Part of a limited edition collection, the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Quaestor Labyrinthe is an impressive timepiece. A single glance will tell you how the name Labyrinthe was derived. The platinum dial features an impressive maze-like design using a cutout of concentric circles over a sea green background, which serves as the focal point for the whole piece. The applied indexes are polished and serve to further the effect of the maze theme.
The dial of this watch is made with two layers – a disc of Burmese Jade, and a white gold plate with which the Labyrinthe is created. Despite the intriguing background, the Labyrinthe still retains a high level of legibility; Delta-shaped hands with a luminescent coating ensure you can read the time in even the dimmest conditions. A subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock displays the seconds. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal is fitted on this watch to maintain excellent visibility and to defend against scratches. Rare among watches, this piece boasts the ability to sound the hours, quarter hours, and minutes using cathedral chimes with two gongs. The power reserve indicator can be seen next to 3 o’clock, and features a total autonomy of 72 hours.
A double-tiered textured bezel accents the whole aesthetic. Set on a 46mm platinum case, this watch gives excellent wrist presence. The 13.2mm thickness leaves plenty of room for the PF357 manual wound mechanical movement, which can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. The fluted, 7mm crown is large enough to use with relative ease, yet does not detract from the overall look of the watch. On the left side of the case is the lever by which the striking mechanism is activated on demand. This model is limited in its production to just five pieces worldwide.
The movement features a flywheel, which allows a free flow of energy to the balance spring. The other major technical advantage of the flywheel is that it keeps the mechanical hum that plagues other minute repeaters at bay. The balance wheel vibrates at a constant 21,600 VpH. The bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève and hand polished bevelling.
A genuine leather Hermès strap keeps this watch on the wrist. Jet black with an alligator print design, the strap is understated enough to let the case take center stage. The strap is fitted with an ardillon clasp also made from platinum. The Labyrinthe is only water resistant to 10 meters. As such, it is best suited for formal wear.
TAGS: Exhibition Case Back, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Limited Edition, Manual Watches, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Minute Repeater, Parmigiani Fleurier, Platinum, Power Reserve, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made