This is the new Parmigiani Fleurier Ovale Pantographe with special telescopic hands that extend and retract as they sweep the oval shaped dial. “The hands are based on the pantograph – the instrument from which they take their name – and use the same principle of multiplying a length by a given factor to obtain movement on a larger or smaller scale.”
A cam at the center of the movement determines a certain length, the measurement provides the information required to move the hand and adjust it as it moves around the dial. While designing the telescoping hands was of course a complicated process, it was the cutting and assembly of the telescoping hands that posed the greatest challenge.
“Having explored a number of different techniques, the watchmakers at Parmigiani Fleurier opted for state of the art technology to cut the fine segments of titanium from which the hands are made. They employed the latest generation laser cutting techniques, which use water and nitrogen and guarantee accuracy to the nearest 2 to 4 µm (micron). It took a year of testing at the Lausanne institute of technology to achieve the desired accuracy.
Powering the Pantographe is a hand wound in-house movement running at a frequency of 3Hz, with 28 jewels and 267 total components. Thanks to two-series coupled barrels, the maximum power reserve is 8-days (192-hours). The balance is regulated via a swan neck regulator. The movement is finished to the highest standards and includes “Côtes de Genève” decoration, perlage and hand-bevelled bridges — all visible through the sapphire caseback.
Functions include a central hours and minutes, a large date and a power reserve indicator.
The dial is silvered with a special “Barely Grain” pattern. Applied indexes and numerals with blue PVD coating. Telescopic hands, adapting to the piece’s circumference, in titanium with blue PVD coating.
The fully polished oval shaped case measures 45 x 37.6 mm by 12 mm thick and comes in either 18K white or rose gold. Water-resistant to 30 meters. Hermes alligator strap with ardillon buckle. Individual number engraved on caseback.
Ref. PFC775-1000100 (rose gold), PFC775-1000100 (white gold)
