Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Memory Time

Origin

The 1990s was an era of great innovation in watchmaking, with numerous developments, significant initiatives, and watch brands originating from the end of the 20th century. Prior decades came with varying degrees of turmoil, but the nineties enjoyed a growing watch-collecting scene adjacent to the thriving popularity of the legacy brands, and the progressive nature of mechanical novelties came to fruition. A man who understood these prior decades better than anyone is Michel Parmigiani. Before founding Parmigiani Fleurier in 1996, Parmigiani was a noteworthy horological restoration specialist at a time when an air of uncertainty encompassed the mechanical watchmaking scene powered by quartz watches. Between his work for the Patek Philippe museum, Breguet, Vacheron, and the Sandoz Family Foundation, Parmigiani's restoration skills and understanding of traditional, historically influential techniques were crucial when it came to establishing his namesake watch brand. With the backing of the Sandoz Family Foundation, Parmigiani Fleurier premiered with the Toric Memory Time. This hours, minutes, and uniquely executed second timezone jump hour display was extremely classic in its intentions, with case nuances inspired by Greek columns, embellished fine finishing, and an overall aesthetic alert to the guiding principles of the golden ratio. It stood as the ultimate expression of Parmigiani Fleurier's future intentions, with complicated watchmaking meeting traditional techniques and sensibilities.

Over the coming years, the Toric became the keystone to Parmigiani Fleurier, with many iterations evolving the core codes of the Memory Time. However, the Memory Time will always be the inaugural expression of the brand's vision and remains a favourite of Parmigiani, often seen on the wrist of its founder. 

The Watch

With texture, depth, refinement, and plenty of nuances, this model of the Memory Time acts as a beautiful example of Parmigiani Fleurier's traditional yet modern approach to watchmaking. Encased in 18k yellow gold, this golden ratio-inspired exterior is greatly defined by its double-stepped coin edge bezel, which draws upon Greek and Roman "Doric" columns. This unique exterior creates a remarkable appearance of great tradition and elegance on the wrist. The distinctive lavishness outlined by the case of this precious metal Memory Time translates wonderfully to its dial, where the classic execution continues, and the introduction of modern flourishes truly comes into play. 

With a rich dark grey "grain d'orge" guilloché adorned with a brushed silver ring for its black Roman numerals, the dial of this Memory Time is full of lust and intrigue. Shifting from varying dark tones of grey to deep black, the complexity of the stepped bezel is wonderfully mirrored with the contemporary manner of the dominating dial element here. The aforementioned brushed silver ring is complete with accents of guilloché on the inner and outer edges, a simple white dotted seconds track around the periphery, and a significant complication that helped establish Parmigiani Fleurier's foothold. No, the aperture housed at twelve isn't a date window but rather a jump hour second timezone display, complete with a stylised cursive font. Therefore, despite its two-hander configuration, this incredibly elegant dress watch has, in fact, very stylish travelling capabilities. Two remaining dial features that also became staples of Parmigiani Fleurier creations are the javelin-style handset and the horizontal oval ring that houses the Parmigiani Fleurier brand signature, seen here at six o'clock.

The Movement

Powering this important timepiece is the Calibre PF132, a movement which starts off life as a Lemania 8813. With 25 jewels, 40 hours of autonomy, and being adjusted to five positions, this calibre was assembled, decorated, and cased by Parmigiani Fleurier. Said finishing is complete to a high standard, with light Côtes de Genève on the baseplate and a gold rotor with skeletonisation, elaborate guilloché and a 'PF' signature.

How It Wears

Coming in at an understated width of 36mm, this Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Memory Time may sound reduced on paper, but its appearance on the wrist is remarkably striking and handsome. Aided greatly by the double-stepped coin edge bezel, this piece makes a statement, with both bezel, dial, and faceted hands shifting in the ever-changing light throughout the day. Thanks to its execution and complication, it's a class leader in elegant travel watches, capable of moving from business meetings to cocktail parties with sheer class. 

Condition

This Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Memory Time is sold as a watch-only sale with only its original buckle included in the sale. However, it's presented in mint condition and is sold fitted to a Mr Watchley Grained leather watch strap in Mid Grey.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium