The origins
The Kalpa collection is the first Parmigiani Vs 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.
A diversity of versions
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 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.
Personally, I was not a massive fan of this glossy leather contained in the first run and feel that the gold brushed center links with polished edges on the bracelet match the watch greater. The bead studded polished case steps in at 39mm using a slim 8.4mm thickness, carries a .65 carat weight, and includes a sapphire caseback (we will post pictures as they become available) — displaying the Côtes de Genève decorated PF702 in-house motion. Water resistance is pretty standard for a dress watch at 30m. Of the two watches, I feel that the ideal addition to the I.C. Parmigianino Di Parma portfolio is the Tonda Métropolitaine Selene. The Métropolitaine lineup is grand, filled largely with guilloche thick or mother-of-pearl dials and Parmigiani Fleurier has done a fantastic job of advertising them towards girls. That is the reason why I was amazed when looking back and realizing that there was not a “Galaxy” dial included before now. When the Tonda 1950 Galaxy set was released, a consistent criticism was that it looked feminine.The polished stainless steel case measures in 33.1mm using an 8.6millimeter thickness — large enough to love the dialup, but little enough to keep maximum classiness. The bezel features 72 diamonds producing a total carat weight of .496 (triggering many OCD trends).
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. 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 constellation of diamonds.
Attention to details and finest haute horlogerie finishes
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.
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.
