#None #Parmigiani Fleurier #La Rabenal #Michel Parmigiani

The Birth of Parmigiani Fleurier's Art Piece 'La Rabenal'

Every year, on December 2nd, Parmigiani Fleurier commemorates the birthday of its founder, Michel Parmigiani, with the unveiling of a unique piece that showcases the brand's creativity and craftsmanship. For Michel Parmigiani, time is not just a unit of measurement; it is a living substance sculpted through harmony, balance, and patience.

In celebrating his 75th birthday, the Maison is proud to present 'La Rabenal', a magnificent objet d'art that embodies the fusion of restoration, artistic craftsmanship, and mechanical purity. This one-of-a-kind Lepine pocket watch is conceived as a dialogue between the geometric patterns of nature and the pinnacle of horological savoir-faire.

At its heart lies a minute repeater caliber from the 1920s, brought back to life by the Maison's exceptional restoration skills, echoing the voice of its intricate mechanics. The name 'La Rabenal' is inspired by the Ravenala madagascariensis plant, native to Madagascar. Its perfectly symmetrical fan-shaped leaves exemplify the golden ratio, while the trunk has the unique ability to collect rainwater, assisting travelers in exploring unknown lands.

For Michel Parmigiani, the forms found in nature reveal an underlying order. This spirit is vividly captured in the engravings that breathe life into the case, dial, and bridge, as well as in the opal and jade marquetry adorning the case back. It creates a composition that harmonizes the contrasts between sparkle and serenity, sky and earth.

Preservation Through Restoration

The soul of 'La Rabenal' beats within its 1920s minute repeater, a movement created by one of Geneva's most revered workshops, Edouard Coën. This movement is part of Michel Parmigiani's private collection of antique movements, each carefully preserved in anticipation of the day they would be revived. 'La Rabenal' fulfills a long-held desire for restoration and renewal.

A Dialogue Woven with Opal, Jade, and Gold

Starting from the white gold case, the double back is adorned with opal and jade marquetry. Working with opal requires exceptional precision due to its delicate and ever-changing nature; each small piece must be individually cut, shaped, and polished. In contrast, jade does not reflect light but diffuses it, creating a quiet juxtaposition against the opal's brilliance.

The 'Golden Hands' Behind 'La Rabenal'

Surrounding this objet d'art are the 'Mains d’Or' (Golden Hands), the master artisans who embody the ideals of Parmigiani Fleurier. Their work encompasses a range of skills, from the engraved bridges to sculpted gold, stone marquetry, and hand-crafted chains that take nearly 100 hours to complete.

Specifications of 'La Rabenal'

• - Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, minute repeater
• - Hands: White gold
• - Chain: 18K white gold, entirely handmade
• - Movement: Original movement made by Coën in Geneva
• - Jewels: 27
• - Decorations: Angled and hand-engraved bridges and main plate
• - Dial: Blue-treated 18K white gold
• - Case: Hand-engraved and polished 18K white gold (PD150) in the Lepine style
• - Diameter: 51.8 mm
• - Thickness: 13.1 mm
• - Crown: Ø 8.00 mm, blue sapphire
• - Case Back: Polished dome-shaped, adorned with opal and jade marquetry
• - Price: Please inquire for details.