Question about vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme

I think that's a recent one, and that small e symbol means it's from the mid 90s or later, from what I understand. I've got an ounce of the EdT from the mid 80s for swap, for those interested.

That is a newer one. The definitive way to tell is to look at the bottle. The vintage has a big silver R sticker on the bottle. there is a thread somewhere with all the pics of the different formulations. I scored some vintage recently and it is at least 5x stronger than the current. Richer, smoother and deeper fragrance.

To clarify a key point in distinguishing true Original Vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme from "Newer" Original Vintage and New Vintage (still incredible juice and pre-reformulation). The true Original Vintage has the large, accented silver "Pr" logo on the bottle. The box will have it in black.

On the flacon, it will say in rounded, thick lower-case black letters:
paco rabanne
pour homme
# of oz. - 90 (with the degree symbol) - corresponding # of ml - PARIS (all in a line with no dashes)

Newer Original Vintage says on the bottle (with the same large, accented silver "Pr" logo):
EAU DE TOILETTE
paco rabanne
pour homme (rounded letters)
# of ml - corresponding # of oz - 90% vol. - PARIS (in thin font)

Newer Vintage (prior to reformulation) - the "Pr" a much smaller logo is either black or white and imprinted into the bottle with beveled glass (it is not flat and the glass is sunken into the bottle around the "r", with the "P" beveled in).

It says under the logo

paco rabanne
pour homme
eau de toilette
Bottom of bottle:
paco rabanne
paris
# of ml - corresponding # of oz. - 90% vol.


I know this covers a lot of variations, but bottom line is that I actually have the exact bottle that comes in the box you are looking at in EDT, while a lot of sellers consider it "vintage" - but it is, quite possibly, post-reformulation. The bottle will have a small, white "Pr" printed onto the bottle, with no beveled glass. I have done further research and while I do not have the box that my 200ml EdT came in, on the bottom sticker, there is no 'e' next to "200ml, 6.7oz" and the typical Paco Rabanne Trademark, name and Paris info. While that is important, what is actually more important is that Paco Rabanne during the 90's (which IS PRE-Reformulation juice) released these bottles in 200ml and 1000ml sizes. Those came in these sage boxes with the white border and contained excellent juice. Mine smells nearly identical to "Newer Vintage", beveled-glass bottles from the 80's that are full of rich basenotes that make them wonderful - the Oakmoss, Amber, Honeyed Tobacco, Coumarin, Musk, and the resins (Lentisk and Cistus), etc. I believe that these bottles (in larger format), contain Vintage formulation. The freshness is amazing too - the top notes are still so green and the heart is wonderful and full.

So, what is important is that it smells fantastic! The early 100ml reformulation bottle that I have is significantly different and cannot hold a candle to it (and that is a spray, while this is a 200ml splash, with air in the bottle!)

I am cautious, because this is subjective. But, what I have is still very good juice...my 200ml splash EDT is about half-2/3 full and I like to wear it with New Vintage after shave and also layer it with various Vintage EDT bottles. The depth you get is amazing from the older vintage - this has greener top notes and still a nice warm base to it.

So, while it may look like a reformulation...just remember that anything made prior to 2000/2001 is still older formulation Paco Rabanne (before IFRA banned Oakmoss)!

Nothing beats True Original Vintage Paco Rabanne - of which, I have a lot. I also have every bottling up to current in many forms (but always including EDT). I do not have the latest bottle with the huge "Pr" logo that barely fits on the bottle. I don't really care for it and it would be a waste of time and money. Personally, I believe Vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme is the best male fragrance ever created (as I've said many times before) and a true masterpiece. I simply love it and believe it to be divine juice!

I hope this helps - but go online and look at all the bottles...you will soon see exactly the different bottles I am referring to. Heperd said it right - while recent/reformulated (small white, etched 'Pr' logo) is still good (decent), the vintage juice with the large, silver "Pr" logo is mind-blowing. Newer Vintage bottles are outstanding as well. And, here is a kicker - Paco Rabanne maintains its true form for decades, like great French Bordeaux! I have bottle that are 30-35+ years old and they are absolutely perfect, true-to-form and fresh. All the beautiful green notes are pronounced! If stored properly, there is no reason they won't last another 30 years!

