The Kalparisma Collection – Watchmaking mechanics to accentuate feminine elegance

The Kalparisma Collection – Watchmaking mechanics to accentuate feminine elegance

The Kalparisma is the first Parmigiani Fleurier collection of mechanical watches dedicated entirely to women. It features the iconic tonneau-shaped case, a fundamental element of the Parmigiani Fleurier visual identity. The Kalparisma should not be seen as simply a slimmer, smaller version of the men's model. On the contrary, the piece has been entirely redesigned to imbue it with a unique, intrinsic femininity.

THE KALPA ICON FROM PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

Experimenting with the brand's iconic codes is an ongoing passion. Parmigiani Fleurier has now incorporated its Kalpa form in a stunning, feminine creation. The Kalparisma collection has recaptured the essence of the form, adapted for women and housing an automatic movement (Calibre PF 331).

The Kalpa collection is the first Parmigiani Fleurier shaped watch. It was designed in 1997 by Michel Parmigiani, who based its profile on the golden ratio, an arrangement of harmonious proportions. The iconic teardrop-shaped lugs of the Kalpa remain a reference in terms of ergonomics and comfort on the female wrist.

The Kalparisma recalls and symbolises the two essential principles espoused by Parmigiani Fleurier: watchmaking mechanics and the quest for feminine harmony in the pure aesthetic of its lines.

WATCHMAKING REFINEMENT

The Kalparisma is available in two main versions: The Kalparisma Nova and the Kalparisma Agenda. The first version owes its name to the small star at 6 o'clock, which represents the seconds and rotates to their rhythm. This highly feminine detail recalls either a starfish or a star in the heavens. The more practical Kalparisma Agenda has a date indicator at 6 o'clock, a detail appreciated by today's modern woman and crowned on certain models by a classic small second window. The date window is of a luminous powdered gold colour, and three digits wide for optimal date reading.

Thanks to its diverse versions, the Kalparisma can adapt its look to match the tastes and desires of each individual woman. These include a case in 18 ct rose gold or polished steel, for a modern touch; the dials feature either white or black flinqué decoration or scintillating mother of pearl. A choice of richly coloured leather straps adds a desired touch of character and sophistication to the timepiece. The upper sides of the case can be set with Wesselton VVS diamonds of a rare purity.

The setting is such a defining feature of the Kalparisma that Parmigiani Fleurier has created a more jewelled version, the Kalparisma Ouranos, to reflect this. The setting on this model, exclusively in rose gold, is artfully scattered, radiating light from the mother-of-pearl dial to the case, and continuing along the rose gold bracelet to form a beautiful constellation of diamonds.

THE CALIBRE PF331, DEVELOPED AND MANUFACTURED IN-HOUSE

The calibre PF331 is the first self-winding mechanical movement from Parmigiani Fleurier. Incorporated in the Kalparisma since 2009, it makes this model the brand's first mechanical watch for women.

The movement has a modular design which allows for a diverse range of Kalparisma versions. The date is an optional addition, and does not affect the overall kinetics. It can be equipped with a small second at 6 o'clock or a large central second, while maintaining the delicate balance of the dial.

This movement offers the finest haute horlogerie finishes you would expect from Parmigiani Fleurier, and ones which very few brands would apply to such a mechanism. The bridges are sandblasted, drawn out or "Côte de Genève" decorated, then bevelled by hand and, finally, rhodium-plated. The oscillating weight in gold or steel, depending on the model, features barley grain guilloché decoration. Michel Parmigiani has high expectations when it comes the brand's craftsmanship: each component, however small or hidden, deserves the very finest finishes. This attention to detail is what makes the Kalparisma Collection so precious.