Review: the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph

Parmigiani Fleurier tweaks their Tonda Chronograph formula and brings a new, refreshing take to introduce the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph, reviewed here in Stainless Steel, with a Silver panda style dial.

This is the entry of the Parmigiani Tonda into the sports arena. The design cues are taken from the regular, revised Tonda credited to Guido Terrani, but made more sporty with the features more emphasised. The Tonda Sport is also the brainchild of Guido.

Review: the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Silver COSC

The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Silver COSC Ref. pfc931-1020001-400182 will retail for SGD 43,890 in Steel Silver as reviewed. A rose gold variant is also available at SGD 76, 180. Both prices are inclusive of GST.

The case, dial and hands

The Tonda Sport Chronograph is offered in either a choice of steel or pink gold. Our review sample is in steel with a silver dial. The case is 42mm in diameter, and the PF Tonda cues are apparent in retaining the key signature DNA, but subtly different in a more sporty execution. The strap is a Cordura-treated rubber, and is anchored between the lugs, and continues from the case in a seamless manner to give an impression of being integrated into the case.

The knurled bezel now comprise of 160 incisions instead of the finer look of the 225 incisions on the regular Tonda. This makes the Tonda Sport have a bolder look, indicating a stronger character. A look which is frankly slightly reminiscent of the bezel on some Rolex Datejust models or on the Day Date. The Rolex bezel is described as fluted have even wider and higher ridges, and thus even more pronounced.

Like the regular Tonda, the Tonda Sport’s dial is also decorated in a hand-guilloché ‘triangular nail’ pattern. But in a heavier hand for a more pronounced look, underlining the sporty nature. As with the regular Tonda, the Parmigiani Fleurier logo is a small discreet medallion placed at 12 o’clock. The dial is executed in a silver finish with Panda style black sub-dials. Overall, the tri-compax layout of the sub-dials in 3/6/9 position provides a nice visual anchor to the dial. The hour and minute hands are skeletonised javelin styled, suitably large for good legibility. The long, slender chronograph hands is mounted in the central pivot completes the picture.

Overall, the chronograph looks very bold and sporty as intended. However, we note that the dial does not feature any lume, and legibility though excellent in good light, suffers in dark environments.

The movement – Calibre PF070

The movement in the Tonda Sport Chronograph is the Calibre PF070. This is a high frequency (5Hz – 36,000 bph) manufacture movement with an integrated column wheel chronograph with vertical clutch. COSC certified, it has a power reserve of 65 hours.

Movement finishing is excellent when judged by viewing through the sapphire case back. The finishing is made by hand with bevelled edges and Côtes de Genève decoration. The large rotor is in 22k pink gold and is skeletonised. We expect the movement to perform flawlessly based on our experience with Parmigiani manufactured movements. In our hands-on session, we found the chronograph controls to operate with consistent pressure for the start, stop and reset with a good positive feel.

Competitive landscape

We place the Tonda Sport Chronograph in a genre of luxury sports chronographs. And this is a landscape which is not lacking in any way in competitive offerings. The SGD 43k pricing is rather reasonable and somewhat middle ground for what Parmigiani offers.

Considerations vary from the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph 5990 (S$ 78,000) in SS but with the added complication of a second timezone, or the 5980 in steel and gold (S$92,800) and Aquanaut 5968 (S$ 65.500). But also, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph (linked review is in yellow gold, but stainless steel versions at S$ 39,900 exist. Though AP ROs are notoriously difficult to procure) to Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph 5500V (S$ 45,000) all have models in stainless steel, integrated bracelet armed with a chronograph movement. Indeed the Moser Streamliner launch model was a Flyback Chronograph (S$ 60,000) and the Chopard Alpine Eagle Chronograph (S$29.7k) are also options.

Most of these are offered with matching steel bracelets, with the exception of the Aquanaut which is rubber strap only, and the VC which is equipped with the rubber strap, leather strap and a steel bracelet for the prices quoted. And as noted, the PP, AP and VC are not easy to come by at retail pricing from Authorized Dealers.

Concluding thoughts

This is a rather brilliant execution of the Parmigiani Tonda blueprint in a more sporty watch. We hesitate to call the Tonda Sport Chronograph a tool watch, but rather perhaps as our Competitive landscape suggested belongs to the category of the sports luxury genre. One which is able easily as comfortable within its sporty spirit and casual environments as well as in the classical and dressy settings. Somewhat similar to what the Bond franchise has suggested that a Rolex GMT-Master (or more recently, the Omega Seamaster for that matter) is equally at home swimming in the ocean and saving the world as it is dressed in a tuxedo.

Highly recommended.

Parmigiani Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Steel Silver Specifications

Functions

Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph

Case specifications

Dimensions: Ø 42.0 mm

Material: Stainless steel

Thickness: 12,9

Water-Resistance: 100 m

Glass: Sapphire ARunic anti-reflective

Back: Sapphire

Dial specifications

Hands: Delta-shaped

Finishing: Clou triangulaire guilloché

Color: Silvered & black

Index: Rhodium-plated appliques

Movement specifications

Calibre: PF070/6710

Winding: Self-winding

Total dimensions: 13 ½’’’ – Ø 30.6 mm

Thickness: 6,95

Frequency: 5 Hz – 36,000 Vph

Power Reserve: 65 hours

NB of components: 315

NB of jewels: 42