Cheers!

When the vintage shows up on the market, how is it typically priced? Is there demand for it?

depends is they read basenotes or not. i got a 90% full 4oz for $24 on ebay.

Is this a 'Original Vintage' ericrico?

Hi mikeperez23 -

The bottle on the left is NOT Original Vintage - it is Newer Vintage from the 80's. Notice the size of the beveled "Pr" logo. The large Silver "Pr" logo on the After Shave (the bottle on the right) indicates very early Vintage. I cannot see the writing on the bottom for sure (if it is thinner, it is 2nd formulation, if it is thicker and rounded, 1st/Original Vintage). So, I have to split my answer on whether or not these are Original Vintage bottles and say, No, to the bottle on the left (darker) for sure...and, most likely, Yes, to the bottle on the right. I hope this helps.

Cheers.

ericrico

Wonder if a way do identify the pre-reformulated versions is, put simply, watch if " 90% vol." is written in the bottom of the box. Newer versions never report percentages, and it must be " 90 % "
Is it correct?

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme IMO in any incarnation is a fine scent.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-New-Orig...item2324657628

Just look for one with the big silver "r" sticker and youre safe^^^^^

They show up on ebay occasionally for at least 1/3 the price of the one above. I think I got mine for $24.

What do you say about this one? I've been through several PRpH threads, and can't place it.

TIA!



Ooh, and this .67oz, plz..

Nanook -

Hello! The bottom bottle (20ml) is Newer Vintage - 80's formulation. The top bottle will draw debate - please refer to my post above (#4 in this thread). This specific formulation...I am familiar with and am finishing a 200ml bottle just like it. The box design looks like Newer Vintage, however, the "Pr" logo is not raised print and it is also flat on the bottle. The main issue is - how does it smell? Mine smells extremely good! I have done side-by-side with Newer Vintage and I find that it actually has more green top notes, wonderful heart notes and a smooth base of moss, amber, and musk. It is probably what was released right before IFRA's 2000/01 reformulation...but it is hard to say. My bottle has such great freshness & fullness that I cannot possibly complain. It smells so vibrant. Blended with some older Vintage juice that has lost some top notes, it is spectacular!

So, while I am not 100% certain on the year of release, I can definitely say that the juice I have is very good (even if it was the first reformulation that reduced Oakmoss). Sounds funny, but if you were to take the 50ml bottle above and blend it with the 20ml bottle below, you would be very happy...and you would appreciate Paco Rabanne Pour Homme unlike ANYTHING that was made after.

A 2:1 blend would give you a fantastic blend for the Spring & Summer months as well. I prefer to blend more base notes (Older Vintage juice) in the Fall & Winter. I never blend Original Vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. To me, that is sacred juice.

A bottle of that can be found here - http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-New-Orig...#ht_827wt_1255

Cheers,

ericrico

I've been enjoying this bottle of late:



It's a pressurised 'atomiseur / atomizer' that sprays like an aerosol.

Any thoughts on how old this is? I'm guessing 80s, as I'm sure they'd have moved to the 'natural sprays' ('vaporisateur') by the 1990s...

Hi Stewart -

Yes - it is a bottle from the 80's...I am almost certain. A rare find - interesting.

It is not the earliest juice and certainly shows all indications, including the beveled glass "Pr" logo. Should be smelling wonderful, with a rich and smooth base of oakmoss, honeyed tobacco, tonka bean, amber & musk.

Enjoy!

Cheers,

ericrico

Wow, thanks for the super helpful reply! New bottles incoming.

Thanks for your reply, ericrico. Yes, the juice in this bottle is in perfect condition, and provides excellent longevity.

ericrico,

I recently purchased a bottle of Paco Rabanne Pour Homme and I am waiting for it to arrive. It is a splash bottle. The information I received prior to my purchase was as follows :

- it is about 95% full
- it was purchased in Europe in 1985
- since that date it has been stored in a house bathroom cabinet, so not much exposure to light
- the bathroom is the warmest room in the house in summer (no direct sunlight on the cabinet), in a city with a coolish climate
- owing to the city climate, ceiling mounted warming bath lights were used about 30 mins per day for about half the year.

