Parmigiani Fleurier is a household name in Haute Horlogerie, manufacturing watches in limited quantities. Founded in 1996, Parmigiani Fleurier has released award-winning tourbillons and top-of-the-line watches that make them one of horology’s most coveted brands. Fun fact: Parmigiani Fleurier takes about 400 hours to complete one timepiece, proof of the brand's great attention to detail.
Parmigiani Fleurier: In No Rush to Create Exquisite Timepieces
Parmigiani Fleurier, settled in Switzerland, is unafraid to take its time. Despite having a shorter history than most luxury watch brands, Fleurier is in no rush to reinvent timepieces. Ironically, this strategy emphasizes quality and gives them the benefit of time — each watch takes hundreds of hours to make, in-house.
Because of founder Michael Parmigiani’s history in watch restoration for the world’s most luxurious brands, Parmigiani also did not go into the business of watchmaking unknowingly. Its entrance in 1996 was a long-time coming, and did not disappoint.
Parmigiani Fleurier emphasizes quality through limited-edition timepieces, encrusted with the world’s best jewels. From the sporty-elegant appeal of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda collection to the sophistication of the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric line, watches from the Swiss watch brand are top of the line.
Prices for the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa: Timeless and Enduring
Parmigiani Fleurier prides itself in its chic yet sporty style. As a relatively young timepiece company, Parmigiani Fleurier has the benefit of giving timepieces modern looks.
Debuting in 1998, the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa collection coincided with the company’s launch of the Calibre 331. Without getting too detailed, this discovery was made for mechanical and self-winding calibres — all made in-house by Parmigiani Fleurier.
Formerly called FORMA, Kalpa is short for Kalpagraphe. Kalpa as a term also stems from Buddhist cosmology, where it means a ‘long period of time’. Specifically, this was used to define one day in a Hindu god’s life, which stretched to over 3 billion years. Kalpa’s name interconnectedly works with its charm. Stemming from such Buddhist beliefs, the Kalpa line of watches aims to be a timeless jewel. It is best known for its gold streamlined cases and dial variety, and aforementioned self-winding movement.
All Parmigiani Fleurier watches undergo top-of-the-line Fleurier Quality certification. The creator of the Kalpa watches, Michel Parmigiani, wanted to introduce a timepiece that struck the right balance between weight, features, and style. Kalpa watches had to perch easily on top of one’s wrist. However, it also had to be a celebration of ergonomics.
New Kalpa designs still arrive every year, as Parmigiani Fleurier keeps itself one with the times. Newer Kalpa watches offer subtler curves, optimized lugs, and more precise engineering.
Getting a Kalpa is a no-brainer. Ones gets Parmigiani Fleurier watches for their touch of elegance, without being too loud. This is what the Kalpa is about. Prices for this ranges from $7,000 USD to $30,000 USD.
Prices for the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda: A Jetsetter’s Must-Have
Following the Kalpa collection is the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda. Debuting in 2007, these offered a dual timezone feature and a high-performing tourbillon. The collection is so popular for the latter feature that it is called The Tonda 42 Tourbillon.
This tourbillon had a 30-second feature that wowed audiences from then until now. Still, this did not stop Parmigiani Fleurier in its tracks. Back in 2015, the company introduced the world’s thinnest flying tourbillon. This was called the Tonda 1950 Tourbillon. As expected, this skyrocketed the demand for these watches even further.
Compared to the other collections, the Tonda boasts a more classic watch silhouette. It has a round face and bezzeled to your liking. In producing such a traditional skeleton, Parmigiani Fleurier still manages to reinvent the Tonda time and time again. The Tonda is a canvas. You can slim it down or amp up its weight; you can also choose specific gem-settings and colors.
With the Tonda, Parmigiani Fleurier gives you the chance to define your timepieces. Derived from the word ‘round’, Tonda watches have refined and classic lines that double down on what it really means to have a watch. This collection has the largest range of Parmigiani Fleurier watches, with prices ranging from $9,000 USD to $35,000 USD.
Parmigiani Fleurier Toric
Calendars are complex creations that keep track of the seasons and phases of our planet. It is interlinked with outer space, and is created after thousands of observations. Like time, calendars are humans’ way of connecting with the universe on a cosmic scale.
In comes the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric collection. This collection condenses all the complexities of a calendar in a few millimetres. It keeps you grounded in your planet and its cosmic relations. How so? To begin with, Fleurier’s Toric collection is a timeless watch that now features moon phases and retrograde dates. It keeps track not only of Earth’s rotation but also of other planets’. Because of this feature, the Toric is one of the most celebrated Swiss timepieces.
