Parmigiani Fleurier & Montreux Jazz Festival 2018

Press Release

Parmigiani Fleurier & Montreux Jazz Festival 2018

Zucchero, Massive Attack, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iggy Pop, Deep Purple and Billy Idol are just a few of the big names that will have the crowds dancing this summer on the shores of Lake Geneva.

For its 52nd edition, the Montreux Jazz Festival will reassert the fundamentals of its success: a high-quality programme and a rare opportunity to get close to the artists. Parmigiani Fleurier will join the festival as a Global Partner for the 11th year running, and is preparing to welcome customers and friends of the brand for an unforgettable musical experience.

Guest of honour and friend of the brand: Ryan Leslie

Parmigiani Fleurier is delighted to welcome a very special guest and new Friend of the Brand: Ryan Leslie.

Leslie is an American performer and record producer who has gained international renown for his work with acclaimed artists across a wide range of genres. He is a singer, songwriter, rapper, Harvard graduate and CEO and founder of SuperPhone – a company developing an innovative CRM system. Leslie's versatility and talent know no bounds; his accomplishments are an inspiration to all.

Ryan Leslie will pay a visit to Parmigiani Fleurier's independent manufacture, and will be in Montreux to enjoy a few captivating evenings of music. We are extremely proud to count him as one of our esteemed Friends of the Parmigiani Fleurier Brand, and look forward to a rich and rewarding partnership.

Ten Special Edition Montreux Jazz Festival Kalpa watches

As is customary, Parmigiani Fleurier presents ten special edition pieces from its Kalpa collection, the dials of which take on a musical theme in honour of the festival. A piano keyboard adorns the edge of the Kalpa Grande - for men - and a stone-set Kalparisma for women. This pattern, with alternating black and white keys, is obtained through a technique called 'épargnage'. After receiving a satin finish, the artisan dial-crafter masks the surfaces of the pattern that must remain clear for the final design. The areas not protected by the 'épargnage' technique are then sandblasted and will become the black keys and the gaps of the keyboard. It's the strong colouring that reveals these contrasts: The contrast between these two surface treatments, the sand-blasted and satin effect make the keyboard keys appear as if by magic.

Each of these special edition watches is limited to five pieces and engraved with "MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL 2018" on the back. These ten Kalpa Grande and Kalparisma join numerous special edition MJF watches produced by Parmigiani Fleurier since 2007. They showcase the creative spirit of the brand and its eagerness to take part in the Montreux Jazz Festival every summer.