Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Chronor
The Kalpa collection’s always been the forgotten middle child of the Parmigiani collection. Not as classic as the ever-popular Tonda pieces or as cutting edge of the headline-stealing Bugatti tie-ins, it just didn’t get much recognition. That might be about to change.
For SIHH 2018, Parmigiani has completely reinvigorated the Kalpa collection. They’ve kept the tonneau case original created by founder Michel Parmigiani, but that’s about it. The old, oft-neglected Kalpa movements have been replaced with versions uniquely shaped to fit the case and the dials too have altered to fit their new identity.
Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Hebdomadaire
For us, the key piece is the Kalpagraph Chronometre, if only because Parmigiani’s Abyss Blue is impossible not to love. The chronograph is actually an unusual complication for the manufacture outside of the sporty Bugatti pieces so seeing it here in such a technical way is a nice change.
It’s not just any chronograph though; it’s an integrated chronograph, a far more technical prospect that sits at the centre of the in-house PF362, COSC-certified movement. It took six years of development to create but the results seem worth the effort.
Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpagraphe Chronomètre
Advanced as the movement is, the watch itself still maintains Panerai’s classical styling with a clear, readable dial, flashes of gold and a superb level of finishing across the watch. The Kalpa might have been left in the shadows in the past, but now… well, we can’t take our eyes off it.
More details at Parmigiani.
