Parmigiani Fleurier is exploring new, sportier territory in its tonneau-cased Kalpa collection with the launch of two Kalpagraphe models that are, at least outwardly, as different as night and day. For gentlemen, the manufacture offers a model in black ADLC-coated steel, in two gray sapphire dial executions; for the ladies, it’s a piece in rose gold with a white sapphire dial, one with a diamond setting.
The steel cases of the men’s “Kalpagraphe Noir” models achieve their polished black gloss through an ADLC (amorphous diamond-like carbon) treatment that also enhances their hardness and wear resistance. Measuring 44.45 mm x 39.2 mm in diameter and 12.8 mm thick, the case has a nonreflective sapphire crystal over the dial and uses another for the exhibition caseback, and uses either rose gold or steel (depending on the model) for its crown, chronograph pushers, and dial details. The dial is also made of sapphire, in this case tinted gray to provide a shaded glimpse into the watch’s inner workings. Sweeping above this translucent dial are Parmigiani’s signature Delta-shaped, openworked hour and minute hands. In classical Kalpagraphe style, the dial features a tricompax, slightly off-center arrangement of subdials and a curved date aperture below the logo badge at 12 o’clock. A matte black rubber strap, with a rose gold or steel pin buckle, completes the decidedly sporty look.
The polished, rose-gold case of the new ladies’ Kalpagraphe (or “Kalpagraphe Blanc”) has the same substantial dimensions as the men’s models, the same sapphire panes over the front and back of the case, and the same distinctive dial layout. The dial of this model is made of a white-tinted sapphire, and features hands, indices, and other details in rose gold. One of the two models has its case set with 444 diamonds (3.129 ct), adding a touch of sparkle to the sportiness. The dials’ pearly white tones is echoed in the integrated white rubber strap, which fastens to the wrist with an 18k gold pin buckle.
Both watches contain Parmigiani’s in-house-made, self-winding chronograph Caliber PF334, with 68 jewels, a 28,800 vph frequency, and a 50-hour power reserve. As fans of the maison have come to expect, the parts bear a high degree of haute horlogerie finishing, including côtes de Genève, beveled edges, and circular graining on the plates and bridges as well as the brand’s familiar Grain d’orge guilloché pattern on the 18k gold rotor.
The men’s Kalpagraphe models are both limited to 99 pieces each, as evidenced by the individual engravings on their casebacks. The Steel ADLC version is priced at $15,800, the Steel ADLC with rose gold model at $17,600. The ladies’ rose-gold Kalpagraph is unlimited and priced at $35,200, while the diamond-set variation is limited to just 10 pieces, for $46,000.
Well executed all, in typical Parmigiani finish and design, myself, rather then Grey on the 2nd Gent’s piece, a more audacious attempt would be to go with the deepest Blue Lapis, not unlike our friends at the “R” and finish what is Gray or Steel in that color, creating a more dynamic option at the Entry Level offering.