Carlotta Parmegiani is a rising star of the watch-collecting world, currently serving as Monaco Legend Group’s PR and Events Specialist, where she affords a fresh, female perspective to the age-old industry.

In Bezel’s exclusive interview, we sit down with the horological scion to discuss her introduction to the world of watches, her design-forward focus, plus the most prized watches in her personal collection.

In Conversation with Carlotta Parmegiani

Bezel: How did you get into watches? 

CP: I owe this passion to my father, Davide Parmegiani, who's worked in the watch industry for over 35 years, Being around him, and seeing him dive into this fascinating field is what made me fall in love with watches in the first place and what has possibly taught me the most to date.  

Ever since I was a kid, he'd bring me along on his work trips and annual rendezvous to The Miami Antique Show and auctions in Geneva and New York. Seeing his passion and dedication to his career made me realize how much this industry has to give.

Bezel: Devoting yourself so profoundly to your passion is undoubtedly inspiring. Which watch do you most closely associate with your father? 

CP: When it comes to watches, I would say my father is one of the most passionate people on earth! The Patek Philippe reference 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph embodies his passion the strongest–it's a model that he holds dearly in his heart .

Bezel: What was your first watch, and what’s the story behind it? 

CP: My first watch was a yellow gold Cartier Duoplan from the 30s that my father gifted me when I was eight years old, after a trip to Hong Kong. To this day, it's one of my favorite pieces in my collection, as upon receiving it, my mother made me write a little note that reads: "Milan, 8th of March 2003. Today Dad gifted me this beautiful watch."

Bezel: What’s your favorite watch in your collection and why?  

CP: That's such a difficult question–it changes all the time depending on what watch I feel represents me most in that specific phase of my life. A watch is a piece of identity, representing your style and character. At the moment, the watches with which I identify the most are my vintage Piaget Tubogas from the 70s, for its femininity and elegance, and my brown Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16758 for its dynamic vibrancy.

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Bezel: Would you say your fascination with watches is more so driven by designs or complications? 

CP: Definitely designs–I'm forever intrigued by the shapes and precious stones that defined the so-called "women's watches" of the 20th century, and how they inspire the industry to this day. 

Bezel: Can you share a few must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?

CP:  Of course! Here are some of my top picks: 

Piaget Limelight Tonneau Ref. GOA26054

Cartier Panthère de Cartier "Medium" Ref. WJPN0009

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ref. 103070

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Ref. 15454OR.GG.1259OR.03

Rolex Datejust 31 Ref. 278278-0011

Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 7118/1300R-001

Rolex GMT-Master II "Root Beer" Ref. 126711CHNR-0002

Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 7130G-001

Omega Speedmaster "First Omega in Space" Ref. 311.63.40.30.02.001

Bezel: Given your focus on all things vintage – how do you approach the world of modern watchmaking? What would you like to see more of from the important watchmakers of today?  

CP: I'm always curious as to how the industry is evolving, and I love to see its capability to reimagine long established designs with with new reinvented details that nod to their heritage. I wish to see more legendary women's watches reinvented with modern influences–there's just so much to take inspiration from. 

Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

CP: My enthusiasm for collecting is continually fueled by the excitement of discovering new watches that evoke a range of emotions, and the satisfaction of enhancing  my collection. As my taste evolves, I try to curate my collection in a way that grows with me and mirrors my evolving passion. 

Though I come from a family of collectors, I'm still relatively young and feel I have a long way to go, but I’m excited for the ride. 

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- Isaac Wingold