Parmigiani Fleurier occupies a unique space in haute horology. But if you’re not familiar with the back story, then pull up a seat and let Aunty Rhonda tell you a story.
Michel Parmigiani was renowned for restoring the world’s most sophisticated historic timepieces and automata. Then, in 1996, he launched his brand, Parmigiani Fleurier, in the small village of Fleurier in the Swiss Jura. Today, Parmigiani Fleurier remains a small (yet respected) independent brand known for creating super-luxe timepieces that are treasured by collectors because of the company’s dedication to craft, complication, and aesthetics.
In contrast to its founder’s work with historical timepieces, Parmigiani Fleurier is also a young brand. And to celebrate its 25th birthday, it has just introduced a new, modern collection at Geneva Watch Days – the Tonda PF.
New Direction
Kanye has just released Donda; Parmigiani Fleurier has just dropped the Tonda PF at Geneva Watch Days, and both launches are milestones. The Tonda is one of Parmigiani Fleurier’s cornerstone collections. And like all PF watches, it has a strong point of view.
“The name of this family of watches comes from the Venetian term ‘Tondo,’ which refers to the round canvas on which Renaissance artists created magnificent works of art,” founder Michel Parmigiani is quoted on the brand’s website. “In a way, our round Tonda range is that blank canvas which enables the individual to explore the many facets of the Parmigiani Fleurier aesthetic.
This Parmigiani Fleurier family allows the wearer to express themselves with a quartet of new canvasses: the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, a slim, pared-down, high-end, two-hander with platinum micro-rotor; the Tonda PF Chronograph, featuring an almost flush dial and an integrated high-frequency chronograph movement; and the Tonda PF Annual Calendar with a retrograde date. All three models are available in steel with a platinum hand-knurled bezel or entirely crafted in 18K rose gold.
Finally, the fourth member of the new collection, the Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph, celebrates the brand’s 25th anniversary with 95% pure elemental platinum and a limited production of 25 pieces.
Overall, what is different about the Tonda PF line is that Parmigiani Fleurier has streamlined its silhouette without sacrificing its luxurious details, making it the brand’s most forward-looking collection. Moreover, the Tonda PF collection shares many common characteristics, including an integrated bracelet that lends it a sportier presence. Plus, the new and distinct PF logo is set in a vertical oval, appearing in double-edged appliqué at 12 o’clock. For extra depth, the indices of each timepiece are set across two levels of a subtle Grain d’Orge guilloché dial.
Read the full article on watchonista.com
