Parmigiani unveiled these two superb timepieces at the SIHH 2013 event, together with an equally impressive table clock. They are called Tonda Tourbillon and are meant to celebrate the two countries that have spawned the most very successful rock and roll bands: the UK and the USA.
Their beautifully veneered dials are decorated with guitars, one with a Union Jack print and the other with the famous Stars and Stripes print. The tourbillon escapements are strategically placed to act like stylized openings for the guitars’ sound boxes.
Even though the dials seem to be perfectly flat, they are actually composed of over 50 individual pieces of painted wood for a flawless piece of marquetry. This exceptional result is obtained by Bastien Chevalier, the marquetry artist whose expertise is widely acclaimed.
Underneath the artistic dials and inside the 18-carat gold case there is a PF 510 hand wound movement with a one-week power reserve. The bezel of the 30-meter water resistant case is decorated with the Gibson motif, and the strap with folding buckle is made of Hermes alligator strap.
