As is the case for many superb inventions, aventurine glass was created by accident. In the 19th century, a glass-blower in the Italian city of Murano happened to spill some copper shavings into molten glass. This gave rise to aventurine glass, now a much sought-after material, scattered with metal inclusions and named after the Italian expression "a l’avventura", literally "by chance" – a tribute to this lucky twist of fate..
Aventurine dial
Parmigiani Fleurier is a pioneer in the use of aventurine in watchmaking and has numerous special editions faturing an aventurine dial. These pieces are called "Galaxy" as a reminder of the sparkling constellations evoked by the material. Likewise, the Kalparisma Nova Galaxy represents a star-scattered sky that tells the story of the passage of time. The delta-shaped hands are skeletonised to better reveal the celestial display and to enhance the watch's delicate femininity.
The Nova star, inspired by restoration
One of the principal high points of the Kalparisma collection is its small seconds at 6 o'clock, which takes the form of a star performing one revolution per minute. Combining watch function and decoration, the "Nova" is inspired by a piece from the Maurice-Yves Sandoz collection that was restored at the Parmigiani Fleurier workshops. On the reverse of this pocket watch, a number of stars began to turn whenever the minute repeater was activated. Michel Parmigiani was captivated by this animation and knew that he would one day transcribe it into a women's watch, many years before he began to design the Kalparisma. This little star has found its ultimate place at the heart of a dial designed to represent the galaxy. In astronomy, "Nova" refers to a star that suddenly becomes very bright.
Majestic stone-setting
The Kalparisma Nova Galaxy is available in two versions that differ both in terms of case material, and specifically the stone-setting that adorns them. The first, in rose gold matches the indices and Nova star. The sides of the case are set with 46 Top Wesselton diamonds for a total of ~0.84 carats. The stone-set rose gold edition is limited to 50 pieces. The even more exclusive white gold version is limited to 28 pieces with a dazzling "snow" setting. The entire case is set with 182 (~2.28-carat) painstakingly arranged diamonds in sizes – smaller on the periphery, and gradually getting bigger as they near the case's curves.
In-house Calibe PF332
The calibre PF332 is the first self-winding mechanical movement from Parmigiani Fleurier. Incorporated in the Kalparisma since 2008, it makes this model the brand's first mechanical watch for women.
The unique feature of this movement is its series-mounted double barrel, which helps to stabilise the distribution of energy and ensure its uniform transmission to the regulator. It offers the finest haute horlogerie finishes: the bridges are sand-blasted, drawn out or "Côtes de Genève" decorated, then bevelled by hand and, finally, rhodium-plated. The 22-carat gold oscillating weight features a guilloché barley grain motif. The craftsmanship reflects the high expectations that Michel Parmigiani has for his brand: each of the 220 components, however small or hidden, deserves the very finest finishes. This attention to detail is what makes the Kalparisma Collection so precious.
The watch is worn on a Hermès indigo blue alligator strap, or, on request, on a 18 ct rose gold bracelet.
