Comments:
Retrograde
…the world needs nore of them! Why is it that so few models with retrograde complication are out there?
Here’s my maybe favorite Parmigiani, the QPR. Nearing her 20th birthday, she still looks as classy, elegant and sophisticated as ever.
Enjoy!
Daniel
Here’s my maybe favorite Parmigiani, the QPR. Nearing her 20th birthday, she still looks as classy, elegant and sophisticated as ever.
Enjoy!
Daniel
A very under-rated jewel
A classic offering from a fully integrated manufacture. Yet to get the collector enthusiasm that Parmigiani watches richly deserve.
The brand is yet to get their marketing-communication right.
I fully agree
Imho PF has some mediocre years behind them. I hope their new CEO Guido Terreni will get the company to where it deserves to be.
20 years...
and it looks brand new, the beauty of gold.
Parmigiani makes some really attractive pieces, sometimes a little flamboyant but the movements are quite impressive
Yes. Some of their designs are timeless classics, others are more distinctive, sometimes quirky.
I think there's good roots from which to build up a product range that is coherent enough to bing the brand to the next level.
I love this Marque!!!
Entirely underrated (if that’s possible) and would choose it over the big 4.
"Entirely underrated".... That's what they are.
Sadly for this brand, I must add. On the other hand, there's tons of potential to lift PF from obscurity. They'd deserve it.
A terrific and very elegant choice from an interesting (and really undervalued!) brand! ;-) Enjoy.
Thank you, dear Fab.
In Fleurier, they have their work cut out to make it to waiting-list-glory...
There's still time for us Purists to enjoy these PFs before the celebs get in the game
There's still time for us Purists to enjoy these PFs before the celebs get in the game
Great PF...such a nice, readable dial layout that has aged so well. Still looks modern and fresh.
Excellent choice...
It has aged beautifully! To echo others, this brand is definitely under appreciated. Enjoy it in the best of health.
Chris
Chris
Retrograde is indeed a beautiful!
It systematically and instantly brings Breguet to mind, their small second retrograde is a delight (ref 5207). One day hopefully!
Yours is very nice, I like the special and rather unique dial setup, thanks!
Best,
E.
Yours is very nice, I like the special and rather unique dial setup, thanks!
Best,
E.
I agree on the retrograde function Daniel. Super cool and we definitely need more of it 😉
Beautiful. Really. And you've had it for nearly 20 years too?
I have to say that the combination of distinct designs and a low-to-non-existent profile has only drawn me further in. I'm fascinated by how much 'hard work' it's taken to open up and appreciate what PF does. Listening to the man talk in his own words about his life and philosophy and methods just adds to the allure.
I finally took a baby step last year with the Tonda GT three-hander. It's a really good general use watch. It will shortly be joined by the more grown-up Ionica: a foundational piece (to borrow from Monsieur Parmigiani's own architectural idioms). These two watches more or less bookend the PF story to date, so I'm quite content for now.
Like others I'm interested to see what happens under the new leadership. Early signs are it is ramping up the marketing, some of which I already find over-the-top. The copy is airy and vacuous on occasions. I liked Davide Traxler's cerebral approach and he spoke in plain language. He seemed to be a bit of an introvert, softly spoken but worldly. The new guy is larding it up and this leaves me thinking that we'll have to wade through a lot of heavy-handed spin in order to rate the new watches. The risk here is that PF might lose some of the mystique that makes it so special, while it tries to achieve wider name recognition.
I might be wrong of course, and would be happy to be proven so.
I think the path to success for PF lies first and foremost with their products
Imho they struggled in recent years with the balance of their design between the traditional and the distinctive, as well as with a coherent vision of what PF stands for as a brand. Your Tonda GT, as well as the Tonda 1950 are brilliant examples of what PF can do. On the other hand, there are countless variations on some models which do not really stand out in terms of design and which I think are a pretty tough sell for ADs. Execution and craftsmanship are always top notch, at least in their price segment. As for their marketing, I didn’t follow this closely recently but I can relate to the comments you made. Marketing hyperbole for well-made but mediocre watches usually end up in tears rather soon…
Looking forward to seeing your forthcoming Ionica. What metal and dial combo did you go for? Greetings from mine, to sweeten your wait.
Cheers,
Daniel
Looking forward to seeing your forthcoming Ionica. What metal and dial combo did you go for? Greetings from mine, to sweeten your wait.
Cheers,
Daniel
That's a beautiful variant. Thanks for sharing. PT or WG?
One merchant recently had the PT, WG and RG (x2) versions available. I bought the RG one, pictured below. Another WPS member picked up two: the PT and other RG. I believe a third WPS member has also bought one recently. Something of a micro-glut of buys, then. Good moves since the watches are *absurdly* underpriced.
Thank you also for som fascinating thoughts regarding the brand and its products. As I hinted, PF has been challenging for me. While I can appreciate the rigour with which it applies the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci equations to its work, the results have often been recondite and *emotionally* remote. For watches to connect they must talk to people, but I feel that they have talked more to aesthetic abstractions instead, if that makes sense. PF forces you to reach and reach to 'get inside' its rather uncompromising approach. The innovation, craftsmanship and finishing are top drawer - on par with the finest - but the visual impression is quite hard to digest. Contrast this with brands that know how to please the buyer's eye with form and proportion.
There are, of course, glorious exceptions. The 2016 Chronor Anniversaire is surely one of the most beautiful watches of the last three decades. But for each watch like that there are a slew that are tough to admire.
As for marketing (which is of course the flip side of product design and development) I think the same applies. If a watch is a hard sell, it'll be hard to sell it. And where does understated marketing end and lacklustre marketing begin anyway? It's hard to say. The Tonda GT was a nice crossover and may provide lessons for how the brand evolves. It's shown how PF can carry forward visual cues that makes it such a distinctive brand. The new line was uneven on release and this year's reboot may or may not be an improvement, but nevertheless there are signs of a company that knows how to retain its identity while reaching beyond its quiet little comfort zone.
Regardless of where it goes, I have a soft spot for some of the earlier watches. The Ionica is one. The first of the Toric range is another. They may become 'grab one while you can' propositions. Even if they don't, they are just so lovey that this is enough reason to own one. With best regards.
A stunning beauty!
As powerful as it is elegant! Please do post more of it in the future.
Mine is WG.
Mine is WG.
Amazing QP Daniel. One of these days, Parmigiani will get the attention they deserve 🔥