There are over 70 Toric pieces one can choose from. These designs can have from white and red gold colors, pocket-watch aesthetics, and precise minute repeaters. This collection has the special touch of Parmigiani Fleurier’s Haute Horlogerie team of experts. Together, they made sure the Toric is in synergy with rotating planets and other sectors of time. Still, there are more ‘classic’ looking pieces under this collection. These have simple watch faces that are an ode to the company’s first line of watches.
Sporting a casual look, the Toric is the definition of “there is more than meets the eye”. Keep track of your hours, minutes, seconds, and date with the Toric watch. So how much is a Parmigiani watch from this collection? Watches from the Toric collection can fall at around $18,000 USD to $50,000 USD a piece.
Parmigiani Fleurier's Milestones, Awards and Innovations
The 1950 Mother of Pearl watch from the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda collection is an award-winning watch. It has a European Watch of the Year Award (Women’s category) under its belt, winning one in 2013. Unbeknownst to some, this watch sports a beautifully delicate pearl that is both classic and elegant. The watch was against thousands upon thousands of timepieces, but won under the evaluations of engineering, aesthetics, innovation, and more.
The year 2017 was also an award-winning year for Parmigiani Fleurier, particularly Parmigiani Fleurier men's watches. That year, the company was recognized at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) for two innovative watches. These are the Tonda Chronor Anniversaire and Toric Hémisphères Rétrograde Parmigiani Fleurier watches. The former won the “Chronograph” category while the latter won the "Travel Time" category.
In 2016, the company created a table clock and automaton with over 2000 components. The artistry of this clock compares to no other, featuring a crystal mare and foal striding across a dessert. Each stride is precise and elegant, just like Parmigiani Fleurie watches.
The company is active not only in watch making but in other facets of art, too. This drive to innovate is an inspiration, driving collaborators their way. Such is the case with Quadrance et Habillage, who took Parmigiani Fleurier to the next level.
Parmigiani Fleurier and Quadrance et Habillage
Introduced to the world in the winter of 2005, Quadrance et Habillage is a factory created by the Sandoz Foundation. It is by the inspiring landscapes of the Swiss Jura, and provides Fleurier with the best quality dials.
Any watch collector or creator knows the importance of watch dials to the watch. It is more than just an aesthetic addition. In it, a company embeds their culture, message, and work ethic. Thus, a watch dial is one of the most important pieces of a watch.
Quadrance et Habillage, in partnership with Parmigiani Fleurier, creates watch dials that are unique and close to perfection. They do not produce dials in one note either: as you can imagine, Parmigiani Fleurier watches have variety. These are guided by Quadrance et Habillage’s artisanal touch.
Together, the identity of Parmigiani Fleurier is built. Each watch dial, made by Habillage and inspired by Fleurier’s creative prowess, is unique. This plays a large role in the identity Parmigiani Fleurier watches.
Parmigiani Fluerier's Partnership with Hermes and Bugatti
Watches do have a long-standing relationship with many luxury cars. Time is a large part of what makes these brands what they are. Parmigiani Fleurier, for example, has an esteemed partnership with Bugatti. Beginning in 2006, this partnership unveiled the Bugatti Type 370. Inspired and innovative, this timepiece is tube-shaped; reminiscent of a car engine.
The sheer ingenuity and tenacity of this piece made it a well-known collaboration around the world. Its shape was historic, and made people crave more collaborations between the two popular brands. Not to mention, these watches underwent the highest quality standard checks from the Fleurier Quality Foundation. It even won a Watch of the Year Award in Japan.
In 2010, the two collaborated again. This time, the partnership bore the Bugatti Super Sport. This, again, does not adhere to the traditional watchmaking shape. Designed like a cascade, it is a true testament to the artistry of car engineering.
Meanwhile, in 2006, Parmigiani Fluerier partnered up with one of the world’s most luxurious brands: Hermès. Specifically, the luxury juggernaut partnered with Parmigiani Fleurier’s Haute Horlogerie. Because of this, Parmigiani Fleurier watches sport Hermès leather straps.
History of Parmigiani Fleurier
In the field of horology, Parmigiani Fleurier has had a relatively short but rich history. Its roots trace back to the talents of founder Michael Parmigiani, who was a successful timepiece restorer back in the 1970s.
His love for restoring the natural and elegant beauty of timepieces turned into something else. By 1978, he was able to start a company that specifically restored luxury watches such as Patek Philippe and Château des Monts. During this period, he began dreaming up his own watches.
With this, he slowly made a name for himself as a talented timepiece creator as well. These experiences, coupled with the support of the Sandoz Family Foundation, gave Parmigiani the tools to forge his own legacy in horology. In 1996, he was ready to debut Parmigiani Fleurier watches, and that he did on May 29.
