Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro Rotor "Serenissima" - Salmon dial - Revolution & The Rake limited to 25 pcs

Origin

Like any manufacturer, the story of Parmigiani Fleurier begins with its founder, Michel Parmigiani, 20 years before the brand's founding. During the 1970s, Parmigiani established himself as a prolific horological restoration specialist during a threatening time for the mechanical industry; such talents became desirable to Patek Philippe, Breguet, Vacheron, and the Sandoz Family Foundation. This foundation owned arguably the most significant collection of pocket watch 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 current collectors. 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, a high-beat split-seconds chronograph and a rattrapante GMT.

One year after the launch, Parmigiani Fleurier collaborated with Wei Koh, founder of Revolution & The Rake, to produce a special edition of the classic two-handed Tonda. Limited to a highly exclusive 25 pieces, the 'Serenissima' introduced a salmon dial into the Tonda lineup, merging contemporary form with a collector's favourite dial colour.

The Watch

The art of contrast dominates watchmaking and design. Whether merging dressy aesthetics with sporty ones, modern styling with classic principles, or the complex with the straightforward, every successful watch commonly delivers a degree of contrast to aid its appeal. As one of the most successful newcomer integrated sports watches of the past five years, the Tonda PF understands the brief, and this extremely limited edition demonstrates its mastery of contrast better than most.

Rendered in steel, this piece features a unique pinky dial hue referred to as 'Serenissima' and was created in collaboration with the watchmaking magazine Revolution and luxury menswear publication The Rake. One of only 25 examples produced in 2022, the watch measures 40mm wide and carries brushing on its profile with a high polish on the top of its lugs. Said lugs are unassuming from the top view but, from the side, reveal beautifully executed teardrop curves accented by polished chamfers. Here is where the svelteness of the case and be fully appreciated, with its entire thickness clocking in at just 7.8mm. Just as refined as the case itself is the widely set bracelet with its seamless continuation of the case multi-finishing. This subtle element contributes significantly to the overall wrist presence, almost making the watch wear like a cuff on certain wrists. While the case is steel, the thin knurled bezel is rendered in platinum, adding both heft and visual intrigue.

With just a date at six, petite applied batons, and a simply 'PF' signed emblem, the traditionality of this Tonda PF is striking. The Grain d'Orge guilloché texture shines thanks to the timeless charm of its salmon dial, a refreshing tone in a sea of silver and black dials, the salmon dial is underrepresented considering the high regard it holds with collectors. Here, its shade is known as 'Serenissima', or 'Serenity' in English. The delta-shaped hands on the dial are incredibly legible and beautifully skeletonised, telling only the hours and minutes.

The Tonda PF stands out because of the level of detail, from its colour-matched date complication at six to the varying depths from the minute track to the guilloché and its elegant restraint.

The Movement

The PF703 calibre powers the Tonda PF, and at just 3.07mm thick, its svelteness and overall refinement are profound. Complete with 48 hours of autonomy, 29 jewels, and an off-centred decorated micro-rotor, this calibre can be viewed through the display caseback. Produced by the sister company of Parmigiani Fleurier, Vaucher, this movement is complete with Geneva striping, perlage, and a unique flowing bridge design.

How It Wears

At 40mm wide and just 7.8mm high, the Tonda PF 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 integrated watch that exemplifies 'unassuming'. Due to the relationship between the case, lugs, and bracelet, alongside its clean dial, the Tonda PF is a uniquely coherent sports watch – the charming contrast achieved by its salmon dial only makes the pieces more special.

Condition

This Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF "Serenissima" is in very good condition with some light signs of wear on the bracelet. It comes with its inner and outer box, warranty card, and manuals. 

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. 

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