TONDA PF XIALI CHINESE CALENDAR

“Calendars are the X-rays of civilizations, born from the patient observation of humans and nature, revealing something deeply magical. Nature is a collection of fascinating codes that humanity has always strived to decipher. By examining its rhythms, we traverse history, retracing the steps of civilizational development. The Mayas and Toltecs, for example, designed calendars remarkably similar to those of the Chinese, reflecting a universal harmony in the perception of time. Calendars originate from the need to understand the seasons : they guide us in sowing and harvesting, anticipating the cold of winter, understanding the heat of summer, and adjusting our lives to the immutable cycle of nature. Thus, the calendar addresses a fundamental need : to foresee and master the nourishing phenomena of the earth, ensuring the balance of human societies.”

Michel Parmigiani, Founder and Master Watchmaker

MILLENNIAL TRADITION AND CONTEMPORARY LUXURY

Building on the triumph of its steel counterpart, Parmigiani Fleurier now enriches its homage to Chinese culture with the rose gold edition of the Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar. This precious material, paired with the imperial red dial, bestows an even more regal aura upon this creation, elevating it to the pinnacle of millennial luxury, where the art of watchmaking harmoniously intertwines with the ancient wisdom of the Xiali calendar.

A UNIQUE MASTERPIECE AT THE CROSSROADS OF CULTURES

The Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar is the latest addition to an unparalleled trilogy of cultural calendars, following the presentations of the Gregorian and Islamic calendars. It stands as the only mechanical watch capable of encompassing the full richness and intricate complexity of the complete Chinese calendar in a timepiece.

A LAUNCH SYMBOLIZING RENEWAL

The Tonda PF Xiali in rose gold will debut on January 29, 2025, aligning with the Chinese New Year and the commencement of the Year of the Wood Snake. This moment, imbued with profound symbolism, celebrates renewal and the seamless harmony between past and present. By perpetuating the refined mechanical arts of Swiss watchmaking and the poetic cultural heritage of civilizations, Parmigiani Fleurier continues to pay tribute to age-old traditions.

A HUMANIST TIMEPIECE

The Tonda PF Xiali transcends its primary function : it opens a door to a universal dialogue where time becomes a language and cultures converse. More than just a watch, it pays homage to horological mastery and the timeless quest for meaning that has always accompanied humanity.

AN INVITATION TO TRANSMISSION

With the Tonda PF Xiali, Parmigiani Fleurier does more than create a watch : it opens a door to history, philosophy, and culture. Celebrated by the specialized press, this piece stands as a cultural and technical beacon in the world of watchmaking. At Parmigiani Fleurier, we are proud to present a creation where science becomes art, culture transcends time, and every detail tells a captivating story.

COSMIC MECHANICS ON THE WRIST

Created over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese calendar, or Xiali, is a marvel of ingenuity. Based on a lunisolar system, it divides time into complex cycles that integrate:

– 24 solar terms (or solar breaths), which pace the seasons and agricultural cycles.
-12 zodiac animals, which define the years and their spiritual influences.
-5 natural elements (wood, fire, metal, water, earth) and their Yin and Yang variations.

Each day and month in the Xiali calendar holds specific meanings, frequently linked to significant events such as harvests, festivals, or ceremonies. This calendar aligns natural forces with human life cycles, embodying a philosophical perspective where harmony takes precedence over linearity.

Through the Tonda PF Xiali, Parmigiani Fleurier translates this timeless tale onto a dial, inviting its wearer to engage in a unique dialogue with time.

THE LAWS OF NATURE, DETERMINING THE AGRICULTURAL CALENDAR

The 24 solar terms (or periods) are based on the sun’s position in the Chinese zodiac, reflecting changes in climate, agricultural factors, and other phenomena impacting human life. Created by farmers of ancient China, they correspond to 24 divisions of 15° of the sun’s path along the ecliptic, or the path of the sun as seen from the earth.

Each year is divided into four seasons and within each season are six solar terms, two per month. Some of these 24 solar terms correspond with traditional Chinese festivals.

Each solar term has a Chinese name whose meaning is derived from the natural world and its phenomena, mostly relating to the changes of seasons and climates. The names reflect the belief that nature is our teacher and we must learn from her. The 24 solar terms were important in ancient China for farming and getting the best yield from the land according to the climatic changes. Later they were adopted into Chinese medicine and Daoist internal alchemy to better prescribe treatments according to the cycles of nature.

EXTERNAL SUBDIAL
24 solar terms, elegantly engraved on the outer ring

“The Chinese calendar transcends mere functionality ; it embodies a profound expression of cultural memory and universal harmony. To capture its intricate essence within a contemporary watch is not just a technical triumph—it is a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. With the launch of the Tonda PF Xiali in rose gold, Parmigiani Fleurier pays homage to this exceptional tradition, seamlessly blending timeless philosophy with the artistry of haute horlogerie to create a true masterpiece.”

Guido Terreni, Parmigiani Fleurier CEO