June 11, 2008
The Robert Robin fob watch, one of the highlights of the Palazzo Falson Collection, was the focus of much attention on the 11th June. Signed Robin a’ Paris No. 2, this watch was made in Paris around 1797 by Robert Robin (1742-1799), one of the most important French watchmakers of his time. The watch is particular in that it has a ten hour dial and reflects a specific period in French history when French Revolutionary time, or decimal time, was introduced.
The watch was restored by Michel Parmigiani (on left), restorer of watches and renowned watchmaker who is the founder of the exclusive watchmaking firm Parmigiani Fleurier SA, based in Switzerland. Michel Parmigiani was in Malta to launch a new range of watches and took the opportunity to once again examine the Robin fob watch. He described the excitement he had felt on first being shown this watch in Captain Gollcher's collection and went on to describe the meticulous restoration process the watch underwent, resulting in it being restored to full working order. The event was held at Edwards & Lowell, St Julians.
