Parmigiani Toric Rattrapante Chronograph #1 of 10

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Rattrapante Limited Edition.

Offered here is a rarely encountered example of one of watchmaking’s most difficult and coveted complications, the Rattrapante or Split Second Chronograph by one of the most respected manufacturers, Parmigiani Fleurier.

The technical details are as follows:

Parmigiani Model Reference # C 03961

Production Year Circa 2000

From a Limited Edition of 10 pieces, this piece the first produced numbered “01/10” on the caseback

Case in 18K White Gold with a matching 18K White Gold tang buckle

Case size is 40.00 mm X 14.80 mm

Chronograph start/stop buttons at 2:00 and 4:00 with a coaxial button in the crown at 3:00 for the split seconds chronograph

Small sweep seconds at 9:00 subdial

12 hour chronograph counter at 6:00 subdial

30 minute chronograph counter at 3:00 subdial

Semi matte black dial with silver subdials

Blued steel hands at 3:00/6:00/9:00 and for the split second hand

Rhodium coloured hands for hours, minutes and base chronograph hand

Applied Rhodium coloured Bregeut numerals at 12:00, with applied Rhodium coloured dots at 1/2/4/5/7/8/10/11

Light blue printed tachymeter numerals and dots on the outer dial edge

Base movement Venus 179

14 Lignes

21 Jewels

44 hours power reserve

Original 2001 list price $80,000

Going beyond pure technical specs, it is hard to describe what an absolutely stunning watch this is on every level. The Toric case is one of the more iconic cases of modern times, being superbly shaped and sized for both small and larger wrists. The coin edge fluting of the bezel is superbly executed and adds a nice touch of contrast to what is otherwise a plain case. This fluting is also seen on the tang buckle. The chrono pushers are nicely shaped and the split second button is integrated in the crown at 3:00, technically a much more difficult placement than at the 10:00/11:00 position. The dial is sublimely beautiful with the main dial in a semi matte black set off nicely by the silvered sub dials. The Breguet 12 is a singular accent against the applied Rhodium dots at the hour markers. A touch of colour is added by the very unique light blue used on the tachymetre numerals and as the surround for the Parmigiani branding.

As beautiful as the case is, the piece de resistance is the movement. Viewed through the sapphire case back, the vintage Venus 179 movement is nothing less than incredible. Much like a Lange Datograph or Double Split, this is a watch that begs to be worn back up! The depth of the movement is nothing short of amazing. The quality of the base movement is further enhanced by the absolute top level finish applied by Parmigiani. The finishing on this piece can be compared with any top maker including Patek/Vacheron/Audemars Piguet/F.P. Journe etc. Viewed with a 10X loupe the quality is plain to see with every edge beveled and polished to perfection. A further testament to how serious Parmigiani’s attention to detail was is the fact that they added 2 jewels and incabloc shock protection to the base movement which has none.

The list price on this piece back in 2000 was ~$80,000, but one can only imagine in 2017 this would be at least double given what other rattrapante/split seconds pieces from the top manufacturers cost.

This watch is 100% original and complete as delivered. It has been worn only a handful of times and has never been polished or serviced, as it looks new and functions perfectly. It comes with the outer Parmigiani cardboard box, inner plastic Parmigiani box, original Parmigiani envelope noting the model/serial number/limited edition number, Guarantee Booklet noting the same numbers but unstamped by the selling dealer, Service Booklet unstamped, Parmigiani embossed polishing cloth, unique menu type folder noting all the details for this specific watch including all numbers and having the original hang tag taped inside.

The reason for sale is simply to pare my collection down further and free up some cash. I am asking $XXXXXXX, which seems ridiculously cheap given what that amount will buy in today’s market.

Impeccable references from many high value transactions worldwide. I am always happy to answer any questions or clarify any details that are unclear. Please understand that given time differences it may take ~24 hours to respond.

Kind regards