Five Reasons To Love Parmigiani Fleurier
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Parmigiani Fleurier, from the brand’s beginnings and impressive history to the sheer beauty of their prestigious watches. We have however managed to narrow it down to our top five reasons (it wasn’t easy) to love this unique Swiss luxury watch brand. Rich in expert craftmanship, find out how Parmigiani Fleurier went from restoration workshop to haute horology.
A background in watch restoration
In 1976 founder Michel Parmigiani was deciding his career path and was drawn towards the mysteries inherent in Swiss haute horlogerie. After studying at the Val-de-Travers school of watchmaking in Switzerland, Michel went on to specialise in restoration. This area of watchmaking is reserved for only the best and most skilled watchmakers.
2. Inspired by antiques and traditional watchmaking
With his now great knowledge in watch restoration, Michel Parmigiani took the plunge and decided to open a traditional watch workshop in Couvet named ‘Mesure et Art du Temps’. This was despite all the advice around him. The luxury watch industry at this time was undergoing a crisis as quartz watches were taking over. As Michel often worked with antiques, he had absolute faith in traditional watches and therefor ignored those who couldn’t see his vision. Michel couldn’t bare the thought of traditional watches disappearing. Seeing and working on so many wonders from the past made it unthinkable to him.
3. Industrial independence
They have their own watchmaking hub which enables creativity without limitations. Behind a single watch there are more than 50 professions – industrial craftsmanship, designers, engineers and artisans work side-by side.
4. One-of-a kind creations
They’ve had to modify their own tools before, in order to create particular watches and complex movements that you won’t find anywhere else.
“Exceptional pieces allow us to glorify the art of watchmaking and its mechanical complications on a larger, more observable scale. The external aesthetics must be equivalent in workmanship and craftsmanship to the complexity of the internal movement.”
– Michel Parmigiani
5. Impressive collaborations
Since 2001, Parmigiani Fleurier have worked with Atokalpa - a firm that specialise in the manufacturing of trains and micro-gears. They went on to be a fundamental part of creating strategic watch components for the brand, by creating the balance and its balance-spring, the pallet fork and the escapement wheel using industrial methods.
Just to add even more desire to these beautiful watches, in 2006 Parmigiani Fleurier partnered with Hermès, a brand known globally for pure luxury and elegance. Hermès create the luxury leather watch straps for Parmigiani, offering the ultimate in comfort and durability. You’ll find ‘Bracelet Hermès’ etched onto the lining of the watches.
The Parmigiani Fleurier collections
Fallen in love with Parmigiani Fleurier? You’re not alone. Here’s just some of our favourite pieces from the experts of craftsmanship and the stunning collections that show of their mastery perfectly.
Parmigiani Tonda 1950
A tribute to the brand’s incredibly talented founder, the name Tonda 1950 has been inspired by Michel Parmigiani and the year he was born. Going back to the brand’s roots, the Tonda 1950 collection goes back to Parmigiani Fleurier’s fundamental visual identity with its pure lines. This style is perfect for those seeking elegance and a touch of distinction.
Parmigiani Toric
One of Parmigiani Fleurier aesthetic hallmarks, the Toric collection has an instantly recognisable case that’s inspired by Greek columns. Inspired by the brand’s beginnings it has a timeless feel that will be a forever classic.
Parmigiani Kalpa
With sleek flowing lines and gentle curves, the iconic rectangular case of the Kalpa collection boasts the skill and craftsmanship that Parmigiani are so well known for. Discover a true piece of mechanical perfection.
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