A new addition to the partnership between Parmigiani Fleurier and Sincere Fine Watches in the now with the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor in an exclusive “Pacific Blue” guilloché dial. We got our hands on with the magnificent timepiece, and bring you this review.
Review: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PFMicro-Rotor Steel Pacific Blue
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Steel Pacific Blue SHH Edition will retail at SGD 39,980 inclusive of GST. Limited Edition of 50 pieces and will be available at the SHH Boutique, #B2M-202, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
The watch is the extension of the successful collaboration between Parmigiani and Sincere for the launch of Sincere Haute Horlogerie last year. The first collaboration resulted in the Tonda Annual Calendar (now sold out!) in the distinctive blue which is now christened as “Pacific Blue”. The hue is a special colour, created by Parmigiani especially for the Tonda Annual Calendar SHH Edition, and is now exclusively reserved for SHH special editions. The inspiration is from a chromatic palette of colours specific to nature, based on the work of the legendary architect Le Corbusier. It was part of the purist palette of colours advanced by his Architectural Polychromy essay of 1931. The “Pacific Blue” hue is a subtle blend of blues and grey, which bring softness and clarity to the guilloché dial SHH Edition.
The dial and the case
This latest addition to the collaboration uses this same hue, but in a a simpler, cleaner watch – using the Tonda Micro-Rotor in stainless steel with bracelet as the base watch. The Tonda PF is intended to be an entirely fresh look for Parmigiani. Available in a time-and-date model, a chronograph, an annual calendar, and a platinum rattrapante, these were the first watches which were released in 2021, designed by the then new CEO Guido Terreni’s (of Bvlgari Octo Finnisimo fame) guidance. The design goal was to refresh the look using the Parmigiani DNA, and the rousing acceptance by media as well as collectors alike is proof that they have achieved this.
In real life, the colour of the Pacific Blue is a mesmerising hue, not quite an indigo blue, not really a grey blue, but somewhat in combination. We feel our photographs displayed here does capture the essence of the colour as it looks to our eyes in natural sunlight.
The dial is the same base dial as the regular Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, with a special guilloché pattern known as Grain d’Orge. The scale of the guilloché pattern on the dial is quite exquisite. The guilloché leaves a ring which is slightly recessed at the peripheral of the dial. The minute markers are mounted astride both the matte finished ring and guilloché, giving a sense of depth. And the pattern is very fine, with a rather shallow cutting of interwoven waves, in very finely detailed pattern, which manages to avoid being too busy or distracting. The details when up close, but look almost homogenous at a distance. And very attractive. To add to this, the high contrast with the polished delta hands and the appliqué indices makes for a very pleasing aesthetic.
The casework and bracelet is the same as the regular Tonda PF Micro-Rotor watches, and is a round three piece case, with a platinum bezel features a hand knurled design on the outer edge and a high polished inner edge. The case sides are brushed with the edges in high polish. This contrasting juxtaposition of finishings create an interesting texture, and dimensionality. The lugs are soldered, and bulge from the sides, attaching elegantly to the case middle. And from these graceful lugs, hang the bracelet. The bracelet felt very flexible on the wrist, and is intended to be a second skin for the wearer.
Overall, the case, dial and hands present a very competent and accomplished aesthetic to the watch. Coupled with the gorgeous blue guilloché dial, it is certainly an extremely beautiful package.
The movement
The movement is time and tested PF703, a movement which based on the original PF701 used in the Tonda 1950. The movement is designed by Michel Parmigiani, and while the PF701 featured a platinum rotor, the next generation PF702 uses a tungsten rotor, and with the PF703, Parmigiani reverts to the platinum rotor. The movement can be considered to be ultra-slim as it is merely 3mm thick, and the micro-rotor is fully integrated into the movement plates. This slim movement allows the watch to measure just 7.8mm in thickness.
The movement is an beautifully laid out micro-rotor design, and may see some similarities with the Chopard L.U.C 1.96 movement. Indeed both are derivations from Michel Parmigiani, who was originally commissioned by Karl-Friedrich Schuefele to design the automatic micro-rotor movement. The pair had some disagreements on the technicalities, and parted ways amicably. Karl-Friedrich went on to use the base design and develop it in-house in Chopard to become the L.U.C movement. And Michel took the design to his vision which resulted in the PF701.
Movement finishing on the PF703 is excellent, and features the standard haute horlogerie elements – with well executed Côtes de Genéve and perlage. The view from the case back is rather breathtaking, and shows the mastery of the design, the choice of finishing and the craft of the finnisage.
Concluding thoughts
As mentioned, on the wrist, the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Steel Pacific Blue SHH Edition is very comfortable. The 40mm case is a nice just-right sizing, and the pliable bracelet hugs the wrist very nicely. The watch does have some heft on the wrist, and feels just right in the balance of comfort and the sense of quality which comes with the weight.
With only 50 pieces in play, we think the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Steel Pacific Blue SHH Edition will be snapped up very quickly by collectors. And if you are interested in one, be quick and register your interest with the Sincere Haute Horlogerie Boutique as soon as possible.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Steel Pacific Blue SHH Edition Specifications
Movement
CALIBER PF703 – AUTOMATIC WINDING MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT WITH PLATINUM 950 MICRO-ROTOR
Power Reserve: 48 hours
Frequency: 21,600 bph
No of components: 176
Decoration: Côtes de Genève, Perlage
Oscillating weight: Platinum 950 micro-rotor – Grain d’Orge guilloché
Case
Polished and satin-finished medical stainless steel
Bezel: Platinum 950 hand-knurled bezel
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 7.8mm
Crown: Ø 4.3 mm, screwed-in
Crystal: ARunic anti-reflective sapphire
Engravings on caseback: One of Fifty
Water Resistance: 100m
Limited Edition 50 pieces
Dial
Pacific Blue exclusively reserved for Sincere Fine Watches
Finishing: Grain d’Orge guilloché
Indices: Hand applied Rhodium plated appliqués
Hands: 18ct gold rhodium-plated skeletonized delta-shaped
Bracelet: Polished and satin-finished medical grade stainless steel
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