The Parimigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar is an education in minimalist design
Russell SheldrakeThe Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar slipped under many radars at Watches and Wonders 2025, and while others may have grabbed headlines, the good looks and considered design of this new release did more than catch my eye. It is a truly minimal take on what a perpetual calendar can be, as it only offers you the very base level of information needed to be considered a true QP. Let’s dive into this deceptively complex and elegant watch and find out what makes it one of the best hidden gems of this year.
The dial
We are used to seeing perpetual calendars with three, maybe even four sub-dials, and even a couple of apertures, all breaking up what would otherwise be a nice, clean space. Here, Parmigiani has managed to fit all of the necessary information into just two sub-dials that sit symmetrically from each other, while sat offset from the centre of the dial. An asymmetrical design move that we’ve seen pioneered by German brands like Lange, and here, Parmigiani is adding its own flair to the style.
In the left sub-dial, we have the two most used functions on a perpetual calendar, the day of the week and date, while on the right sit the month and leap year indicators. This leaves the rest of the minimalist dial clear to be defined by the applied logo at 12, and the various 3D elements that help give it depth and character, such as the small step down to the outer track where the applied hour markers have been placed. You can get this dial in two dusty, matte shades that look familiar, yet feel unique to Parmigiani, those being “Morning Blue” and “Golden Hour”. The soft blue is only available in a platinum case, while the champagne dial only comes cased in rose gold.
The case
Taking a look at the case construction, it brings elements from the brand’s origins like the knurled bezel into the redesigned era, giving it a simultaneously modern and traditional feel. It measures 40.6mm across and just 10.9mm thick, an ideal size for many, though wearing slightly larger than these measurements describe thanks to the slightly domed crystal and straight lugs giving it a fantastic presence on the wrist. The lines of the case remain uninterrupted thanks to the pushers that have been built flush with the caseband on either side of the crown to correct the perpetual calendar functions.
The movement
If we turn the watch over, we have a fantastic view of the manual-winding PF733 calibre. The rose gold bridges are covered in Parmigiani’s characteristic Côtes de Fleurier finishing, and even features the brand founder’s signature tucked between its two sequentially mounted barrels. A little easter egg for those who notice it.
The base of this movement is the same as the one we saw in the Toric Petite Seconde model released last year, and we get a wonderful view of its hand beveled plates thanks to the fact that there is no rotor to get in the way. It would be great if there was a slightly longer power reserve than the 60 hours currently available, given that it’s a perpetual calendar, but if it means we keep the ideal dimensions of this watch, then that is ok with me.
Just as they have done with the dial, the view of the movement is still relatively minimal. We are used to seeing complicated watches like putting the many levers, springs and gears on full display, but Parmigiani has decided to let its movement finishing stand front and centre, while the complex mechanics are tucked behind the solid rose gold plates.
The strap
Both of the Toric Perpetual Calendars come on alligator leather straps with pin buckles that match the case material. Their colour has been chosen to contrast and complement the colour of the case and dial, rather than mimic them. The Morning Blue strap, for example, sports a light grey that almost looks brown in some lights, while the Golden Hour has a very pale blue that allows the case and dial to take centre stage.
The verdict
With only 50 each being produced of these two variations, and priced at CHF 92,000 for the platinum and CHF 85,000 for the rose gold, the Toric Perpetual Calendar will be hard to come by. There is no doubt that these are incredibly good-looking watches, as they take a minimalist approach to being a perpetual calendar, reducing all of the possible functions down to exactly what is needed on the wrist. Taking this kind of reductionist approach to designing a watch is not easy, yet Parmigiani seem to have executed it perfectly.
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar availability and pricing
Both Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Perpetual Calendar versions are limited to 50 pieces each. Price: CHF 85,000 (rose gold), CHF 92,000 (platinum)
Brand | Parmigiani Fleurier |
Model | Toric Perpetual Calendar |
Case Dimensions | 40.6mm (D) x 10.9mm (T) |
Case Material | Platinum 18k rose gold |
Water Resistance | 30 meters |
Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
Dial | Light blue Champagne |
Bracelet | Alligator leather, case-matching pin buckle |
Movement | PF733, in-house, manual wind |
Power Reserve | 60 hours |
Functions | Hours, minutes, perpetual calendar |
Availability | Limited to 50 pieces each |
Price | CHF 92,000 (platinum) CHF 85,000 (rose gold) |