Crafted from enamel-finished gold and adorned with pearls and rubies, the 60mm frog is so lifelike it hops around a few times, stops to croak, then hops around again a few more times.
Michel Parmigiani, who began his career as a restorer of antique watches, founded Parmigiani Fleurier in 1996. At the time, the brand was built around a restoration department that restored historic timepieces. Now, Michel Parmigiani has restored three small automata (mechanical dolls) from the Maurice-Yves Sandoz collection, which could be said to be the essence of the brand.
During restoration work, Parmigiani and his restoration team place great importance on thorough research to gain a deep understanding of the piece and the era in which it was created, while also ensuring the piece's preservation and functionality. By thoroughly studying the masterpieces of the past that they are restoring, they rediscover the mechanical and technical challenges that watchmakers of all eras have faced and derive unique solutions. The insights gained during the restoration process serve as a source of inspiration for the mechanisms and materials used in the brand's models.
The restorers, who deal with mostly unique pieces, begin their work by carefully observing the work, the details of which are unknown, over several days, and gathering information from related literature and similar works before disassembling the piece.
In addition to the internal mechanisms, they must also be familiar with many techniques, including precious metal work, enameling, engraving, foil application, and glasswork.
In addition, the time-consuming and painstaking process of removing dirt is essential, as this can reveal new secrets, such as previously hidden inscriptions. When assembling a piece to be restored, a method must be used that will allow for future restoration, while preserving the original condition.
This early 19th-century frog-like automaton is part of the Maurice-Yves Sandoz collection, and two other animal-shaped automata from the same collection (a sea lion and a white mouse) have also been restored by Michel Parmigiani using the same procedure. They are decorated with gold and pearls and precious stones, and faithfully reproduce the movements of the animals.
Video of the three Maurice Yves Sand collection
Maurice Yves Sand Collection "Frog"
Maurice Yves Sand Collection "Kaiko"
Maurice Yves Sand Collection "White Mouse"