Parmigiani chartered his legacy almost annually from there. He debuted the Toric QP Retrograde, his first wristwatch, under Parmigiani Fleurier in 1999. As discussed above, this has become a hallmark of the brand. The watch’s distinct style and many elegant-looking features made it a must-have for collectors then and now.
Less than a year after the Toric QP Retrograde came Parmigiani Fleurier’s own watchmaking centre. With Parmigiani’s experience and love for timepieces, this was a step in the right direction for the brand. The Parmigiani Fleurier watchmaking centre is a way for the brand to maintain its quality and innovation. Through this, the brand also keeps its high-quality luxury status. With almost everything made in-house, Parmigiani Fleurier watches continue to be structured, complex, and bold.
From then on, the company continued to make a name for itself. Beyond these feats, Parmigiani Fleurier has also succeeded in innovating their watches further through the Atokalpa. This skyrocketed the brand’s abilities from a budding powerhouse to a household name.
Five Reasons to Get a Parmigiani Fleurier Watch
1. Craftsmanship and Invention
Parmigiani Fleurier has the privilege of innovation and creativity. Its dials are specially made by Quadrance et Habillage, and its tourbillon is award-winning. This is what making quality timepieces are all about: striking a balance between aesthetic and performance.
Through these means, Parmigiani Fleurier creates a diverse range of pieces with their own unique styles. The company is tenacious in its choices, having a strong sense of self throughout the entire innovative process. The question is no longer why you should get a Parmigiani Fleurier watch but rather how many Parmigiani Fleurier watches should you get.
2. Innovative Timepieces
Parmigiani is unafraid to challenge what it means to be a watch. From featuring planetary retrograde calendars to making the world’s thinnest tourbillon, Parmigiani Fleurier surprises as much as they can. This company is also known for their oddly-shaped watches, specifically what it makes in collaboration with Bugatti. Such facts bring us to the next point.
3. In the Company of Luxury
Parmigiani Fleurier has collaborated for the world’s finest and most luxurious brands. This makes it one of the most coveted watches in the world, especially since they make a limited amount every year. Some watches from their lines only have 70 pieces. Others have even less.
Those who follow the industry of luxury would want at least one limited edition piece from Parmigiani Fleurier. As mentioned above, many of its offerings are made in-house and during spurs of innovation. Each watch represents a different idea, story, and inspiration. This can especially be said about Fleurier’s collaborations with Bugatti and Hermès.
4. Watches for Both Genders
More often than not, luxury watch brands focus on catering more on one specific gender identity. Parmigiani Fleurier men's watches is certainly a more researched topic than Parmigiani Fleurier watches for ladies. Still, this does not limit the production of Parmigiani Fleurier watches.
Winning an award for their Tonda 1950 Mother of Pearl, the company goes to show that it caters to women’s watches too. In a more progressive spirit, the designs of Parmigiani Fleurier watches are so elegant that some of their pieces come out uni-sex.
Most, if not all, Parmigiani Fleurier watches have long-lasting power reserves. It would be remiss for you to own one without at least a 50 hour capacity. Knowing the power in each Parmigiani Fleurier watch goes to show how high-quality each piece is. Parmigiani Fleurier watches put its money where its mouth is.
Parmigiani Fleurier and Royalty
Those who follow the Royal family, or at the very least their world-renowned weddings, would know that fashion is a big part of the affair. The latest royal wedding, that of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle, had high-profile guests. As one can expect, these people wore the world’s best and most luxurious brands. These are a part of the fairytale of royalty, and everyone loves to see them.
One of the lucky brands to be featured on the esteemed day is Parmigiani Fleurier. Worn by no other than Prince Charles, a Parmigiani Toric Chronograph was present for the royal wedding.
As reported by many fashion write-ups, Charles wore a 39mm diameter automatic yellow gold chronograph. The watch was released in 2005, and England’s next king has been sporting it since 2015.
Parmigiani Fleurier: Timeless and Exclusive
Parmigiani Fleurier watches have made a large amount of progress in a relatively short time. Its history remains rich, and continues to inspire its innovative endeavors. Being one of the few brands that make appearances at royal events, this is a testament to Parmigiani’s legacy.
These watches are not mass-produced. Indeed, limited offerings make each piece special and coveted. More importantly, this secures the complexity and care in each timepiece. Horology is an artform, and Parmigiani Fleurier watches continue to revel in this reality. To produce in large quantities, for product and not quality, stifles creativity.
Moreover, Parmigiani Fleurier watches have become synonymous to luxury, if not shaping it entirely. Each watch is labour-intensive, and not something you will see on an average day. This made way for collaborations with brands such as Bugatti and Hermès.
Luxury watches are not of short supply, but Parmigiani Fleurier watches are. Through devout craftsmanship and brand awareness, Parmigiani Fleurier continues to bring the finest timepieces in the field.
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