The Watch
The PF004579 Memory Time demonstrates Parmigiani Fleurier's penchant for blending ancestral and contemporary watchmaking techniques, showcasing traditionally considered elements yet incorporating proprietary styling and a multitude of subtleties. Exceedingly characterful in its 18ct white gold 36mm case, this golden ratio-inspired exterior is defined by its double-stepped coin edge bezel, which draws upon Greek and Roman "Doric" columns. This striking hand-finished exterior includes welded lugs, providing a comprehensively formed case of distinction and grace. The idiosyncratic lavishness outlined by the case translates effortlessly to its dial, where the classic executions continue, and modern embellishments can be found.
The sense of reoccurring round elements is striking with the PF004579 from both micro and macro perspectives, with the silvered dial accentuating this form first outlined by its doubled bezel. Concentric circled guilloché, a brushed silver chapter ring, an oval ring brand signature, and even its white gold polished plot hour markers paired with a dotted outer track. This symmetrical guided implementation is overwhelmingly exhaustive. The brushed silver ring is finished with a dark surround to contrast the tonal matching dial while mirroring its heat-blued skeletonised delta handset. As its 'Greenwich Mean Time' typography suggests, despite its dressy and humble nature, the aperture housed at twelve isn't a date complication but rather a jump hour second timezone display, complete with a stylised cursive font. Therefore, despite its two-hander configuration, the Memory Time has stylish travelling capabilities due to the significance of the jump hour display. Hand-finished independent watchmaking excels with this seldom-seen travel piece that's wonderfully crafted for the purist collector seeking a watch with unusual charisma and plenty of character.
The Movement
Powering this timepiece is the Calibre PF132, a movement which starts off life as a Lemania 8813 before Parmigiani Fleurier added a second timezone indicator. With 25 jewels, 40 hours of autonomy, and being adjusted to five positions, Parmigiani Fleurier assembled, decorated, and cased this calibre. Said finishing is complete to a high standard, with light Côtes de Genève on the baseplate, black polished screws, a gold rotor with elaborate guilloché and a 'PF' signature. Quite simply, it is a high horology expression of an automatic calibre.
How It Wears
Punching above its weight literally and figuratively, the presence of this PF004579 Toric Memory Time on the wrist is remarkably striking, which, combined with its skeletonised delta hands, creates a lasting impression of boldness and individuality. Aided greatly by the double-stepped coin edge bezel, this piece makes a statement, with both bezel, dial, and hands shifting in the ever-changing light throughout the day. Thanks to its execution and complication, it's a category leader in elegant travel watches yet remains often overlooked. Many watches claim this concept, but few pieces can truly perform dressed up or dressed down with such class as this Memory Time.
Condition
This Parmigiani Fleurier Toric GMT Memory Time PF004579 in White Gold is presented in a complete manner, with its outer box, wooden Parmigiani Fleurier box, original papers and manual. The watch also comes with a white gold Parmigiani folding buckle. Furthermore, a brand new and unworn new Parmigiani Fleurier strap is included, with a branded cloth and a white gold Parmigiani Fleurier folding buckle. Dating from 2005, this timepiece is presented in a like new condition, having never been polished and remaining barely worn. The watch is fitted to a Mr WATCHLEY Nubuck Navy Blue strap.
Origin
While previous decades delivered varying phases of turmoil, the 1990s marked a turning point for mechanical watchmaking. It was a decade of significant advancements with a transition towards vertically integrated in-house manufacturing, a growing curiosity surrounding fine watchmaking and complications, and a tangible impact of the impending new millennium.
Someone who has a first-hand understanding of this period is Michel Parmigiani. Before founding Parmigiani Fleurier in 1996, Parmigiani was a horological restoration specialist at a time when an air of uncertainty encompassed the mechanical watchmaking scene due to quartz technology from Japan. He was also enlisted to assist in Chopard's desire to establish proprietary manufacturing during the 1980s, which the brand achieved during the 1990s. Between his work for the Patek Philippe museum, Breguet, Vacheron, and the Sandoz Family Foundation, Parmigiani's skills and understanding of traditional, historically influential techniques were crucial for establishing his namesake watch brand. With the foundation's backing, Parmigiani Fleurier premiered in 1996 with the Toric Memory Time. This hour, minute, 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 was the ultimate expression of Parmigiani Fleurier's future intentions, with complex vertical watchmaking and traditional sensibilities as the brand's core tenets.
Over the coming years, the Toric became the keystone to Parmigiani Fleurier, with numerous Memory Time references coming to fruition. Built in white gold, pink gold, and yellow gold, the Toric Memory Time is an expressive and important model for the brand, remaining a favourite of Parmigiani himself, often seen on the wrist of the founder.
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
For more info please visit www.mrwatchley.com or contact us here: 0032456135537
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