Based on your knowledge of this fragrance, would you still expect it to be in good shape ?

Many thanks

Hi Paul -

Well, I am an optimist when it comes to making a purchase when you get detailed information - heat would be the only concern, but it doesn't sound like it was left in the sun with hot lamps on it! Hopefully, it will be fine.

Mid-80's juice...raised, beveled glass "Pr" logo it should be. Splash? The best news is that it is 95% full...very little air in the bottle. I have purchased bottles that were half-used (120ml and even much larger, including 480ml about half-used). They smell rich and wonderful in base notes, but you will find the top notes are often dissipated or faded. The lavender, for example, smells dried, not fresh. The beauty is in the base notes though, so layering some fresher juice on top for top/heart notes is always a viable option. A great way to do that - simply buy a bottle of After Shave, which smells much better than current EDT (worthless reformulated rubbish). But, the After Shave can layer a wearing nicely and give you a nice green and vibrant opening...

I recommend this to all as I very often incorporate After Shave into a wearing...whether I shave or not! Great for toning your skin any way.

Good luck - fingers-crossed!

Cheers, my friend,

ericrico


- - - Updated - - -

Hey Stewart -

You're truly welcome! It looks wonderful and I cannot say that I've seen a bottle identical to this.

Enjoy it -the "Newer Vintage" juice from the 80's is fantastic. One can often find this much easier than the earlier Original Vintage bottles with the big silver "Pr" sticker logo. It is worth searching for...

And, just to put it out there to all - Vintage Paco Rabanne Pour Homme and other Aromatic Fougeres from the 70's and 80's last very well if stored properly, even with air in the bottle. Unlike some scents that turn quickly...the beauty, depth & richness here will never be duplicated. We can thank Oakmoss for what it provides - and IFRA for taking it away.

Cheers,

ericrico


- - - Updated - - -

Awesome Nanook -

Enjoy! Also, as I mentioned in another reply here in the thread. Current (or recent with the smaller "Pr" logo on the bottle) After Shave adds vibrant/fresh top notes and creates a wonderful layered wearing (another way to add to the Paco vibe) - just don't waste time with the Current EdT.

Cheers,

ericrico

ericrico,

many thanks for your fantastic reply, as always - your work on these forums is great.

Just to clarify, you are saying that the current formulation after shave is the one you are referring to ? I don't need to search on eBay or anywhere obscure ? Just go to my local pharmacy and buy one of their current stock ?

Here is a photo of the actual bottle I bought.

Hey Paul -

Sorry for the late reply...I have not come back to this thread. Yes - as I suspected, that is "Newer Vintage" Paco Rabanne Pour Homme from the 1980's-90's. It should have nice, rich base notes as I pointed out. If bought new in 1985, then it is one of the older bottles (as I've seen marketing for these bottles back to around 1984, perhaps a bit earlier).

Regardless, I think it will have what those of us have known for nearly 30 years - it is excellent and a fantastic fragrance, if in proper form. As for the After Shave - you could go on Ebay and probably save some money. The latest After Shave I have of Paco is the small printed "Pr" logo (in black letters) in a 75ml Splash. The juice is a light green color and smells very fresh...rather brilliant. I love it for top notes, but it actually carries nicely into a dry down with a nice touch of moss, tobacco and a light musk. Perfect for layering. I don't have ANY bottles with the LARGE "Pr" logo that covers the entire bottle. So, I cannot recommend that with certainty.

But, yes, you should have no trouble finding the slightly older formulation that I am referring to. It adds a nice dimension to the scent on top and creates a nice base layer to which applying the EdT is even better. Another recommendation is to decant this Vintage EdT into a spray atomizer...that is essential. Applying by splash doesn't allow the scent to breathe and an 'aromatic' fougere needs oxygen to express its notes and composition.

Cheers,

ericrico

Once again ericrico, I can only offer a very paltry thank you for another very helpful and detailed post from you.

Thank you - I'll look out for the after shave you refer to.

PS : sending you a PM shortly.