Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda GMT Rattrapante

The Watch

The world of stainless steel luxury sports watches is challenging for new models to break into successfully. Dominated by trailblazing legacy references, conquering this watch style requires a high level of distinction and an ability to provide something suitably familiar yet significantly fresh – the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante delivers precisely that.

Fusing traditional sensibility with modernity, the 40mm wide steel case features brushing on its profile with a high polish on the top of its lugs. Said lugs are unassuming from a top view, however, viewing from the side reveals beautifully executed teardrop curves accented by polished chamfers. Integrated into the bottom left lug is a graceful pusher to engage the second timezone hour hand that is in keeping with the entire externals of this intelligent traveller. Just as refined as the case itself is the widely set bracelet of the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante with its effortless continuation of case multi-finishing. This subtle element contributes greatly to the overall wrist presence. Alongside the crown featuring an 18k rose gold push rattrapante function, the knurled bezel is a signature of the brand and the second application of a precious metal due to its platinum realisation.

At first glance, the dial of this GMT is remarkably stripped back. With no date in sight, additional 24-hour scales, or direct evidence that the watch is anything more than a two-hander, the sense of traditional sophistication is striking. Its blend of classic and contemporary is again exemplified by the details of its dial, with its Milano Blue colour wonderfully highlighting the Grain d'Orge guilloché texture. The compact 18ct gold rhodium-plated appliques are hand-applied, unbroken in their presence around the periphery of this piece. You can expect the same treatment for the delta-shaped hands, presented in 18ct gold rhodium-plated with skeletonisation. But, of course, the main attraction is the third hand which sits underneath. To engage the complication, push the eight o'clock pusher to reveal another skeletonised delta-shaped hand (this time in 18ct rose gold). The concept is to set the rose gold hand to a reference time of the wearer's choosing while the first hand reads the local hour time. Once travelling is complete, or the wearer no longer requires the tracking of another timezone, engaging the pusher within the crown snaps back the third hand behind the hour, returning the watch to its exceptionally clean, sleek appearance.

The Movement

Powering the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante is the PF051 manufacture calibre. This micro-rotor movement provides 48 hours of autonomy and comprises 207 components with 31 jewels. Visible through the display caseback of the watch, this calibre adds the Rattrapante mechanism to the PF703 micro-rotor base already found on their time and date examples of the Tonda PF. A shining example of Swiss craftsmanship and finishing, the PF051 is adorned with Geneva stripes, anglage, and perlage throughout. In addition, the micro-rotor, as mentioned, is realised in 22k rose gold.

How It Wears

At 40mm wide with a thickness of 10.7mm, the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante may sound commanding on the wrist, but the subtlety of its form delivers a concise package that conforms superbly. From the downturn of the lugs to the transition into the bracelet, it's a sleek travel watch that exemplifies ‘unassuming’. Despite only being released recently, the Tonda GMT is arguably one of the cleanest, most stripped-back travel watch available today, and its pragmatic application of the rattrapante is the key to this. This functionality is truly brilliant in practical terms, and its individuality translates flawlessly on the wrist, an essential trait of a newly launched sports watch.

Condition

This Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante was initially sold in October 2022 and is presented as a brand-new, unworn example. Complete as a full set, this is a notable opportunity to acquire a fantastic luxury steel sports watch bypassing long waiting lists.

Origin

The origin of Parmigiani Fleurier begins with its founder Michel Parmigiani 20 years prior to the watch brand's founding. During the 1970s, Parmigiani established himself as a prolific horological restoration specialist. His response to the changing industry was to scale down and specialise his skills; such talents became desirable to Patek Philippe, Breguet, Vacheron, and the Sandoz Family Foundation. This foundation just so happened to own arguably the most significant collection of pocket watches automatons ever curated, and Parmigiani was tasked with preserving them. This relationship was fruitful, as the foundation's backing led Parmigiani to establish his watch brand in 1996 out of the Swiss district of Fleurier. The intention was to channel Parmigiani's restoration skills and understanding of traditional, historically noteworthy techniques to act as a guiding source for fresh creations.

Despite the teardrop-profile lugs and Delta-shaped handset existing on earlier forms of the Tonda, the series underwent a significant turning point in 2021 with the inauguration of the Tonda PF. In a move which commenced the transition from indie charmer to widespread popularity, the Tonda PF was Parmigiani Fleurier's shot at a stainless steel luxury sports watch that aligned with the desires of the current collector. Crucially, however, if the model was going to succeed, it had to maintain not only the flair and individuality of Tonda's foundations but also offer some distinction. Despite playing in a crowded field, Parmigiani Fleurier delivered precisely that thanks to complications including the annual calendar with retrograde date and a high-beat split-seconds chronograph. Only a few months later, in 2022, Parmigiani Fleurier debuted the next phase, the GMT Rattrapante. Rather than being a chronograph (as is often the case with a rattrapante), Parmigiani Fleurier ingeniously worked the function into a travel watch, with a second-hour hand perfectly and neatly integrated.

Since its announcement, it is likely not surprising to learn that it became an instant hit, with waiting lists and demand for the piece continuing to grow.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium. Viewing by appointment only. We're located in the center of Ghent. No stock kept on site