FLEURIER PARMESAN
This Toric variation features a mortage-style bezel and a guilloched dial. It's a model that combines aesthetics and practicality at a high level. The rice-grain dial and 18K gold applied indexes boast astonishingly intricate finishing. Automatic movement. 18K gold (40.8mm diameter, 9.5mm thick). Water resistant to 30m. Priced at 230 million yen.
The Toric Qualité Fleurier is equipped with the renowned Cal. PF331-QF. The basic design dates back about 20 years, but its performance is clear from the fact that it has passed the Qualité Fleurier test. As you would expect from a high-end watch, the crown feels smooth and the rotor noise is extremely quiet. 32 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Equipped with a free-sprung balance.
With practicality and aesthetics on both sides, "Qualite Fleurier" demonstrates the "divine realm" of details
A watch that combines practicality and aesthetics is one of the most appealing things for watch enthusiasts. So, is there really no watch that combines these two elements to a high degree? At present, the Parmigiani Fleurier Qualité Fleurier model is perhaps the closest to achieving this ideal. In addition to the robust foundation required to earn the Qualité Fleurier certification, the company's signature delicate finishing touches give this practical watch an exceptional elegance.
Interview and text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Parmigiani Fleurier's "Trick Chronometer" combines strategic pricing with high-quality finishing. The basic model is also attractive, but the newly added "Trick Qualité Fleurier" this year is even more full of details that will stimulate connoisseurs.
The biggest difference is the guilloched dial with a "rice grain" pattern. At first glance, it looks so intricate that it could be considered pressed, but the guilloched cuts surrounding the "QALITEFLEURIER" frame are slightly uneven. This proves that it is a genuine guilloched dial that has been engraved, not pressed.
The guilloché finish itself is so unique that it's hard to believe it's a current product. Today, watch manufacturers favor a guilloché finish in which a strong blasting process is used to remove not only the burrs but also the cutting marks. In contrast, Parmigiani Fleurier uses a lighter blasting process to preserve the nuances of the guilloché. It takes time, but the sharp edges give it a classic look. Also, because the underlying guilloché is not covered, the clear coat used to prevent fading is very thin. The indexes are applied as separate parts. Of course, they are not glued, but are fixed in place with two legs, as is the standard for high-end watches.
This is a model made of different materials than the above. Its finish is indistinguishable from a dress watch, but it is also a tough, practical watch that has passed a chronofiberable test equivalent to six months of wear and a full wear simulation test. Its accuracy tolerance is within 0 to +5 seconds per day. Note that COSC certification is a prerequisite for Qualité Fleurier certification. The basic specifications are the same as the above model. 18KWG. 2.3 million yen.
(Right) Kalpa Qualite Fleurier
This is the new "Qualite Fleurier" model from the Kalpa line. Like the Toric, it boasts excellent finishing and a curved case that provides excellent comfort. Its overall length is just over 42mm, making it a comfortable fit for even the slenderest of wrists. Automatic movement (Cal. PF442). 29 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Free-sprung balance. 18KRG (42.3mm x 32.1mm, 10.1mm thick). Water resistant to 30m. 2.5 million yen.
The indices are also worth looking at, just like the guilloched dial. Normally, when Arabic indices are made into separate parts, the finish on the sides is rough. This is because the shape is complex and it is difficult to reach the sides. In contrast, Parmigiani Fleurier polishes even the sides of the intricate Arabic indices one by one. The tonneau-shaped Kalpa Qualité Fleurier does not use Arabic indices, but standard bar indices. Although it may look simpler than the guilloched ones, it is extremely difficult to apply a diamond-cut finish without distortion to long bar indices. As expected, the dial of this model is also hand-guilloched.
The finishes on both the Toric Qualité Fleurier PF331-QF and the Kalpa Qualité Fleurier PF442 are just as elaborate as the dials. Take the Geneva finish on the bridge, for example. The company's Geneva finish is originally applied softly, as is typical of luxury watches. As a result, it does not glare even when exposed to strong light. In addition, this model is Geneva finished vertically, and then horizontally. This grid-like Geneva finish is probably a world first. Normally, this type of finish would result in a rough surface, but because the finish is weak to begin with, the surface has the appearance of a truly luxury watch.
The movement has also evolved to a free-sprung balance without a regulator. The PF331 and PF441 series already had good accuracy, but the adoption of a free-sprung balance further improved shock resistance. This is likely one of the reasons why this high-end watch meets the Fleurier Qualité standards.
The Qualité Fleurier, which undergoes the Chronofiable test to evaluate reliability and the Fleuri test to simulate wearing, is one of the most stringent tests currently available. The Toric Qualité Fleurier and Kalpa Qualité Fleurier not only pass this test, but also boast the finest finishes in this price range. The Toric and Kalpa Qualité Fleurier models combine aesthetics and practicality to a high degree. If you're a watch lover, this is a must-see new release.
https://www.fleurier-quality.com/
