Another Parmigiani archival post . . . the Ovale.

Feb 04, 2025,12:58 PM
 


From c. 2011, Parmigiani introduced the Ovale Pantographe with telescoping hands based on a pocket watch from the early 1800s with similar mechanically expanding/retracting hands.



PHOTO CREDIT: Hodinkee









Parmigiani had previously introduced its excellent "Hebdomadaire" 8-day manual winding movement in its Ionica and Kalpa watches, so it was natural for the Ovale to be fitted with the same movement. 




The first models had a white lacquer dial and case dimensions similar to the Kalpa XL at 45mm x 37.6mm x 12mm. This early version came in both red and white gold.




In c. 2013 a stamped textured dial was introduced.

PHOTO CREDIT: A Blog To Watch








In c. 2017 Parmigiani introduced a limited edition of the Ovale Pantographe. On this series of 10 pieces, the movement is all gold while the telescoping hands and dial accent colors are black rather than blue as found on the earlier versions. To my eyes, this version of the Ovale Pantographe is quite appealing.


PHOTO CREDIT: A Blog To Watch












Interspersed between the original Pantographe in 2011 and the limited edition Pantographe in 2017, Parmigiani made several Ovale watches with tourbillon movements but with traditional hands.

PHOTO CREDIT: A Blog To Watch












PHOTO CREDIT (white gold): Class Watches









The Ovale has been out of production now for some years but in its day it was an interesting, perhaps even daring, offering from the brand. One of the things I love about Parmigiani is the watches are not "cookie cutter." Sometimes being non-generic also means being not commercially successful, but it rarely means being dull.

Thanks for looking.
M4 





This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-02-04 13:55:17

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Thank you for sharing!

 
By: patrick_y : February 4th, 2025-19:57
I really ought to appreciate pantographs more in general. The most often times I use pantographs are on trains - as they supply electricity to trains. Oh. While the hands are very cool on this Parmigiani watch - I would advise anyone who owns one to avoid... 

Thank you for this very interesting thread.

 
By: quattro : February 4th, 2025-20:29
I think my personal favorite is the first one here. Maybe even in white gold, which matches better the white and blue dial. But it's great to be able to see the metamorphosis of such a model/case.

Great stuff!

 
By: 1neilfrancis : February 4th, 2025-20:49
Thanks for sharing. One or two I'd not seen before there. Classy. Under-rated, imo.