KIH
[Purist]
12044
Parmigiani Fleurier opens its office in Tokyo!
I was invited to the launching dinner of Parmigiani Fleurier Japan (PFD Japan) - mostly for the press people. The presence of Mr. Parmigiani himself made us understand how serious it is and, to me, a great honor to meet the Master Watchmaker of the brand.
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The night started with the cocktail reception handling some of their watches.
Pershing Tourbillon Abyss
Remember the shape of the lug from the side.....
Remember the shape of the lug from the side.....
Kalpa Tourbillon
It was a lovely and very friendly dinner with the Team Parmigiani Japan. I am very much looking forward to seeing the watches here in Tokyo more often.
Thank you, Mr. Parmigiani, for your hospitality.
This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-10-06 17:47:53
Tonda Tourbillon
Bugatti Super Sport
(Mr. Parmigiani) It was such a fuss to find the manufacturer who can make the curved sapphire crystal. Not many people can do that.
Back of Bugatti Super Sport
Wonderful line-up!
(Mr. Parmigiani) It was such a fuss to find the manufacturer who can make the curved sapphire crystal. Not many people can do that.
Back of Bugatti Super Sport
Wonderful line-up!
Even more wonderful pieces were in the showcases.....
Kalpa XL Minute Repeater
Toric Quaestor Pegase Minute Repeater
Ovale Pantographe
Kalpagraphe
Tonda Centum
Ovale Tourbillon
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Now, the time for dinner!
Logo was on Napkin...
...Chopsticks...
and Menu, of course...
Keisuke Matsushima first opened his restaurant in Nice, France, and in just 6 months, it got a star from Michelin (he was still in his 20s), and opened another one in Tokyo.
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Now, the time for dinner!
Logo was on Napkin...
...Chopsticks...
and Menu, of course...
Keisuke Matsushima first opened his restaurant in Nice, France, and in just 6 months, it got a star from Michelin (he was still in his 20s), and opened another one in Tokyo.
(Mr. Parmigiani) The Time is equal for everyone. But who came up with the concept of "time"? My guess is those who were farmers. Hunters and farmers are different in terms of the thought about the time. Time is my enemy! There are "times" which are required to do something - to make a new movement, to come up with a new design, etc.
(Mr. Moinet) For those in charge of finances (himself), if it requires one hour, it MUST be finished before one hour 
(Mr. Parmigiani) In Europe, given one hour although it can be done in 5 minutes, people finishe in 5 minutes. In Japan, given one hour, they use full one hour, but the result is perfect. That is the difference. In Japan, USD100 melon is sold and it sells very well as gift to important people. Strawberry - wrapped beautifully one by one separately and all the pieces are exactly the same shape and size (almost). That kind of "attention to details" and the fact that those DO sell well - this shows how Japanese are and I admire it.
Today's host.....
Today's host.....
Mr. Michel Parmigiani, himself - President and Master Watchmaker
What does he like about Japan?
(Mr. Parmigiani) I like the "contrast" - like people in Tokyo and people in Osaka (Japan's 2nd largest city in the western part). Also I like the traditional temples in Kyoto - the taxi driver took me to a very nice temple which no foreign tourist goes. I also visited Osaka temple where the monks prayed for me. And of course I like the culture, the way Japanese people treat others, being considerate. Yes, and Japan is so clean!
I like the "contrast" of Japan where mostly modern developed country, but there are traditional things still in it.
(Mr. Moinet) And also, in Japan, there is no need for the horn of the cars.
(Guests) Nah, that is only in Tokyo. Go to Osaka. They use horn all the time
(Mr. Parmigiani) That kind of yet another "contrast", I like. I am also interested in seeing the Katana (Japanese sword) smith, to see how they forge, shape, and polish those Katana..... And Japanese calligraphy. Having the pen horizontally and just one stroke would show the character of the person - that's interesting. I also found it interesting that at Ryokan they wet the stone pavement to make the pattern on the stone stand out - that's what I used to do when I was a kid. Different culture, but same sense.
Mr. Bruno Moinet - General Manager PFD Japan - he is now writing a book about Japan's Ryokan (small "inn") and Onsen (hot spring).
Mr. Bruno Moinet - General Manager PFD Japan - he is now writing a book about Japan's Ryokan (small "inn") and Onsen (hot spring).
About watchmaking...
(Mr. Parmigiani) "Restoration" is still a very important part of our business. Because we learn from the past watches, how they did it, and we learn to be humble. Watchmakers in the past did great things with much less advanced equipment - we cannot help being humble. It's the different world. We also see the bad side of "industrialization" as it pursues profit, not quality. It's sad to see those less quality, "cutting the corner" products.... In the good old days, even the springs were decorated - can you believe it?
Foods....
Have you realized this pattern is the profile of Parmigiani's lug (see the shots above) - and it is printed on the chocolate bar tonight...
Now Mr. Parmigiani started answering question from the guests - press corp
How would you want to expand in Japan? Setting up boutique as your central venue?
Foods....
Have you realized this pattern is the profile of Parmigiani's lug (see the shots above) - and it is printed on the chocolate bar tonight...
Now Mr. Parmigiani started answering question from the guests - press corp
How would you want to expand in Japan? Setting up boutique as your central venue?
(Mr. Parmigiani) Well, retail should be done by retailers. Boutique is the showcase. We may have a boutique in Tokyo, but we will put more emphasis on the retailer channel.
What is your dream watch?
(Mr. Parmigiani) A watch without hands. Sure, the mechanism is perfect and you can see the movement working, but no hands are attached. That would be my ultimate watch.....
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It was a lovely and very friendly dinner with the Team Parmigiani Japan. I am very much looking forward to seeing the watches here in Tokyo more often.
Thank you, Mr. Parmigiani, for your hospitality.
And, Mr. Moinet, Ms. Maeda, best wishes for your successful years ahead here in Japan!
Best,
Ken
More posts:
Parmigiani Fleurier opens its office in Tokyo!
I was invited to the launching dinner of Parmigiani Fleurier Japan (PFD Japan) - mostly for the press people. The presence of Mr. Parmigiani himself made us understand how serious it is and, to me, a great honor to meet the Master Watchmaker of the brand....
Thanks for the report Ken!
You shot them all! Thanks for your comprehensive report which clearly dsplays the wide range of the collection. Fx
