Traditional calendars in mechanical timepieces connect users to their cultural roots.
HIJRI PERPETUAL CALENDAR BY PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
Time is relative – and we are not just referring to the way the seconds seem to slow to a crawl when you’re waiting on the answer to a pressing question or for the kettle to boil. Indeed, while many of us are familiar with the 12-month Gregorian calendar, there are some 40 different calendars in use around the world today.
Whether centred on the sun or the moon, or a combination of both, traditional calendars reflect the history and values of the cultures they represent. For example, the Islamic calendar – also known as the Hijri – is lunar-based and begins from the (Gregorian) year 622 AD, when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina – both in present-day Saudi Arabia – and founded the first Muslim community.
Combining both Islamic and highend watchmaking traditions, Parmigiani Fleurier’s Hijri Perpetual Calendar wristwatch is the first of its kind. Based on technology watchmaker Michel Parmigiani developed for a table clock in 2011, the Hijri Perpetual Calendar displays dates based on lunar cycles.
Each year comprises 12 months of 29 or 30 days and is consequently 10 to 12 days shorter than a Gregorian year.
There are several nods to Arabic culture on the face of this 44.5mm platinum watch as well.
Eastern Arabic numerals are used on the year and month subdials – 12 and 9 o’clock respectively – while the months are depicted in Arabic script at 3 o’clock.
The bridges of the self-winding movement have been redesigned to feature forms inspired by the crescent moon and the Rub el Hizb Islamic symbol, represented as two overlapping squares. A pretty neat way to connect with one’s cultural traditions.
DECALOGUE LUAH SHANA BY KONSTANTIN CHAYKIN
TRADITIONAL CHINESE CALENDAR BY BLANCPAIN
