The restoration and preservation of watchmaking heritage represent the very foundation and origins of Parmigiani Fleurier.
Michel Parmigiani has set himself apart by creating his own methodology, a constant balance between ensuring the mechanical functionality of the creation and preserving the expertise of the past.
Examples of this are three animal automata from the early 19th century, which were restored by Michel Parmigiani.
They are the labour of a lifetime – that of Michel Parmigiani, the talented individuals who assist him, and the special relationship between the Manufacture and the masterpieces of the past, enabling it to invent a bold future.
The frog measures 60 mm. Made from enamelled gold, it is a striking example of the trompe l’œil effect. The animal sparkles with pearls and rubies. After several leaps, the frog stops to croak and then performs a further series of jumps.
This 75-mm silkworm features a series of red-coloured enamelled gold rings. Green and blue colours, accompanied by pink diamonds, rubies and emeralds complete the refined decoration. Actuated using a trigger piece on its belly, the silkworm crawls along, with its head and the rear of its body moving up and down alternately.
Measuring 120 mm in length, the mouse is made from engraved gold and decorated with pearls. Rubies were used for the eyes, whilst its tail, made from braided gold, actuates the movement. The animal moves several centimetres, stops, the front of its body lifts up and its head moves up and down.
