Founded in 1996, the Parmigiani brand has achieved full vertical integration of its activities in just ten years. The ambition to produce prestigious watches while enjoying complete independence has led to this dazzling development.
Despite the risks inherent in such growth and a faltering world economy, Parmigiani has been able to resist and to assert its position in the world of Haute Horlogerie. Today, the Fleurier-based brand appears to have reached a degree of maturity conducive to ensuring longevity.
Regarding the latest arrival in the brand’s catalog – the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor in platinum – as a possible symbol of this maturity, we couldn’t resist the temptation of putting through its paces on our test bench.
Exterior
The design of the Tonda PF collection clearly evokes the 1970s, a golden age that saw the birth of many contemporary watchmaking icons. As soon as you pick it up, you realize that Parmigiani’s designers and technicians have adopted this style in an interpretation that is far more modern than it first appears. The dimensions and ergonomics of the watch have been the object of obvious attention. The diameter (40mm) but above all the thickness, the case profile and the successful integration of the bracelet make the watch a paragon of elegance and comfort. This new reference is attired in platinum and this applies not only to the case and the bracelet, as the dial is also fashioned in this precious metal. Its bead-blasted surface strikes a very noble contrast with the polished white gold hands and hour-markers. Despite the slimness of its case, the Tonda PF is equipped with a screw-lock crown guaranteeing water resistance to 100m!
Movement
Caliber PF703 constitutes an ideal ’engine’ for this reference. Its automatic winding system recovers energy from a platinum micro-rotor whose inertia ensures its optimal performance. While this choice of construction requires considerable mastery in the development and production of the caliber, it also makes it possible to confine its thickness to that of a hand-wound movement. The 48-hour power reserve is therefore amply sufficient and enables the oscillations of the balance to be maintained at a frequency of 3 Hz. Caliber PF703 powers a central display of the hours and minutes, as well as the date appearing through an aperture at 6 o’clock.
The Côtes de Genève motif and the circular graining are enhanced by chamfering and guilloché work on the oscillating weight, which raise the quality of the finishing to a level that is (all too) rare for this category of watches.
Les tests
The chronometry (timekeeping precision) of this caliber is all the more remarkable in that this movement has no seconds hand. The stability of the rate after 24 hours in operation is particularly noteworthy. Given the efficiency of the automatic system, the movement will always operate in an ideal winding range in terms of chronometry. Despite its small diameter, the crown is screwed down: the surprisingly easy handling and the straightforward operation of the functions testify to impeccable execution.
Whereas producing an existing watch model in platinum sometimes raises comfort-related issues due to the high density of platinum, the ergonomics and finesse of the platinum Tonda PF Micro-Rotor ensure it remains perfectly comfortable. The compromise between chronometry, reliability and elegance is exemplary and this Tonda PF seems set to enjoy a great future on all continents. Parmigiani Fleurier has definitely found the balance and maturity of a Maison destined for longevity in the world of exceptional watchmaking.
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