Women’s Watch Wednesday – Hands-On with the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalparisma

Just over 20 years old now, the eponymous brand Parmigiani Fleurier, founded by Michel Parmigiani in 1996, is known for its classic and elegant watches with hand crafted movements made in-house in the brand’s Fleurier workshops – and a certain twist in the design, quite Italian. Initially creating men’s watches – with one of his first wristwatch introductions being the tonneau-shaped Kalpa – Parmigiani unveiled the women’s Kalparisma line in 2009 as a gentler take on time.

The Kalparisma Agenda watch features a gently curved tonneau-shaped watch with softly rounded edges and elongated lugs for a more sensual and ergonomic appeal. The one I wore was crafted in stainless steel and was partially bedecked with 46 Top Wesselton diamonds. In fact, the diamond design was nice. Instead of the entire case being adorned with diamonds, just the lugs and the vertical edges of the case are gem set. It is a statement of sophisticated elegance rather than full-on bling.

Making the watch even more alluring is the magnificently hand-finished flinque’ dial with sunray guilloche. The motif is so well etched that you can see it from any angle. The ivory dial also features a sunken seconds hand at 6 o’clock, with an inset date indication beneath it.  This multi-layering of dials also provides depth and dimension. The Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 9, as well as the angle markers are rose gold plated appliques. Similarly, the shortened Delta-shaped hands for the hours and minutes are rose gold outlined and filled with a luminescent white material for easier reading in the dark.

This particular Kalparisma is finished with a white alligator strap; however, other versions include a taupe colored strap, and a bracelet.  Also, thanks to the dimensions of the case, 37.5×31.2mm, it fits nicely on the wrist. All told, the watch is a nice statement in craftsmanship and understated elegance.

Of course, it would not be Parmigiani if an in-house-made movement didn’t power it. This watch is an automatic caliber, PF331, with a fairly adequate amount of power reserve: 55 hours. I personally, would have liked a bit longer power reserve because I change my watches regularly – leaving some sit a little longer than a couple of days. It exists with small second or central second.

Nonetheless, the 220-part self-winding mechanical movement performed flawlessly.  Additionally, it is – as is typical of Parmigiani Fleurier – finely finished with decorated bridges, Cotes de Genève and hand beveling. The oscillating weight features the signature barley grain guilloche decoration. One can admire the movement via the sapphire caseback.

Water resistant to 30 meters, this particular Kalparisma Agenda watch retails for $12,800. However, there are a host of different colors and materials in the offering. More details on www.parmigiani.com.

Technical Specifications – Parmigiani Fleurier Kalparisma

• Case: 37.5mm x 31.2 mm x 8.4mm – stainless steel (gold versions available), 46 Top Wesselton diamonds – sapphire crystal on both sides – 30m water resistant
• Movement: Calibre PF331 – in-house – automatic – 4Hz frequency – 55h power reserve – hours, minutes, small second or central second, date
• Strap: Hermes leather strap – steel or gold bracelet also available

This article has been written by Roberta Naas, founder of watch-magazine A Timely Perspective. Roberta is also the author of six books on watches.