Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpagraphe Noir

Parmigiani Fleurier is traditionally quite conservative when it comes to the materials it uses on its watch cases. The brand usually sticks to platinum, gold or steel to craft its watches. Yet, earlier this year, the brand introduced its Kalpagraphe in a matte titanium version, offering a sleek monochromatic look. This chronograph watch is now presented in a black ADLC-steel limited edition, the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpagraphe Noir. This new version is launched together with the Kalpagraphe Blanc, a pink gold feminine model with a subtle white sapphire dial.

The Kalpagraphe Noir is a bold vision of the brand’s credentials, but still respects the unique design of the Kalpa.

This dark iteration of Parmigiani Fleurier’s tonneau-shaped chronograph, the Kalpagraphe Noir, stands out with its black case paired with pink gold for the crown, the pushers and some elements of the dial. Its black glossy finish sheds new light on the sophisticated case design. With its generous dimensions (44.45mm x 39.2mm) and its distinctive elongated tonneau shape extended by tear-drop lugs, the Kalpagraphe really makes a statement on the wrist. Thanks to its ergonomic design, with a curved caseback, it remains comfortable despite its size.

The subtly toned sapphire dial is smoked. It is nearly black with changing reflections and it offers a partial view of the movement. The elongated hour markers, the hands, the chronograph sub-counters, the cartouche bearing the brand name and the hands come in pink gold to provide legible contrast. The large arched date aperture at 12 o’clock displays odd numbers only.

Turning the watch over, the caseback is secured by four screws and a round sapphire crystal reveals the automatic movement (note: the engravings on the prototype we had for review are incomplete and not correct). The calibre PF334 is 30mm in diameter. Ticking at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it can store up to 50 hours of power reserve on two series-coupled barrels. It is nicely decorated with Geneva stripes, perlage and bridges angled by hand. The 22k gold rotor features a grains d’orge guilloché pattern and a PF logo in an oval crest.

The watch is worn on a supple black rubber strap closed by a pink gold pin buckle. The Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpagraphe Noir is a limited edition of 99 watches and retails for CHF 19,000.

For more information, visit www.parmigiani.com.