Parmigiani Kalpa Kalparisma Snow

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Since springtime has arrived, the only snow I wish to see from now on, until next Christmas (except the one from the Alps, of course), is the snow setting on jewellery and watches. For this reason, I have decided to have a look today at one exceptional snow diamond set watch, the Parmigiani Kalpa Kalparisma Snow.

Kalparisma Snow is part of the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa collection, a very distinct and easily recognisable collection. While the Kalparisma Snow was created with the feminine public in mind, I will not be surprised to see men that enjoy diamonds pieces having a long look at this one.

Exceptional Snow setting

Parmigiani Kalpa Kalparisma Snow comes with a white gold case covered in what is called a snow setting. It might be surprising to find out that this type of stone setting was firstly developed by a watch brand and not by a jeweller. We are talking about Jaeger-LeCoultre and their iconic Reverso, the first watch to use this technique in 2002.

Measuring 42.57 x 30.15 mm and with 9.24mm in thickness, the watch is well proportioned, having an excellent balance between a heavy set and delicate measures. We recognise Parmigiani‘s Kalpa exclusive elements with the tonneau shape and integrated tear lugs.

We have to admit that using 3D imaging software leaves little to none room for mistakes. While the brut case is most probably machines, all the finishes are hand made. The snow setting, one of the most spectacular types, uses different diamond sizes, arranged to leaves as little metal visible as possible. And since the Kalpa case is not a simple form, the artisan’s craftmanship is well highlighted.

One even more exceptional detail is the one briolette-cut diamond found on the crown. Weighting 0.17 ct, it brings the diamond piece to a new level of gorgeousness. Just have a look at the picture above to observe and enjoy a noteworthy curved setting.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow… with diamonds

Do you know that on Saturn it rains with diamonds? It is estimated that 1000 tones of diamonds are falling from the skyes of Saturn each year. But afterwards, they are melted by the planet’s liquid sea and hot core. I wonder how perfect they are…

but back to the Kalparisma Snow, the dial received the same charming stones set. The three hands watch received skeletonised delta-shaped hours and minutes hands (a Pamigiani’s classic choice) and a baton seconds’ hand. The legibility is somehow hampered by the low contrast, but the accommodation follows shortly. We can notice a visible but discrete Parmigiani Fleurier printing on the back of the sapphire crystal.

A remarkable movement, the mark of a remarkable brand

Parmigiani Fleurier does not just put diamonds on a case and then fitted with a quartz movement and call it a day… It is one of those brands that respect its ladies collector by using exceptional calibres. In the case of the Parmigiani Kalpa Kalparisma Snow, we find the Calibre PF342, a tonneau-shaped automatic calibre with two series spring barrels offering 55 hours of power reserve. To reach this shape, Calibre 34 was used as a base calibre. By extending its mainplate, it fits in the case perfectly. And look good on the back of the watch…

While the 22-ct solid gold rotor weight decorated with “Grain d’Orge” guilloché steal the show, the rest of the movement is as equal as interesting. We can see a clean architecture finished with Côtes de Genève, bevelled bridges and a backplate with a delicate graining.

Diamond set and a gorgeous movement

As previously mentioned, Parmigiani Fleurier does not disappoint and uses full craftmanship for all the watches. Regardless of diamond setting or movement finishes, the brand serious approach to watchmaking is an example to be followed. Parmigiani Kalpa Kalparisma Snow is a gorgeous piece – an exceptional type of stone setting and an exceptional built and decorated movement.