Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde Dune and Golden Hour

In the sphere of high-end watchmaking, some creations command attention with technical complexity, while others captivate with a quiet, studied simplicity. Parmigiani Fleurier has long charted a course centered on the latter, a philosophy deeply rooted in the restoration of historical masterpieces and the pursuit of aesthetic harmony. With the expansion of its foundational Toric collection, the brand introduces two new references, the Toric Petite Seconde Dune and Golden Hour, which serve as a compelling thesis on the modern dress watch. These are not timepieces born of nostalgia, but rather a deliberate and contemporary reimagining of classicism for a new sensibility.

The journey of Parmigiani Fleurier is intrinsically linked to its founder, Michel Parmigiani, a master watchmaker and restorer whose life's work has been the preservation of horological heritage. This deep respect for historical techniques informs every piece that leaves the Fleurier-based manufacture. Under the current leadership of CEO Guido Terreni, this reverence for the past is being skillfully channeled into a forward-looking vision. The brand's approach is not to replicate old designs but to distill their essence—the balance, the proportion, the integrity of materials—and present them through a modern lens that values personal connection over public display.



The revival of the Toric collection, which began in 2024, is a cornerstone of this strategy. The collection itself is fundamental to the brand's identity, its signature knurled bezel inspired by the base of a Doric column, a direct nod to the classical principles of the golden ratio and architectural purity. With the introduction of the Dune and Golden Hour models, Parmigiani Fleurier continues its mission to liberate the dress watch from its historically rigid and formal constraints, offering instead an expression that is softer, more tactile, and imbued with a subtle confidence.

This fresh perspective is immediately evident in the watch's proportions. The case, measuring a contemporary yet restrained 40.6 mm in diameter and a slender 8.8 mm in thickness, is designed for presence and comfort. It eschews overt decoration for the purity of its form, allowing the interplay of polished surfaces and the finely executed bezel to define its character. This is a watch conceived not as an accessory for a specific occasion, but as a consistent companion, its quiet nature a reflection of the wearer's own discernment.

The two new models, while sharing a common architecture, explore distinct moods through the careful selection of noble metals and nuanced color palettes. They represent a dialogue of light and material, a study in how a case metal can fundamentally alter the character of a watch. The brand draws inspiration from the architectural polychromies of Le Corbusier, where color is not merely applied but is used to define and emphasize form and material.

The Toric Petite Seconde Dune is a study in warmth and solar energy. Its case is crafted from 18ct rose gold, polished to a soft, enveloping glow. This warmth is mirrored in the solid gold dial, which has a sand-colored hue that gives the watch its name. The combination creates a monochromatic harmony that is both rich and understated. The light plays across the surfaces, catching the polished facets of the applied indices and the alpha-shaped hands, but it is absorbed by the unique texture of the dial, creating a visual experience of depth and softness.



Paired with the rose gold case is a "Sand Gold" nubuck alligator leather strap. The material is exceptionally dense and has a velvety finish, achieved without the traditional surface pelting. It is stitched entirely by hand using the "punto a mano" technique, a testament to the sartorial attention to detail that permeates the entire piece. The strap feels less like an accessory and more like an integral component of the watch, its texture and color continuing the narrative established by the case and dial. The overall effect of the Dune is one of refined comfort, a timepiece that feels personal and intimate.

In contrast, the Toric Petite Seconde Golden Hour offers a cooler, more structured personality. The case is made from 950 platinum, a metal known for its bright, white luster and substantial heft. This material brings a tensioned neutrality to the design, a crispness that changes the way the light interacts with the watch's lines. While the dial color is thematically linked, its appearance is transformed by the cool frame of the platinum, reading with a more mineralic quality. It evokes the clear, directional light of the late afternoon, sharp and defined.

This cooler aesthetic is reinforced by the "Akoya Grey" alligator strap. This grey-green hue provides a subtle contrast to the platinum case and the warm-toned dial, grounding the watch with an earthy, natural feel. Like its sibling, the strap is nubuck-treated and hand-stitched, offering the same high level of craft and tactile pleasure. The Golden Hour reference speaks to a different kind of sensibility, one that appreciates the interplay of cool and warm tones and the serene, composed presence that platinum provides.



At the heart of both timepieces is the dial, a surface that perfectly encapsulates the Parmigiani Fleurier ethos of reviving traditional craft. Each dial is crafted from a solid gold disc, which undergoes a meticulous hand-graining process. This technique, rediscovered by Michel Parmigiani, dates to the 17th century and involves coating the gold base with a specific mixture of cream of tartar, sea salt, and silver. A skilled artisan then uses specialized brushes to work the surface by hand, creating a finish that is perfectly matte and uniform.

The resulting texture is remarkable. It diffuses light rather than reflecting it, giving the dial a visual softness that recalls mineral plaster or fine, aged parchment. This surface invites a closer look, rewarding the observer with a subtle depth that a simple lacquered or sunray-finished dial could never achieve. The applied indices, crafted from rose gold for the Dune and rhodium-plated gold for the Golden Hour, seem to float above this textured landscape, their polished surfaces providing crisp legibility. The small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock is subtly recessed, adding another layer of architectural depth to the composition.

