The Tonda GT range welcomes a second arrival of new watches in the form of two Tondagraph Silver Black chronographs. As its name implies, this active and extremely chic collection launched in 2020 reflects the Gran Turismo (GT) spirit. It is distinguished by a round case featuring Parmigiani’s typical teardrop-shaped lugs and knurled bezel, along with a seamlessly integrated tapering metal bracelet featuring curved links that is very comfortable and adds the perfect finishing touch to the sporty nature of these GTs. This line has had the effect of broadening Parmigiani’s audience, as well as lending a more dynamic touch by adding a missing link: that of a modern watch bearing the deeply embedded aesthetic codes of the Fleurier-based company. Following on from the models presented in 2020, Parmigiani is offering a new Panda-type dial for these two Tondagraph GT chronographs.
Parmigiani Tondagraph GT Steel Silver Black
Case: stainless steel, knurled bezel, transparent sapphire crystal and caseback, water-resistant to 100m (10 bar)
Size: 42 mm
Movement: mechanical selfwinding with 22K gold rotor, Caliber PF043, 45h power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, two-counter chronograph, annual calendar with large date and month
Dial: silver-toned with black counters, guilloché triangular hobnail pattern, applied rhodium-plated hour-markers filled with black SLN, skeletonized Delta-type hands Strap/Bracelet: choice of rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet, secured by a stainless steel folding clasp
Panda
This dial still features the characteristic guilloché work that the brand refers to as Clou Triangulaire. This triangular hobnail pattern occupies the majority of the watch face and is surrounded by a snailed area located just before the minute track. The three matt black counters create a striking contrast with the silvertoned base, creating a “Panda-type” color scheme. Nonetheless, behind these subsidiary areas lies an important difference, as the two Tondagraph GT Silver Black timepieces are in fact two very different watches. The stainless steel version is equipped with Caliber PF043, a chronograph movement also powering an annual calendar with a large date display and of which the month can be read in a discreet window in the small seconds subdial at 3 o’clock. The Tondagraph GT Rose Gold Silver Black could pass for the gold variant of the first one, but it is not. Appearances are deceptive, especially the common presence of a large date with a black disk and matching lettering on the dial. In reality, the integrated chronograph Caliber PF071 powering this model has a frequency of 5 Hz, a 65-hour power reserve and is officially chronometer-certified – representing a unique combination, especially for a chronograph – while its small seconds display appears at 6 o’clock.
Parmigiani Tondagraph GT Rose Gold Silver Black
Case: 100m (10 bar)
Size: 42 mm
Movement: mechanical self-winding with 22K gold rotor, COSC-certified Caliber PF071, 5 Hz, 65h power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, two-counter chronograph, large date
Dial: silver-toned with black counters, guilloché triangular hobnail pattern, applied gilded hour-markers filled with black SLN, skeletonized Delta-type hands
Strap/Bracelet: choice of rubber strap or 18K rose gold bracelet, secured by an 18K rose gold folding clasp
Inscriptions
It is worth noting that the “Annual Calendar Chronograph” inscription present on the first models has vanished from the new Tondagraph GT Steel. Perhaps it was pointless for those who actually use the watch and therefore know its functions. On the other hand, the words “5 Hz Chronograph” of the Tondagraph GT Rose Gold Silver Black also appear on this model. They do in fact serve as a reminder that the watch belongs to an extremely closed circle due to its high frequency, in addition to being naturally selective due to its signature. Instead of producing them in limited series like the previous ones, Parmigiani has decided to give free rein to these two new Tondagraphs, whose quantities will not be predefined. Another token of freedom is that the two models are offered with a choice of metal bracelets matching the case, or with a black rubber strap featuring a pattern matching the dial.
The Emergence of a Center of Excellence
wenty-five years ago, prestige mechanical watchmaking was still dormant, yet a few pioneers were preparing for the arrival of a golden age such as the watch had never known. Among them was watchmaker-restorer and designer Michel Parmigiani, who founded the brand bearing his name in 1996. With its Toric, Tonda and Kalpa collections, as well as a number of one-of-a-kind Grand Complication or artistic craft models, Parmigiani Fleurier has focused on excellent skills deployed for people of taste.
Roots
The Maison is nurtured Mr. Parmigiani’s tireless commitment to maintaining the Sandoz collection. He has spent thousands of hours and trained dozens of watchmakers on this incredible collection of pocket watches, clocks, mechanical objects, automata and songbirds. In parallel with these historical roots, Parmigiani Fleurier has always welcomed innovation, such as the models produced in collaboration with Bugatti in their day, or today’s Tonda Hijri Perpetual Calendar. Similarly, the very chic Tonda GT sports models demonstrate show that rarity and refinement can be expressed in a variety of ways, which the brand has consistently practiced.
Contributors
Between 2000 and 2005, the brand became a full-fledged Manufacture in order to fulfil its watchmaking vision. It is twinned with a movement supplier, Vaucher Manufacture, which delivers movements ready for finishing; a dial maker, Quadrance, which creates the watch faces; as well as a case manufacturer, Les Artisans Boîtiers, which adorns them. Not forgetting a producer of regulating organs, Atokalpa, which delivers balance-springs, balances and escapements. Parmigiani Fleurier has thus established itself as the vital hub and main destination of their production. This is vertical integration in the sense of controlled mastery, naturally resulting in authentic quality.
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