Timing devices and automatic devices
Parmigiani Fleurier created the Tempus Fugit automatic clock to commemorate the Chinese Year of the Dragon. This clock reinterprets the long-standing Chinese myth and legend of “Dragon Chasing the Pearl of Wisdom” with special philosophical significance.
For overseas Chinese worldwide, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon of great significance, which will officially begin on February 10, 2024, the first day of the first lunar month. The dragon is a very symbolic mythical animal, representing authority and honor. To celebrate this critical moment, Parmigiani Fleurier carefully restored the masterpiece of the automatic table clock from the “Limited Art Collection Métiers d’Art collection” and named it Tempus Fugit. The creation of this exquisite masterpiece was inspired by the Chinese myth and legend “A dragon chasing a pearl of wisdom.” In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon and the pearl of wisdom have potent symbolic meanings.
Advanced watchmaking skills merge with a mechanical design that carries the charm of art.
The Tempus Fugit automatic table clock is not unique but also sophisticated. It is an exemplary masterpiece that Parmigiani Fleurier devoted its efforts to restoring. It combines advanced watchmaking skills with a mechanical design that carries the charm of art. It is a profound time measurement tool and an exquisite and extraordinary automatic mechanical device. It demonstrates the extensive knowledge accumulated by Parmigiani Fleurier in the restoration experience of antique clocks. This type of work perfectly combines the functional characteristics of timing and automatic mechanical devices, fully reflected in past clocks in the form of animals and vivid character clocks showing specific scenes. It is worth mentioning that many fusion works are still regularly sent to the Parmigiani Fleurier Restoration Workshop for restoration. This workshop is also one of the few in the world that is proficient in and masters the characteristics of these complex timepieces. One.
The form of “Yulong Chasing the Pearl of Wisdom” is the perfect continuation of this production tradition. Inspired by oriental myths such as “Dragon Playing with Pearls,” Carp Jumping over Dragon Gate,” and “Dragon Chasing Pearls of Wisdom,” Parmigiani Fleurier cleverly combines the special meaning of Tempus Fugit (time flies like an arrow) concept of traditional Chinese culture to present A true masterpiece of fine watchmaking. Replica watch.
Eastern myths and legends: “The dragon chases the pearl of wisdom”
The Chinese people’s worship of dragons has a long history, and the legend of “dragon playing with pearls” is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. The great philosopher Zhuangzi once described pearls like this: “The preciousness of pearls comes from the gestation of the deep sea. Only the brave can find it from the mouth of the black dragon. In the vast history of China, the dragon pearl has been regarded as a rare treasure with great value.” Liancheng. It is said that the dragon ball is often hidden in the dragon’s mouth, and only when the time is right the dragon will reveal it.”
Estelle Niklès van Osselt, a Swiss sinology expert, has unique insights into the origin and meaning of “Yu Long Chasing the Pearl of Wisdom.” According to legend, only the Carp that perseveres, swims upstream, and successfully jumps over the dragon gate can be promoted to the dragon. The Carp in this fable is a metaphor for the candidates who hoped to serve the emperor at that time; the Carp’s transformation into a dragon symbolizes perseverance to the end; the orb represents the way of governing the country. The dragon and the pearl form a pair and are inseparable. “What they imply is a process of people striving to climb up and strive for higher status in a social structure under imperial rule, showing strength, wisdom and protection against negative influences,” van Osselt explained.
In traditional Chinese culture, “Nine” is a significant number. The Royal Dragon, designed by Parmigiani Fleurier, contains the characteristics of nine animals: camel head, ox ears, antlers, snake neck, tiger paw, eagle claws, clam Belly, fish in, and lion’s mane. The nose’s shape is unique, like a mushroom, which represents good luck.
Time is gone forever.
Parmigiani Fleurier used the “Tempus Fugit” idea to elaborate on the theme of “time flies and never comes back.” This work uses a mechanical structure independently developed by Parmigiani Fleurier. The dragon circles once every hour, constantly chasing the dazzling orb, and the orb breaks away from the dragon’s claws six times per hour. Every time the dragon approaches and is about to grab the orb in front of him, the orb will dodge cleverly. In this way, they continuously perform scenes of “playing with the dragon and playing with the bead” games repeatedly, which are full of fun. Whenever the orb moves, a bell will sound to notify the owner.
Parmigiani Fleurier presents Dragon and the Pearl of Knowledge to prove the brand’s extensive knowledge and profound knowledge of watchmaking, jewelry, and automatic machinery. It is first molded in wax, and then the dragon is molded. The identity is cast in three sections and expertly carved from the solid silver mold. Swiss replica watches.
legendary gem
Treating the dragon body covered in pieces is the most complicated. According to traditional Chinese customs, a dragon’s body is usually covered with 117 scales, of which 81 (9×9) represent men and 36 (9×4) represent women. This time, the Royal Dragon, designed by Parmigiani Fleurier, has 585 scales – a number divisible by 9, which was selected based on the overall design of the dragon. The scales are made of natural jade. After designing, cutting, and polishing, the last pieces are fixed on the entire dragon body with rivets, presenting a complex work of art.
This dragon is decorated with 150 pieces of green jade and precious white, yellow, orange, and red jade. The dragon’s claws and whiskers are solid white gold, the eyes are rubies, and the tongue is carnelian.
The Wisdom Pearl is a solid white gold sphere surrounded by golden flames and embedded with precious cameo gemstones, including white diamonds, rubies, and orange and yellow sapphires. The base contains a mechanical structure representing the river where the Carp swim. The base is cut from colorless crystal, and the movement is visible through the transparent base. The gold-plated silver ring marks the 12 unique hours in China (1 hour equals 2 hours), which rotates every 24 hours. The fixed time scale is made of jade.
Superb craftsmanship: Contains 1,000 components and took 5,800 hours
This unique horological work of art contains nearly 1,000 components and requires more than 5,800 hours of work. It was handmade by the most famous master craftsmen under the creative guidance of Mr. Michel Parmigiani.
