Launched just last year, under the guidance of Guido Terreni, its new CEO, Parmigiani Fleurier‘s Tonda PF collection has received considerable acclaim and positive feedback. Read on to learn how the brand has built upon the success of this new series, described as ‘a sartorial approach of watchmaking’, at this year’s Watches & Wonders.
Understatement, restraint, and artistry – are words that come to mind when most watch lovers think about Parmigiani Fleurier. The Tonda PF series, launched in 2021, is considered a sporty embodiment of everyday luxury, and has been very well-received by both the industry as well as collectors alike.
In Watches & Wonders 2022, Parmigiani Fleurier released three stellar examples that exemplify its technical sophistication and the key design principles that the brand has held close to its heart since its founding by master watchmaker, Michel Parmigiani.
Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante
Presented as a world premiere, is the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante. In French, rattrapante is the term for ‘split seconds’ function. Interestingly, rather than ‘to split up’, it actually means ‘to catch up’.
This is why Parmigiani Fleurier has chosen the French term as the name of this watch, even though it utilises a similar principle as a split-seconds function. This innovative timepiece combines the practicality of the GMT function and the groundbreaking use of two hour hands, stacked on top of each other. They move in a manner similar to split-second hands, which explains its name. With a case diameter of 40mm, the minimalist design will sit well with savvy jetsetters who like their travel-time watches to be discreet yet have a substantial wrist presence.
A pushbutton at 8 o’clock reveals the home time in the form of a rose gold hour hand, and when a 2nd timezone is no longer needed, it ‘catches up’ with and is hidden underneath the rhodium-plated hand at the push of a button. Why gold for home time? “Because home is our most precious environment,” Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier, explains. Besides the Swiss watchmaker’s signature knurled bezel, the ‘Milano Blue’ dial is decorated with an intricate barleycorn guilloché pattern. This is also the first time in the history of horology that the rattrapante has been used outside a chronograph watch, together with a GMT function. Rather ingenious, isn’t it?
Tonda PF Skeleton
In pursuit of purity, Parmigiani Fleurier also launched the Tonda PF Skeleton, which stands out from the traditional, classical-looking skeleton watches, thanks to its very modern and sleek appearance. Keeping in mind the brand’s core aesthetic codes, this timepiece combines contemporary design and watchmaking creativity. The graphite-coloured, openworked dial is both complex and restrained, allowing maximum readability of time when combined with contrasting rose gold hands and indices, with the latter suspended over the edge of the movement and looking as though they are ‘floating’.
The PF logo on the dial has been engraved directly onto the base plate, and to maintain the transparency and airiness of the overall skeleton concept, the PF logo on oscillating weight has been set in sapphire crystal. Two variations of the Tonda PF Skeleton are available – in stainless steel or 18-carat solid rose gold, and this 40mm beauty is driven by Parmigiani Fleurier’s automatic manufacture movement PF777.
Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon
As an embodiment of modest substance, Parmigiani Fleurier also interpreted one of the most-loved and visually appealing horological complications – the flying tourbillon, in the form of the Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon.
Parmigiani Fleurier has successfully materialised its signature design codes in this full platinum watch that has a diameter of 42mm. The brand cleverly played around with various textures – the case and bracelet are finished with contrasting mirror and satin-polish, and the dial, crafted out of 950 platinum, is sandblasted.
Housed within the sleek, 8.6mm thick case is the automatic Calibre PF517, developed entirely in-house. Besides being equipped with a flying tourbillon, its micro-rotor is also made of platinum, completely embodying the notion of discreet luxury. Only 25 pieces of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon have been made.
Discover the collections from Parmigiani Fleurier online, or locate the nearest boutique.
