The launch of an oval-shaped collection is an inspired departure for Parmigiani Fleurier and, like so many others, has its origins in a restoration piece. The prestigious oval watch with telescopic hands – created by the English jewellers, Vardon and Stedman – is a true marvel of watchmaking, which came into the restoration workshops of Parmigiani Fleurier in 1997. This piece really caught the imagination with its enchanting elliptical form and the magic of its pantograph complication, which seems to have a life of its own, explaining the mysteries of time to us.

The pantograph hands take their name from an instrument that multiplies a length by a given factor. In concrete terms, a central cam provides the measurement, which, when replicated a certain number of times, gives the information required to stretch and retract the hand around the dial. Cutting and assembling the pantograph hands is an immense challenge. Formed of fine aluminium segments that slide over each other, each hand comprises no fewer than 32 components.

Michel Parmigiani and his team conducted extensive research in order to achieve the perfect oval shape in terms of proportional harmony and ergonomics. They strived to find the ideal proportions for the case middle and bezel to create the most refined of watch profiles. They then sharpened the case's appearance by systematically bevelling its surfaces. The result is a taut, elegant appearance, accentuated by the play of light across the chamfering.