The case construction is executed with the same level of precision and thoughtfulness. The signature Toric bezel is a masterclass in detail, with each groove of the knurling perfectly defined, creating a tactile frame for the dial. The lugs are elegantly sculpted, flowing seamlessly from the case band to meet the strap. The crown is similarly detailed, echoing the bezel's pattern for a cohesive design language and providing a satisfying grip for winding the movement. The entire case is protected by ARunic anti-reflective sapphire crystals on both the front and the display back, ensuring clarity and durability.



Turning the watch over reveals the mechanical soul of the Toric: the Calibre PF780. This manually wound movement was developed specifically for this collection and is a manifesto of the brand’s approach to mechanics. It is impressively thin at just 3.15 mm, allowing for the watch’s slender profile. Despite its slimness, it is a robust performer, beating at a modern frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 A/H) and providing a healthy 60-hour power reserve, courtesy of two series-coupled barrels. The movement comprises 157 components and 27 jewels, a testament to its considered construction.

The aesthetic of the PF780 is just as important as its technical specifications. The architecture is deliberately open and graphic, a departure from more traditional movement layouts. Two large, open-worked bridges in solid 18ct rose gold dominate the view. Their precise cutouts reveal the twin barrels, which are finished with a fine sunray pattern, and the regulating organ. The arrangement is asymmetrical yet perfectly balanced, creating a sense of serene visual interest.

The finishing of the movement components is executed entirely by hand to the highest standards of haute horlogerie. The main surfaces of the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Fleurier, a decorative pattern similar to the more common Côtes de Genève, but with an angled wave that is specific to the region and a signature of the brand. These polished waves are contrasted with finely sandblasted surfaces, creating a dynamic play of light and texture that cultivates depth rather than just brilliance. The PF780 is not a movement that shouts for attention; it is one that breathes with quiet confidence, rewarding sustained observation with its intricate details and flawless execution.

The coherence of the Toric Petite Seconde extends to the very last detail, including the strap. The choice of nubuck alligator is intentional, moving away from the gloss of traditional exotic leathers towards something more textural and architectural. The dense hides are crafted to have a velvety finish that is meant to be felt and experienced. The straps are designed to age gracefully, developing a unique character over time that reflects the life of their owner. This philosophy aligns perfectly with that of the hand-grained dial; both are surfaces designed for a personal, tactile dialogue rather than for superficial appeal.



In these new Toric models, Parmigiani Fleurier makes a clear statement about the role of the dress watch in the 21st century. It is not an artifact of a bygone era, bound by rigid codes and formalities. Instead, it is a canvas for expressing a refined and personal aesthetic. It is an object where form, function, material, and craft exist in a state of perfect coherence, where nothing is superfluous and everything is essential. The balance of the Doric-inspired lines, the integrity of the noble metals, and the precision of the hand-finishing all contribute to this singular vision.

The two new references are set to become available in early September 2025. The Toric Petite Seconde Dune in 18ct rose gold (Ref. PFC940-2010002-300181) is priced at CHF 47,000. The Toric Petite Seconde Golden Hour in 950 platinum (Ref. PFC940-2010003-300181) is priced at CHF 54,000. Each timepiece is accompanied by a three-year international warranty against manufacturing defects, providing assurance in the enduring quality of these exceptional watches.

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde Dune

Case: 18ct Rose Gold, Ø 40.6 mm diameter, 8.8 mm thickness. ARunic anti-reflective sapphire crystal and case back. 30m water resistance.

Movement: Calibre PF780, manually wound. 60-hour power reserve, 4 Hz (28,800 A/H) frequency. 3.15 mm thickness, 157 components, 27 jewels. Two 18ct rose gold full bridges.

Dial: Solid gold with hand-grained finishing. Color is Dune. Indices are 18ct rose gold appliques. Alpha-shaped hands.

Strap: “Sand Gold” sand-coloured nubuck alligator leather, hand-stitched punto a mano.

Price: CHF 47,000

Reference Number: PFC940-2010002-300181

Notes: The dial is hand-grained using a revived 17th-century method with a compound of cream of tartar, sea salt, and silver. The movement is finished with hand-executed Côtes de Fleurier.



Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Petite Seconde Golden Hour

Case: 950 Platinum, Ø 40.6 mm diameter, 8.8 mm thickness. ARunic anti-reflective sapphire crystal and case back. 30m water resistance.

Movement: Calibre PF780, manually wound. 60-hour power reserve, 4 Hz (28,800 A/H) frequency. 3.15 mm thickness, 157 components, 27 jewels. Two 18ct rose gold full bridges.

Dial: Solid gold with hand-grained finishing. Color is Golden Hour. Indices are 18ct gold rhodium-plated appliques. Alpha-shaped hands.

Strap: “Akoya Grey” grey-green nubuck-treated alligator leather, hand-stitched punto a mano.

Price: CHF 54,000

Reference Number: PFC940-2010003-300181

Notes: The in-house PF780 movement is ultra-thin at 3.15 mm. The movement's 18ct rose gold bridges provide a warm contrast visible through the case back against the cool platinum case.