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Lot Essay
THE HOUSE OF PARMIGIANI
In the 1980s, Michel Parmigiani would become the restorer to the Sandoz Family Foundation’s collection of automatons and rare clocks. In 1996, in collaboration with the Sandoz Family, Mr. Parmigiani would go on to build the House of Parmigiani Fleurier on May 29th, 1996.
This would signify the start of a decade-long project to make Parmigiani Fleurier fully integrated as a true “manufacturer”. This came in two distinct phases: Acquisition and Creation. The Les Artisans Boitier (2000), Atokalpa (2001) and Elwin (2005), were acquired for their respective roles in case production and mechanical parts manufacturing. The creation of the Manufacture Vaucher in 2003 established the heart of Parmigiani with the manufacture’s ability to create highly specialized calibers. Michel Parmigiani would further expand his capabilities by founding the Quadrance et Habillage in 2005 for the sole purpose of making highly finished dials. Through establishing a complete supply line of timepiece components, Michel Parmigiani completed his dream of founding a brand that features a fully integrated, in house, Swiss Made timepiece.
Since 1996, Parmigiani has been making all in-house timepieces and is known for its high quality and uniqueness. Representing the daring creativity of the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacture, the present Toric is a superb example of their innovative design.
The present watch is further distinguished by its minute repeating function, housed in the 18k yellow gold Toric collection case. The piece unique timepiece is the personification of Michel Parmigiani’s signature as a watchmaker. The case religiously follows the “Golden Ratio” in order to achieve the most pleasing aesthetical design and proportion. The two stepped bezel is achieved by alternating two gadroons with knurling around the case. This process follows the same ratios as the “Golden Ratio” to ensure that the case in its entirety is proportionally pleasing. The design of the bezel is considered to be Michel Parmigiani’s signature for his Toric collection and serves as an inspiration for his designs even 20 years later.
In the 1980s, Michel Parmigiani would become the restorer to the Sandoz Family Foundation’s collection of automatons and rare clocks. In 1996, in collaboration with the Sandoz Family, Mr. Parmigiani would go on to build the House of Parmigiani Fleurier on May 29th, 1996.
This would signify the start of a decade-long project to make Parmigiani Fleurier fully integrated as a true “manufacturer”. This came in two distinct phases: Acquisition and Creation. The Les Artisans Boitier (2000), Atokalpa (2001) and Elwin (2005), were acquired for their respective roles in case production and mechanical parts manufacturing. The creation of the Manufacture Vaucher in 2003 established the heart of Parmigiani with the manufacture’s ability to create highly specialized calibers. Michel Parmigiani would further expand his capabilities by founding the Quadrance et Habillage in 2005 for the sole purpose of making highly finished dials. Through establishing a complete supply line of timepiece components, Michel Parmigiani completed his dream of founding a brand that features a fully integrated, in house, Swiss Made timepiece.
Since 1996, Parmigiani has been making all in-house timepieces and is known for its high quality and uniqueness. Representing the daring creativity of the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacture, the present Toric is a superb example of their innovative design.
The present watch is further distinguished by its minute repeating function, housed in the 18k yellow gold Toric collection case. The piece unique timepiece is the personification of Michel Parmigiani’s signature as a watchmaker. The case religiously follows the “Golden Ratio” in order to achieve the most pleasing aesthetical design and proportion. The two stepped bezel is achieved by alternating two gadroons with knurling around the case. This process follows the same ratios as the “Golden Ratio” to ensure that the case in its entirety is proportionally pleasing. The design of the bezel is considered to be Michel Parmigiani’s signature for his Toric collection and serves as an inspiration for his designs even 20 years later.
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Lot 274
Sale 20963
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PARMIGIANI FLEURIER, REF. PF000481, TORIC, A VERY FINE AND PIECE UNIQUE 18K YELLOW GOLD MINUTE REPEATER WRISTWATCH WITH SUBSIDIARY SECONDS
Estimate: USD 60,000 - 80,000
Bid amount
Buyer's premium
Estimated total cost exclusive of customs duties/charges and tariffs