Parmigiani Fleurier upgrades some of its classic models at SIHH 2017
The brand launches new versions of its traditional models such as the Toric, the Tonda and the Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire, and continues its collaboration with Bugatti
Confidence comes with age and, as Parmigiani Fleurier eases comfortably into its third decade, it is revamping its most important creations that will serve as a solid foundation for the future.
The idea is to form a defined structure within the company with a streamlined vision, backed with signature creations that will “stand the test of time”, the brand says.
Parmigiani Fleurier’s founder, Michel Parmigiani, is well-versed in the importance of traditional watchmaking that can withstand the knocks of time, even for a young contemporary brand like his.
Parmigiani graduated from watchmaking school as the quartz crisis threatened to destroy the Swiss industry but rather than run for the hills, the young visionary opened a workshop dedicated largely to the restoration of traditional timepieces.
Eventually, this led to a meeting with the Sandoz Family Foundation that enabled the restorer to set up his own brand with the rare luxury of an in-house manufacturer. In two decades it developed 33 calibres and six collections, impressive even by Swiss standards of time and tradition.
Now, Parmigiani is pausing for breath to fine-tune its engines of horology, beginning with the Toric.
The Toric was one of the earliest timepieces produced by Parmigiani that displayed all the hallmarks of a classic in the making and has become one of its most recognised models – round case, javelin hands, leather strap and always, a complex movement beneath a highly crafted dial.
Designed by Michel Parmigiani and powered by the PF331 self-winding calibre, the Toric Chronometre takes its design cue from ancient Greek columns.
Patterns of gadroons and knurling are etched onto an ergonomically curved case in white or pink gold, framing a black opaline or a white grained dial, the grainy effect achieved by brushing the dial with a salt and silver powder combination.
Parmigiani’s best-selling model is the Tonda 1950,one of its most elegant. The collection features a few subtle updates, including a more affordable stainless steel version with a black or silvered dial, and a new Tonda Metrographe with a chronograph PF315 self-winding movement. Design tweaks include a tachymeter and new counter proportions.