Parmigiani

A powerful performance by Orientarhythm. Photo: © Tang Portfolio

A powerful performance by Orientarhythm. Photo: © Tang Portfolio

In early November 2012, Parmigiani Fleurier and specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass officially celebrated their new partnership with what they defined as five-star sit-down dinners in Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Guests in Singapore for example were treated to a nice dinner onstage at the Esplanade Concert Hall. The opening act was a powerful performance by Orientarhythm.

Miguel Antonio at 11 years of age amazed everyone with his singing talent. Photo: Tang Portfolio

What followed during the course of dinner were beautiful songs sung by eleven-year old singing sensation Miguel Antonio. Once he opened his mouth, the handsome young boy proved to everyone present his serious talent.

Donne Rae, fourth generation Platters singer. Photo: Tang Portfolio

The best was kept for the end and it was Donne Rae, known as the fourth generation Platters singer who belted out classic hits such as The Great Pretender and Only You.

Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport The Hour Glass Special Limited Edition – “Only 10”. Image courtesy of The Hour Glass

Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport The Hour Glass Special Limited Edition – “Only 10”. Image courtesy of The Hour Glass

But one must not forget another superstar of the celebrations – the Parmigiani Super Sport – The Hour Glass Special Limited Edition, of which only 10 were made.

First unveiled in 2010, it takes its name from the Bugatti Veyron and features a perpendicular display of time. The Hour Glass version is darker and sportier as compared to the original. Housing the PF 372 manual-winding movement, it features a 10-day power reserve with a power reserve display.

This is the very first time Parmigiani has created a limited edition for any partner, revealed Jean-Marc Jacot, chief executive officer of Parmigiani Fleurier at the dinner in Singapore.

The powerful performances by all the stars are symbolic of perhaps the start of a powerful relationship between the two partners.

We do not quite agree to the celebratory dinner as being five-star though. This is simply because it deserves another – thereby becoming a six-star celebration.

Ball Watch for BMW: the BMW tii inspiration?

 Ball for BMW watch in total darkness. Photo: © TANG Portfolio


Ball for BMW watch in total darkness. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

What will you observe on your Ball for BMW Classic model in total darkness? The answer is staring right at you in the image above, according to our “mole”.

Released in 2012, the Ball for BMW collection, as its name implies, features the BMW logo on the dials. In the classic model, the BMW logo can be seen between the 8 and 9 positions on the dial.

Since there are no micro gas tubes on the BMW logo, this explains the empty darkness on that segment of the dial.

Ball for BMW Classic model. Note: the BMW logo and the orange-coloured indexes. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

Ball for BMW Classic model. Note: the BMW logo and the orange-coloured indexes. Photo: © TANG Portfolio

A better perspective can be seen if the watch becomes visible. What is obvious is the colour orange of the micro gas tubes from 9 to 6 on the hour indexes with the exception of the blue micro gas tube for the index at 12 o’clock. The gas tubes on the hour and minute hands are also in orange.

Question is, why the orange luminescence? According to Ball Watch, the gas tubes have “… a hint of Inka orange, BMW’s iconic colour”. Did the inspiration come from the BMW speedometer?

Speedometer and fuel tank indicator of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Photo:Tang Portfolio

Speedometer and fuel tank indicator of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Photo:Tang Portfolio

Perhaps part of it did, because our mole reveals that the Inka orange actually originates from this German marque’s legendary BMW 2002 tii two-door sedan with its entire body famously painted in orange. Production was from 1968 to 1976 and it is said that the 2002 was a forerunner to the 3 Series.

BMW tii at the BMW Museum, image courtesy of BMW Asia

BMW tii at the BMW Museum, image courtesy of BMW Asia

Meanwhile the blue index at 12 o’clock is more likely inspired by the lighted circular blue ring on the dials of the dashboard such as the ones for the fuel tank indicator and the speedometer.

TimeWerke’s “mole”

TimeWerke’s “mole”. Photo: © TANG Portfolio