Reintroduced as the three-hand-with-date Toric Chronometre at SIHH 2017, the eponymous watch case was the first ever designed by Michel Parmigiani. Now it’s also the face of the Parmigiani Toric Hémisphères Rétrograde, a travel watch powered by a cleverly constructed movement.

The cal. PF317 is equipped with a module that indicates a second time zone at 12 o’clock, which can be set to the minute, a notable feature that differentiates its from most other dual time zone watches that can only be set in one hour steps.

Setting the second time zone is done with the crown at two o’clock, while the crown at three adjusts both time zones simultaneously and in sync. Both time zones have their own day and night indicators, while the date is indicated by a retrograde hand.

Notably, the second time zone module was developed by Agenhor, the respected Geneva-based complications specialist led by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. Agenhor’s fingerprints are visible on the dial-side of the module, with the multiple bridges, complex gear train as well as skeletonised metal parts produced by the UV-LIGA deposition technique. The module sits on top of Parmigiani’s in-house PF331 automatic with a 50-hour power reserve.

Available only in rose gold for now, the case is 42.8mm in diameter; the largish size is due to the diameter of the second time zone module. The dial is a ivory with a grained finish, match with the javelin-shaped hands that are a Parmigiani favourite.

Price and availability 

The Toric Hémisphères Rétrograde (ref. PFC493-1002400-HA1442) costs SFr29,500 or S$48,600.

Having been the subject of rumour for some months, the new is now official: the next Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition will take place in Singapore, the Asian city that’s the watchmaker’s most important in South-East Asia (and also the location of the largest Patek Philippe boutique in the region).

Confirmed by Thierry Stern in an interview with Singapore newspaper The Straits Times, the 2019 event will be its first stop in Asia. The New York Grand Exhibition (pictured above and below) just closed its doors a couple of days ago, with London’s Saatchi Gallery having been the venue in 2015, the same year the Geneva watchmaker celebrated its 175th anniversary.

The recent Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York

Sandrine and Thierry Stern outside the New York Grand Exhibition

With the template for the Grand Exhibition having been well established, come 2019 expect an expansive exhibition of Patek Philippe timepieces vintage and modern, as well as a range of limited editions (ranging from wristwatches to Dome Clocks) created just for the event. The recent New York exhibition was accompanied by a slew of limited edition exclusive to the American market, including the flagship World Time Minute Repeater ref. 5531R.

The World Time Minute Repeater ref. 5531R for the American market

Also for the American market, the Calatrava Pilot ref. 5522A

Stay tuned for more on the Grand Exhibition 2019 as soon as information is available.