With its two bronze-coloured engraved moons, which appear and disappear behind the wisps of a cloud, the Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène corresponds to the typical moon phase model. Although seemingly classic, on closer observation it reveals a series of refined features, giving this piece touches of distinction which make it unique. For instance, the fact that the moon is not golden, but actually russet or that its surface is made up of craters obtained by successively layering transfers and involving great artisanal complexity.
Adorning the centre of the dial, a lotus flower formed of mother-of-pearl lace designs measuring barely 0.2 mm thick, placed in two layers, one on top of the another. The first, underlying sheet is varnished then satin-finished, therefore contrasting with the upper layer, which presents a polished finish. The alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces produce a particularly captivating reflection, which is further enhanced by the inherent depth effects of the two mother-of-pearl layers.
Two versions of the Métropolitaine Sélène dial are revealed in 2016. The first is completely made up of white mother-of-pearl, which forms the base of the dial as well as the lotus. The second presents the Parmigiani Fleurier signature abyss blue dial, which is joined by a lotus of the same colour, matching the exact same shade.
The moon phase module was entirely produced in the Parmigiani Fleurier workshops. Its operating principle is based on a gear connected to the hour wheel, which has twice as many teeth and therefore turns twice as slowly. This gear performs one rotation every 24 hours and drives the moon disc forward every day using a flexible blade integrated into its wheel.
A push-piece at 9 o'clock enables the wearer to independently index the moon in relation to the day and time in order to match its phases to the geographic location of reference. This moon correction device features a safety system thanks to the flexible blade, which prevents the gear from being destroyed in the event of incorrect operation
