replies2127 views28 photos

FanFrancisco recounts his first meeting with Michel Parmigiani and his encounter with two significant timepieces featuring telescopic hands. This report highlights the intricate engineering involved in translating this complex complication from a historical pocket watch to a modern wristwatch, offering a unique perspective on Parmigiani Fleurier's innovative spirit.

i was invited by The Hour Glass Singapore to attend a collector dinner with Mr Michel Parmigiani who was in town this week. was honored of meeting him in person first time.

despite of seeing lot of stunning Parmigiani watches, at the event, the most exciting thing for me was able to see two timepieces with telescopic hands, one is the original pocket watch restored by Mr Parmigiani himself and another one is the ever first watch to house telescopic hands into a wrist watch which inspired by this pocket watch.

was happy to talk to Mr Parmigiani in person, i was very impressed by his passion on watches and also his detailed explanation to us on how complicated and what challenges when transported the idea of having the telescopic hands from a pocket watch into a wrist watch.

by the way, the pocket watch inside and outside are just awesome, the front of the case is in blue enamel when beautiful engravings are inside. for the wrist watch, it was built based on their 8-day movement, the watch itself is very well made, and it is really amazing and fun when looking at the hands being turning.

stefan

Key Points from the Discussion

The telescopic hands in the Parmigiani Fleurier watch are designed to expand and contract, maintaining perfect alignment with the oval dial's numbers while ensuring the minute hand remains larger than the hour hand to prevent confusion.
Translating the telescopic hands complication from a pocket watch to a wristwatch presented significant engineering challenges due to tighter tolerances, making it a notable horological achievement.
The watch's dial, initially seen in prototype with guilloché, features an elegant milky white enamel in its final production, contributing to its sophisticated aesthetic.
The telescopic hands complication is considered a whimsical and romantic feature, representing an artistic flair in watchmaking that goes beyond simple timekeeping functionality.
The use of an oval case is essential for the telescopic hands mechanism to function and visually demonstrate its unique movement.
The watch is built around an 8-day movement, showcasing both a complex complication and a substantial power reserve.

The Discussion

doobooloo

Nov 28, 2014

Thank you for sharing - I have been mesmerized by this piece since I saw it on PF's website about a year ago but was never able to see one in person at any of the PF AD's. Such a whimsical and romantic complication, if it can be categorized as one. The original pocketwatch is gorgeous as well. Thanks again!

rnaden

Nov 28, 2014

For the lack of a better description. Their movements looks really nice, and it does look like it actually wears well, despite the complications. The dial is superb.

MTF

Nov 29, 2014

Stefan, Thanks for interesting report. What do telescopic hands do? From the case shape, can I assume they just grow longer and shorter as they turn around inside an oval case? Regards, MTF

KIH

Nov 29, 2014

He is quite a gentleman, right? I was impressed when I had a chance to meet and dine with him, too. I am looking forward to more opportunities to see his creations in the future! Best, Ken

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Nov 29, 2014

I hope to meet Mr Parmigiani in person one day too! The new watch with telescopic hands is amazing! Porcelain dial that has a lacquer coat I believe? Really nice. Thanks for the report my friend! Cheers Robin

Mitch K

Nov 30, 2014

Yes, the telescopic hands revolve around the oval dial and maintain perfect position vs the numbers. Also, the minute hand always remains larger than the hour hand so that they won't be confused. The watch is fascinating to play with. My concern about owning such a watch is that it will always be a challenge to know what time it is as anyone being shown the watch will want to and have to see the hands move. Also, prior pictures of the watch in its prototype phase showed a dial with guilloche but

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