1998 Parmigiani Fleurier Automatique
When this watch arrived on the market, it cost four times the price of a Rolex Submariner. The man behind it had spent 20 years as head of restoration at the Patek Philippe museum, two years helping LU Chopard develop its landmark 1.96 Calibre, and had set up his own shop with the financial backing of the Sandoz Foundation. His pocket watches, table clocks and then wrist watches were made in small batches and sold through word of mouth.
Parmigiani Fleurier has enjoyed a bump in attention in the last two years after diving into the integrated bracelet space. For me, however, first and second gen PF were something else. This is one of three I’ve owned from that period.
11 comments
Sort by
Orontius Fineus
Living the quiet life far from the madding crowd.
Member since
Last active: 3 months ago
6.75” / 17.15 cm
Been looking at Tonda PF for a while as on wish list… was a brief spike in interest in the brand last year with the PR of the new range, new CEO and it becoming known King Charles wears the brand.
Thankfully interest has tapered off a bit and they are back below retail.
Absolutely gorgeous watches. So low key. Big want.
Spectacular 😍👏🏻👏🏻
My ad has carried PF since it first was marketed here in Canada but purchased new the watches require deep pockets. An acquaintance used to represent AP here in Canada, I called his office to inquire about any deals he might offer to clear some bills that he wanted to pay? He mentioned Parmigiani but that was at least 10 years ago, did not follow up.
Been looking at Tonda PF for a while as on wish list… was a brief spike in interest in the brand last year with the PR of the new range, new CEO and it becoming known King Charles wears the brand.
Thankfully interest has tapered off a bit and they are back below retail.
Absolutely gorgeous watches. So low key. Big want.
I liked Traxler but Terreni’s done well to push PF into the limelight. Not many people know this but over the last 20 years PF has replaced JLC as the so-called “watchmakers’ watchmaker,” and produces components for a whole bunch of companies on the hush so they can continue to claim in-house status.
I’ve not been following prices but the new PF range already started at an elevated level. Interesting to hear prices have pulled back a bit. That GMT is my favourite of the new line.
My ad has carried PF since it first was marketed here in Canada but purchased new the watches require deep pockets. An acquaintance used to represent AP here in Canada, I called his office to inquire about any deals he might offer to clear some bills that he wanted to pay? He mentioned Parmigiani but that was at least 10 years ago, did not follow up.
Interesting anecdote, thanks. First few years they didn’t have an AD network and basically sold their wares on the quiet. The intent was noble but commercially it didn’t work. It’s one reason first and second gen watches are still largely unknown, although there has been an uptick owing to the sassy new stuff. It also has to be said that a lot of their watches have been quite hard on they eye at times, and even downright fugly.
Interesting anecdote, thanks. First few years they didn’t have an AD network and basically sold their wares on the quiet. The intent was noble but commercially it didn’t work. It’s one reason first and second gen watches are still largely unknown, although there has been an uptick owing to the sassy new stuff. It also has to be said that a lot of their watches have been quite hard on they eye at times, and even downright fugly.
I was a little surprised when a friend of a good friend sourced a PF, even with a decent discount the watches were $$$. I have a certain comfort zone with watches because I prefer to buy new, there are enough issues buying watches already not keen on picking up other owners’ errors. I catch a lot of criticism for buying new. You appear to own terrific judgement and taste in your watches! All the best for a perfect holiday season! 🥗
I was a little surprised when a friend of a good friend sourced a PF, even with a decent discount the watches were $$$. I have a certain comfort zone with watches because I prefer to buy new, there are enough issues buying watches already not keen on picking up other owners’ errors. I catch a lot of criticism for buying new. You appear to own terrific judgement and taste in your watches! All the best for a perfect holiday season! 🥗
Thank you. To you and yours as well. 🙏🏼
Great watch! Gevril tried really hard to rip this look off.
Thank you. To you and yours as well. 🙏🏼
Thank You!❤️
😮 wow
I liked Traxler but Terreni’s done well to push PF into the limelight. Not many people know this but over the last 20 years PF has replaced JLC as the so-called “watchmakers’ watchmaker,” and produces components for a whole bunch of companies on the hush so they can continue to claim in-house status.
I’ve not been following prices but the new PF range already started at an elevated level. Interesting to hear prices have pulled back a bit. That GMT is my favourite of the new line.
That GMT is HAWT 🔥