Watch: Parmigiani Fleurier CEO Davide Traxler In “Talking Time”

Davide Traxler, CEO of watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier, was welcomed by Haute Time for a transatlantic “Talking Time“, the latest one in the series of live webinars with the time industry’s leaders, curated by Haute Time.

Traxler joined Parmigiani Fleurier in 2018 as a member of the company’s Executive Committee and moved to become CEO of the brand. Traxler spoke from Fleurier, Switzerland, and he was hosted by Haute Time’s Seth Semilof in the conversation about the latest on the brand and the watch world.

The dialogue also went into the “Helping Heroes” program Parmigiani Fleurier developed for North America following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch the full webinar below.

This week, Parmigiani Fleurier released the new Tonda GT line (available to pre-order), geared towards the wearer that wants to be able to have the watch on their wrist on every occasion.

The new line comes in a 42mm case shape inspired by the Tonda Chronor watch, winner of the Chronograph Watch Prize at the 2017 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Watch designer Dino Modolo was tasked to reinterpret its design codes, leading to a cast that has updated lugs and integrated bracelet specially designed for comfort. The fluted bezel evokes the Toric collection, and the dials have a finish with the classic “clou triangulaire” guilloché. The watches come on a polished and satin-finished bracelet or on a rubber strap with a motif reminiscent of the finishing on the dial.

“This is yet another step forward for Parmigiani Fleurier as it continues to evolve and innovate,” said Davide Traxler. “The new Tonda GT line, with its more casual shape and attractive price point, reflects current market needs and is, at the same time, distinctively Parmigiani.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier

The Tonda GT Black and the Tonda GT Rose Gold Blue, also in 42mm, are part of this launch. They have a date aperture at 12 o’clock, as well as a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The PF044 automatic movement powers these models, with a power reserve of 45 hours; it is water-resistant to 100m via a screw-down crown. The two watches are limited editions. The Tonda GT Rose Gold Blue only has 150 pieces available, while the steel model has 250.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier

Highlight quotes from Traxler during the webinar:

(On the launch of the Tonda GT), “We are very excited about this exciting launch. I’m wearing it today. I have not been wearing a watch for months now waiting for it to come out. The feedback we’ve had so far about the GT line is people say it’s recognizably a Parmigiani watch, but it has that feel that you can feel comfortable on the golf course just as well as on the boardroom.”

“What we did during the lockdown in the States was we put a website where people can buy directly, but they choose the retailer and the salespeople. We want to make sure we can support as much as possible the people working in the stores because they are the people who have been most hit by this lockdown.”

“This is a conservative trade. So we’re learning, and trying to learn fast. We’re here in a mountain in Switzerland. If you want web talent, it’s not the easiest place to get it. We’re not talking about Seattle or Shanghai. We’re very good at watchmaking, so it’s something we’re adapting to every single day.”

“I think that next year’s fair with all the brands together is going to be extremely refreshing and positive, and we all pray that the trade show will make it safe for everyone. For the trade, it’s important that we stand together and work together and kind of face this difficult situation together.”

“50% of our sales go to ladies’ watches, and I think we have in that one of the most lovely collections. The Metropolitan collection has only internally flawless stones on them. Our diamonds are the highest quality available on the market, and we are the only brand that can guarantee that quality. Another question we should address as the trade is understanding the women consumer, coming closer to the woman consumer, having more women in our companies, and why don’t we have more CEOs that are women.”

Join Haute Time in the upcoming “Talking Time” webinar:

Thursday, July 9th at 11:30AM EST / 8:30AM PST

Chabi Nouri, CEO of Piaget, joins Haute Time for a talk on Zoom about the brand, the shifting luxury watch/jewelry industry as a whole and what’s next for her and for Piaget. REGISTER.

For more, visit www.hautetime.com.

Photo Credit: David Traxler photo courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier