Parmigiani Fleurier Watches
Only founded in 1996, Parmigiani Fleurier is a relatively young name in the ever growing, ever evolving world of luxury watchmaking. Parmigiani draws its inspiration from the history and heritage of Swiss luxury watchmaking without abandoning the company’s long-held belief in the merits and beauty of avant-garde design. As a result, the young brand seeks to combine modern design with masterful and traditional craftsmanship.
The History of Parmigiani Watches
The history of Parmigiani watches can be traced back to one man, Michel Parmigiani. Born in 1950 in Couvet, Switzerland, Parmigiani held a passion for the art of watchmaking from a fairly young age. He enrolled in the Val-de-Travers school of watchmaking, as well as the La Chaux-de-Fonds technical school, before going on to specialise in what would allow him to make his name — watch restoration.
Right at the peak of the infamous Quartz Crisis in 1976, Parmigiani was able to open his own watchmaking/restoration workshop, Mesure et Art du Temps. The company specialised in restoring antique luxury watches. However, he also spent some of his time designing unique pieces for dedicated collectors.
A few years after the creation of Mesure et Art du Temps, Michel Parmigiani came into contact with the Sandoz Family Foundation, a relationship that would prove fruitful for the future of the Parmigiani name. Initially Michel was tasked with the maintenance of the foundation’s extensive collection of antique clocks and automatons.
It took two decades after opening Mesure et Art du Temps, but eventually, in 1996, with the support of the Sandoz Family Foundation, Michel Parmigiani officially launched Parmigiani Fleurier — what would go on to be a unique and creative brand of watchmakers.
The Beginning of Something Unique
The company was guided exclusively by the vision and excellence of its founder, who has held a personal hand in each and every timepiece released under his umbrella. To better control the production of his new watches, Parmigiani Fleurier opted to create its very own manufacturer and watchmaking centre where all components and movements for the brand’s watches would be produced in the coming decades, in addition to being home to all of the company’s greatest innovations.
The first wristwatch produced under the Parmigiani Fleurier name was the Toric QP Retrograde in 1999, shortly followed by the Kalpa Hebdomadaire later in the same year. The detail and excellence in design would go on to become a true staple for the fledgling company.
The following decades saw Parmigiani Fleurier continue to grow and improve their output thanks to the acquisitions of a number of specialist companies that allowed the business to better their production of various vital parts and calibres.
The early 21st Century saw the brand forge a unique partnership with Bugatti, one of the most exciting names in the world of luxury sports cars. This agreement between the two company’s led to the unprecedented Bugatti Type 370, a watch created along a single axis — inspired by the design of a car engine.
“Music is like watchmaking: it exists whenever a tempo is set – it becomes sublime only when we devote our heart and soul to it.”- Michel Parmigiani
Pre-Owned Parmigiani Watches from Blowers Jewellers
Blowers Jewellers have been operating in the field of second-hand luxury watches for decades. In that time we have nurtured a service we can be proud of. Our entire team is wholly dedicated to giving each and every one of our clients the opportunity to get their hands on the watch of their dreams.
We stock an excellent selection of second-hand mens’ and womens’ Parmigiani watches. Each piece in our collection is hand selected by our team and will come with standard warranties between 12 months and five years. Our dedicated team will work closely with you — to guide you towards exactly what it is you are looking for.
In addition to stocking a selection of stunning Parmigiani Fleurier watches, we are also always on the lookout if you are seeking to sell your Parmigiani watch. We can either purchase your timepiece outright, or can even offer you a generous part exchange service that can allow you to upgrade to another Parmigiani watch, or one from any of the other brands we offer, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet etc. For more information on either selling or part exchanging your Parmigiani watch, send us the details of your item and we will get in touch.
For more information about how Blowers can help you own you pick out your ideal Parmigiani Fleurier watch, contact a member of our team today or visit us in person. We will do everything we can to assist.