At Passion Horlogère, we were keen to feature Michel Parmigiani in our “Watchmaking Who’s Who” series. This 68-year-old Master Watchmaker, married with 3 children, founder of the Parmigiani Fleurier Manufacture and, before that, of “Mesures et Art du Temps”, is an exceptional watchmaker who did us the honour of becoming an Honorary Member of Passion Horlogère in 2013.
On this page
- Which watch are you wearing as we speak?
- What is your greatest watchmaking achievement?
- What is your favourite watch complication?
- Besides watchmaking, what other passions do you have?
- What is your dream car?
- What is your favourite wine?
- How would you define luxury?
- What, in your view, best embodies luxury?
- Who inspires you?
- Which quality do you most appreciate in others, and which flaw do you regret having?
- Is there a quote you are particularly fond of?
- What time is it?
Driven by a deep passion, the man truly reveals himself as soon as the conversation turns to his favourite subject: watchmaking. He becomes more reserved, however, when you try to dig deeper. That is precisely what we set out to do in this interview, to introduce the man and the artist, winner of the Gaïa Prize in 1995, and gain a better understanding of his work. Over to him!
Which watch are you wearing as we speak?
The watch I am currently wearing is the Tonda Chronor. It is a watch I am particularly fond of, and one of the latest creations in our Tonda collection.
What is your greatest watchmaking achievement?
Parmigiani Fleurier has many watchmaking achievements to its name. The one I am proudest of is by far the “Fleur d’Orient Tonda Chronor”, the centrepiece of our collection. It is a true artistic masterpiece.
I am also very proud that my daughter, Anne-Laure Parmigiani, is part of the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacture. Having been able to pass on my passion for watchmaking to her is another great achievement for me.
What is your favourite watch complication?
There are several, but the split-seconds chronograph is a key complication in the life of a watchmaker and of a manufacture. It is particularly close to my heart.
Besides watchmaking, what other passions do you have?
I am very sensitive to architecture and nature. But my main passion comes from the sense of well-being I feel when practising a craft driven by genuine passion.
What is your dream car?
I am very fond of vintage Bugattis, which to me are masterpieces of the automobile.
What is your favourite wine?
I really like Salento Primitivo.
How would you define luxury?
My definition of luxury is very simple: “You must have time, and know how to take it.”
What, in your view, best embodies luxury?
Luxury is anything that looks simple from the outside, pure and refined, but which, when you take a closer look, turns out to be complex and to guard a hidden treasure. A mechanical watch is the perfect example.
Who inspires you?
Harrison and his marine chronometer, an exceptional feat of R&D. His 4th chronometer was completely rethought and was extraordinary for its time. With a new method and relentless determination, he questioned everything and started again from a blank sheet to create a fabulous chronometer.
Which quality do you most appreciate in others, and which flaw do you regret having?
In light of past achievements, I particularly appreciate humble people.
Is there a quote you are particularly fond of?
There is a quote I always have in mind and love very much: “whoever learns to look acquires the art”.
What time is it?
It is exactly 4:05 pm.
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