Search DubaiPRNetwork.com

Dubai and UAE

Saturday, June 15, 2019/ Editor

Home >> Beauty and Cosmetics

Restoration by Parmigiani Fleurier

Restoration by Parmigiani Fleurier

Home >> Beauty and Cosmetics

The restoration and preservation of watchmaking heritage represent the very foundation and origins of Parmigiani Fleurier.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 15 June 2019:  Its expertise dates back to 1976, when master watchmaker Michel Parmigiani opened a restoration workshop. In 1996, the Parmigiani Fleurier brand was created around this centre of excellence. Restoration requires the highest level of watchmaking expertise. Much of what is learnt is actually linked to forgotten activities of the past; activities which are imprinted in the brand's watches. The Parmigiani Fleurier restoration workshop is a department that deals with all types of horological objects. Three small automata from the Maurice Sandoz collection serve as fine examples of masterpieces restored by Michel Parmigiani. They are sources of inspiration both on a mechanical and a material level.

Restoration involves returning an object to its original condition. In order to do this, Michel Parmigiani has set himself apart by creating his own methodology, a constant balance between ensuring the mechanical functionality of the creation and preserving the expertise of the past. For him and his team, this means conducting investigations and immersing themselves in the past, so as to ensure the preservation and operation of the item during its restoration. By studying masterpieces from the past, he is able to find his own solutions to the mechanical and technical challenges faced by master watchmakers throughout the ages, and to use them in the Parmigiani Fleurier watches of today.

Like an archaeologist, who knows that any undertaking on a component may prove irreversible; the initial task of the restorer is to observe an often unique item - within which lie many mysteries - over a period of a few days. The restorer looks for parallels, scouring scientific works, museums and collections before opening the piece, whilst making sure to document it all. He or she must understand the subtleties of the mechanism just as much as the techniques used.

The restorer should also have knowledge of numerous arts such as precious metalwork, enamelling, engraving/chasing, gilding and glasswork. Preservation involves a long and patient cleaning operation, which can sometimes uncover new secrets, for example a previously hidden inscription. Restoration, during the reassembly phase, involves adopting reversible solutions, whilst ensuring the original remains the same.

Examples of this are three animal automata from the early 19th century, which were restored by Michel Parmigiani. Part of the Maurice Sandoz collection, they meticulously reproduce the appearance and movement of a mouse, a silkworm and a frog, created using a variety of precious materials. The first runs, the second crawls and third can jump and even croak.

The mouse

Measuring 120 mm in length, the mouse is made from engraved gold and decorated with pearls. Rubies were used for the eyes, whilst its tail, made from braided gold, actuates the movement. The animal moves several centimetres, stops, the front of its body lifts up and its head moves up and down.

The silkworm 

This 75-mm silkworm features a series of red-coloured enamelled gold rings. Green and blue colours, accompanied by pink diamonds, rubies and emeralds complete the refined decoration. Actuated using a trigger piece on its belly, the silkworm crawls along, with its head and the rear of its body moving up and down alternately.

The frog

The frog measures 60 mm. Made from enamelled gold, it is a striking example of the trompe l’œil effect. The animal sparkles with pearls and rubies. After several leaps, the frog stops to croak and then performs a further series of jumps.

PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

Taking its name from its founder, watchmaker and restorer Michel Parmigiani, the fine watchmaking brand was founded in 1996 in Fleurier, in the Swiss valley of Val-de-Travers. With its own watchmaking centre ensuring its independence, the brand has both full control over the production process and unique creative freedom.

For twenty years, the Parmigiani Fleurier signature has resided within timepieces that command the utmost respect, in harmony with watchmaking traditions. They are the labour of a lifetime – that of Michel Parmigiani, the talented individuals who assist him, and the special relationship between the Manufacture and the masterpieces of the past, enabling it to invent a bold future.

 

Share


Previous in Beauty and Cosmetics

Next in Beauty and Cosmetics


Home >> Beauty and Cosmetics Section

Latest Press Release

Dubai Sports World Returns for Action-Packed August Edition

The World Between Lines and Symbols: An Interactive Art Workshop at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Malls Across Dubai Come Alive This DSS With Non-Stop Entertainment, Unbeatable Prizes, and Endless S ...

Emirates A350 debuts in Dammam

Emirates Post collaborates with Dream Dubai to launch AED100,000 prize campaign to celebrate UAE's Y ...

HBMSU Hosts Strategic Mid-Year Gathering Reinforcing Institutional Alignment and Performance Account ...

ROSHN Group Participates at INNOPROM 2025, Russia's Largest Industrial Trade Fair, to Promote Collab ...

Superman Dives Into Dubai Mall

Integrated resorts set to transform tourism experiences across the Middle East and beyond

dnata Catering & Retail forms strategic partnership in Indonesia

MBRF and UNDP to organise 10th edition of Knowledge Summit

Dubai Judicial Institute's Board of Directors holds its third meeting for 2025

Dubai Culture Wins 'Best AI Governance Framework 2025' at GovTech Innovation Awards

Taiwan Excellence Launches Innovative "Go Healthy with Taiwan" Campaign in the GCC

Uae Pavilion Celebrates Two Million Visitors With A Celebration Of Hope And Shared Dreams

G42 and UAE Team Emirates–XRG launch first global GEN AI-designed helmet and competition

Vacheron constantin presents métiers d'art tribute to the celestial the quest for excellence captur ...

Fred shines with new high jewelry creations: 1936 & soleil d'or sunrise

Tadej Pogačar sprints to second in thrilling stage 2 at the Tour de France

UAE Participates in BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting under Brazil's Presid ...