In order to support Bernard Stamm during the iconic Vendée Globe round-the-world race, Parmigiani Fleurier created a Transforma Rivages Automatic Chronograph, a special skipper’s timepiece with the ability to be transformed in turn into a wristwatch, a pocket watch or an on-board instrument. The renowned Swiss skipper took part in the great adventure, known as the Everest of the seas, which started on November 10, 2012 to be finished more than three months later.
Parmigiani Transforma Rivages Watch
Twenty world’s best skippers participates in 2012 Vendée Globe, sailing around the globe, alone in their high-tech yachts that are equipped by cameras and sensors, allowing the real time transmission of skippers’ activities on board. Thanks to the highly accurate monitoring system, it is possible to track each of 20 competitors at any time.
I will mark out Bernard Stamm, because of his close links with the Swiss high-end watchmaker, Parmigiani Fleurier. The Genevan yachtsman was personally involved in the construction of his 60-foot monohull which started over three years ago. Equipped with a highly sophisticated mini lab, Stamm receives and shares with his team hourly information about temperature, salinity and oxygenation of the water, as well as its concentration in plankton, which will hopefully benefit our scientific knowledge about oceans.
As the long-time supporter of Stamm’s breathtaking adventures, Parmigiani Fleurier decided to create a high-end chronograph to become an important part of his equipment. Last year, the renowned watchmaker came up with Transforma Rivages watch, taking the inspiration from the Stamm’s Rivages yacht. Now launched in a Carbon/Titanium Special Edition 100, this striking sport timepiece offers great functionality and pretty unusual transforming options.
With its classic round shape and ergonomic curved lugs, a 43mm matt carbon case, housed inside a titanium hood that is attached on a leather strap, represents a very comfortable and great looking wrist watch. However, by simply pressing two side push-pieces on the two lower lugs, you can separate the main body from the titanium holder. Then, fitted with a steel chain, the carbon fiber case of the Transforma Rivages becomes a classic pocket watch. Finally, the case which is crafted in the same material as the Rivages monohull, can be integrated into the dashboard of the craft. In that moment, its self-winding system starts automatically.
Designed as a stylish world map, the black dial of Parmigiani Transforma Rivages watch features three sub-dials (the 12-hour counter, the 30-minute counter and the small seconds) a date aperture, as well as highly luminous markers and hands. It is protected with anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass.
