King Charles III’s Coronation — Will He Wear The Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Again?

After being history’s longest-reigning Prince of Wales, Charles III is officially set to become the King of the United Kingdom tomorrow, May 6, 2023, at 11am London time. It’ll be the first British coronation in 70 years and will be shorter and perhaps a more cultural ceremony than the previous coronation held for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey, where most British monarchs have been crowned.

All of us who love keeping up with all that’s happening in the British Royal family are already aware of the rumours and gossip surrounding the ceremony, such as who’s attending the coronation and who’s not. But, aside from the tittle-tattle, we are also super excited to see King Charles’s choice of timepiece for this big day.

The Most-Spotted Watch On King Charles III

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph

Among the many luxury timepieces that grace his royal collection, including the Patek Philippe Calatrava, Cartier Santos, and a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, is a watch that has garnered the most spotlight — a Parmigiani Fleurier. His love for Parmigiani Fleurier is well-known among watch aficionados as he is not just spotted wearing it more often but wearing it at some of the most important events. He was first seen wearing the infamous Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph in 2015 while visiting the White House to meet the then-President, Barack Obama.

Prince Charles at the White House with Barack Obama in 2015 wearing Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph

He again paired the watch with a three-piece Anderson & Sheppard suit, which he apparently acquired in 1984, for the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. His look for the royal wedding actually also started a narrative on re-wear. The watch made more significant appearances in 2022, first during Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations in May and later for the signing of the Proclamation as King in September.

King Charles wearing the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph. Clockwise: At Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, during Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations, during the public mourning period after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the signing of the Proclamation

King Charles’ Beloved Timepiece – Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph

If one sets out to discern the design DNA and aesthetics of Parmigiani Fleurier, the maison could never come across as a young brand that has been in the business for only 27 years. It carries a classical charm and a sense of mechanical maturity that only brands with a much older history exude. Perhaps, such sophistication is a gift from the founder, Michel Parmigiani, who forayed into the world of watchmaking because of his passion for restoration. And maybe, it is this yearning that makes Parmigiani Fleurier a brand that delivers timepieces wrapped in the beauty of timelessness with a soupçon of contemporary style.

Parmigiani Fleurier was founded by Michel Parmigiani with the support of the Sandoz Family Foundation in 1996. As a young, independent brand, it has achieved impressive success, and King Charles being so fond of its timepieces is a beautiful manifestation of the same. Charles owns an early 2000s model of the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph. It’s an elegant 40mm 18k yellow gold watch featuring a round profile elevated by a knurled bezel, a detail that has become a signature element of Parmigiani watches today found in collections like Tonda PF.

King Charles’ Beloved Timepiece – Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph

While today Parmigiani Fleurier is a vertically-integrated brand that develops its own movement, this watch comes equipped with the Zenith El Primero calibre 400z. The automatic calibre features a column wheel and lateral clutch chronograph mechanism. Although the base is Zenith, the finish and craftsmanship on the movement are Parmigiani through and through. A similar sense of refinement is conspicuous on the dial carrying an engine-turned pattern. The soothingly legible configuration, the well-formed blue hands, and the unique date aperture between one and two o’clock render this timepiece a sophisticated watchmaking gem. No wonder King Charles took such a liking to it.

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph, an elegant 40mm 18k yellow gold watch equipped with the Zenith El Primero calibre 400z

“I have always believed in the ‘buy once, buy well’ philosophy,” the King told Telegraph in 2020. And the Parmigiani Fleurier on his wrist completely affirms it. It’s a timepiece that complements his taste for finer things, while its versatility makes it easier for him to wear it as often as he likes.

King Charles III in timepieces from popular luxury watch brand….

Tomorrow, while we will be crying ‘Long Live The King’ with the rest of the world, we will also be on the lookout for timepieces that will witness this momentous occasion first-hand. Each member of the Royal family is known for their distinct taste in luxury watches, and it’ll be exciting to see if they hold fast to their known preferences or strike out with something new. Come back to find out.