Recently in Miami, Parmigiani Fleurier unveiled an intriguing traveling exhibition of world first movements and watches that trace its watchmaking prowess and celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary. The exhibit remains open in the Miami Design District boutique until the end of the year.
In an oval layout in the center of the store, Parmigiani Fleurier displays 25 of 33 of its movements developed in house over the course of two decades. Among the incredible highly technical movements, conceived of by master watchmaker and founder of the brand, Michel Parmigiani, is the now famed Bugatti 370 caliber with revolutionary transverse movement, and the highly coveted Ovale Pantographe with telescopic hands that was years in the making.
Michel Parmigiani began his career in watchmaking 40 years ago in 1976, when he opened a restoration workshop. Specializing in restoring some of the most complicated clocks, watches and automata of all time, Parmigiani’s knowledge of the intricacies of watchmaking grew, and he honed his skills into a craft worthy of the finest museums.
In fact, in the 1980s he was employed to maintain and service the timepieces in the Maurice-Yves Sandoz collection. That was the start of a relationship with the Sandoz family that would eventually grow into a business arrangement. In 1996, Michele Parmigiani, with help from Sandoz, acquired the resources necessary to start his own brand.
Today, 20 years later, the brand lays claim to 33 original calibers and dozens of complex collections. The first wristwatch made by Parmigiani Fleurier was the Kalpa Hebdomadiare, an iconic tonneau shaped watch that has become an icon for the brand. Over the years, other signature pieces became all-important statements of technical prowess. Among them the Tonda Hémisphères, which displays two time zones, each one accurate to the minute, and, as mentioned, the Ovale Pantograph and others. A highlight of the exhibition is the piece that was unveiled earlier this year at SIHH: Tonda Chronor Anniversaire – the brand’s first integrated chronograph caliber.
At a lavish champagne cocktail event on a warm fall evening, Parmigiani Fleurier North American celebrated the launch of the exhibit. General Manager at Parmigiani Americas Inc., Thierry Collot, welcomed guests and eloquently discussed how many things in life can happen in 20 years. For Parmigiani Fleurier, 33 movements – with 10 world firsts – didn’t just happen – they were lifelong dreams realized for the wrist.
