In every respect, the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Quaestor Phoenix is an outstanding wristwatch, representing the pinnacle of traditional watchmaking and artistic disciplines, combining the complexity of the noble minute repeater with an exquisite hand engraved dial, and resulting in a quite magnificent and spectacular Haute Horlogerie masterpiece.

Encased in 950 platinum the stately rounded case is elaborately detailed with gadroons of hand impressed knurled rings stepping up to the top of the bezel. The crown is adorned with a cabochon of blue sapphire, and opposing on the other side of the case, the elongated slider via which the minute repeater is activated is a giveaway to any aficionado of horology of the gravitas of this majestic piece.

Beneath the sapphire crystal the dial is made from gold which has been painstakingly carved like a stencil to create the form of a phoenix. Entirely worked by hand, through the intricate cuts on the brushed surface, the movement’s uppermost components are partially revealed, with golden gear wheels contrasting against the steely perlage of the main plate below.

Time is displayed with hour and minute hands which are polished and filled with Super-LumiNova, with small seconds at the six o’clock position. The passing of time is made all the more pleasurable with the clear, sweet cathedral chimes of the minute repeater’s hammers striking two gongs within the grand 46mm case, on the hour, quarter hour and minute. The repeater function is selected via the slider on the left hand side of the case.

Through a sapphire exhibition caseback, the striking hammers can be appreciated in action, and the workmanship of the hand manufactured hand winding calibre PF349 is breathtaking in its every minute detail.

With polished, rounded anglage defining its bevelled edges, mirror polished screws which are deeply seated in polished chatons, and Côtes de Genève striping it is an exquisitely appointed construction of mechanical horology, and delivers seventy-two hours of reserve when fully wound, beating at 21’600 vph.

A stunning example of haute horlogerie in every aspect of its manufacture, assembly and finishing, the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Quaestor Phoenix is a study in watchmaking mastery. It is presented on a black alligator leather strap by Hermès with folding deployant clasp.