This was my fourth time to Parma and I have to say the following: More than ever before I am convinced a trip to Parma is so much more than just watches.
While I go to Parma primarily to look at watches – I combine it with Milan as going to Parma involves taking the train down to Milan first and it is in Milan where I am based. From there on I take the train to Parma and commute. So being in Milan is a major factor also why I go to Parma.
This Parma report will be a little different in the sense that I will show you some watches but also other things of beauty that I saw – like some walking sticks, food, women shoes and actresses wearing fur. Think of this report as ‘Parmilano‘. A mixture of Milan and Parma.
At the end of the day going to Italy is so much more than just watches. For me Italy is also about the culture of design, beauty, art and food. In that respect I will show some things that are just beautiful that I saw and not only watches.
For the first night in Milano – Davide hosted us in a great restaurant called Ribot -named after a famous race horse. Thank you Davide for an exceptional dinner – you are a generous host.
For me the nicest watch by far on that table was the 6542 GMT Master for sale by Davide Parmegiani. The dial color was to die for. I don’t say that because he just invited me for dinner. This 6542 is a dream. Judge for yourself. Also worth mentioning is the Vacheron / Hodinkee chronograph collaboration (top watch with brown strap) which I saw for the first time in real. It is an incredibly attractive watch. For me perhaps – the best collaboration of blog and watch brand so far.
Lastly also worth mentioning: The Audemars offshore sitting there? That thing was in white gold. Most impressive indeed.
The next morning I headed to Parma. The first stand I walked by, as you enter, is the famous ‘Parma’ stand. As you can imagine – plenty of Parma ham available.
I made my way to Hall Number 6 where all the watch dealers are based. The first watch case I saw was this.
Notice the brown Daytona. Seen at Gioielleria Bonanno – a dealer based in Rome.
Lets take a look at the 6263 Daytona with punched papers more closely. From Bonanno luxury in Rome.
Some rare Rolex models like always appear at Parma. Like this 5512 four liner with white printing and crossed out ‘upside down‘ reference on the case. Courtesy of Matteomonticone.
This rare gold submariner with unusual color dial and very cool ‘bark’ bracelet was very nice. Case looks untouched. Also Matteomonticone.
This 5513 Submariner at Onlyvintage (Corrado and Luca) was very nice. Looks like a black dial from the front, right?
Turning the dial to the side reveals the brown side and texture more clearly.
Big crowns were also seen at Parma. (Credit: Jonathan Wong).
If a normal big crown is not good enough and you prefer a Rolex ref 6200 – the king of all big crowns – there was one too, at Luca Musumeci. (Credit: Jonathan Wong).
This Rolex 6542 GMT Master Gold with Bakelite also was a rare Rolex watch – seen at Parma (Credit: Jonathan Wong).
Staying with colourful dials – I liked this Day date with Saudi Coat of Arms very much. Notice the ‘dégradé‘ dial. Seen at Tempus watches.
There were plenty of Omani Khanjar dials seen too. As with this white gold day date seen also at Tempus.
Tempus also had this very rare Daytona. The bracelet in my opinion also made this watch extra-ordinary. (Credit Jonathan Wong).
Last Rolex we show is a nice and rare black and gilt dial Rolex Chronograph 6034 (Credit: Oldblackmachines).
If you got bored of watches there was plenty of other things to see at Parma like walking sticks. I can’t wait to buy a nice one for my house.
Plenty of luggage dealers offering Louis Vuitton like every year. I always wonder who is the person behind the initials. Don’t you?
You can actually tell from what period the Louis Vuitton trunk is (more or less) by looking at the inside label and number next to it. A nice trick a dealer taught me once.
Back to watches this time non – Rolex.
The coolest watch bracelet seen at Parma is of a legendary (I just say cheese knife) collector, author and scholar.
Some Italians are working on the new Ferro book which I got a glimpse of. Nice brown Omega speedmaster worn by the author.
On to another nice brand that I am learning more and more about: Universal. How about this pair? Thank you Mr. A for teaching me!
The dealer was a very nice Italian man who took that time to explain the watches to me and even open the case-backs.
I had seen enough watches so it was time to head back to Milan and enjoy some colors. Colors in food and fashion brands and jewellery.
Below the best cheesecake – outside of New York – can be found at the Principe di Savoia.
Milan is also about nightlife. I decided to first stop at the Bulgari Hotel where I visited my friend Anita Ekberg who looks stunning in fur.
After that it was straight to Armani Prive. It was there were I saw some more vintage – this time in bottles.
After trying out other Milan nightclubs I have to say this is the best one by far. There were more models per square foot than I have ever seen!
The next morning it was time for window shopping. I love getting an idea what brands are doing. Cartier had a great window display.
I bet many of you don’t know this: I did my MBA in luxury brands and wrote my final project on womens shoes. I love this model from Dolce.
At lunch it was time to visit the newly renovated Four Seasons in Milan where the service at lunch was incredible. Downstairs near the toilets you can chill out in this designer chair. Milan has so much style – it was so enjoyable to spend a few days there.
I will be back for the September / October Parma fair to discover more of what Italy has to offer. I am becoming Italy addicted.
