Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda GT Line
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda GT Line is a new collection of sports watches from the esteemed Maison based in the Val-de-Travers. First impressions are very good. The models sport clean-cut aesthetics and uphold the brand’s reputation for notable quality. Indeed, based on what I have seen, there is a compelling argument for me to look more closely at the new Tondagraph GT and its sibling, the Tonda GT.
Avid readers of watch related magazines and websites can’t have failed to miss the plethora of new sports watches flooding onto the market. An integrated bracelet is a prerequisite for all of these types of watches. Most are available in both time only and chronograph versions and many are accompanied with a five-figure price tag.
This genre of watch has been popular for a while. Indeed, a small number of brands, making so-called ‘unicorn’ watches have enjoyed discount-free sales and waiting lists stretching years ahead. However, a growing band of watch marques have recently entered this market segment, tapping into consumer frustration and offering an array of attractive models, some of which are accompanied with keen pricing.
At this point, everything sounds like horological utopia. However, while I like most of these sports watches, I cannot help wondering if the bubble will eventually burst and the values of once-coveted models will fall with the alacrity of a lead weight. It leads me to suggest that peerless design and virtuous mechanical know-how are the best means of avoiding plummeting values.
Allow me to introduce Parmigiani Fleurier into the mix. This Maison’s credentials and horological rectitude are beyond reproach. It is an exemplar of haute horlogerie and wholeheartedly embraces the notion of vertical integration, making all watch components, save for sapphire crystals, rubies and straps. I can think of no other company able to surpass its quotient of in-house content. Cases and dials are always crafted to a high standard and the movement finishing compares favourably with the best in the market.
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda GT Line comprises of two models, the Tondagraphe GT, and the Tonda GT. Both are ‘on point’ with a 42mm case diameter, superb dial detail, a beautifully defined case and, of course, sublime finishing. The Tondagraphe GT combines a chronograph, annual calendar and big date. It is housed in stainless steel and is available on an integrated bracelet or rubber strap.
The Tonda GT displays hours, minutes, small seconds and a big date. It is available in 18-carat rose gold or stainless steel and is offered with a choice of a rubber strap or integrated bracelet. The steel version on a rubber strap is the entry-level model, costing €13,500 including VAT.
First impressions are very good. Indeed, I intend to get ‘hands-on’ with both models at the earliest opportunity in order to provide an in-depth watch review.
The brand’s press release (July 2020)
Following the successful launch of its first ever Hijri calendar wristwatch, the Tonda 1950 Tourbillon Double Rainbow and the Toric Tourbillon Slate, Parmigiani Fleurier is proud to announce the new Tonda GT. The Maison’s dress watches have long been revered among collectors for their elegance and fine craftsmanship, the result of its in-house manufacturing prowess combined with Michel Parmigiani’s master watchmaking talent and commitment to excellence. This commitment continues in this new introduction, a line designed to appeal to the modern gentleman looking for a watch he can wear on every occasion.
Three distinct sporty, yet elegant designs will kick off the release of the Tonda GT in polished and satin-finished stainless steel or 18-ct rose gold, embodying Parmigiani’s years of expertise and design ethos following golden ratio parameters. The case shape is inspired by the Tonda Chronor watch, which was awarded the Chronograph Watch Prize from the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2017. Parmigiani Fleurier worked with watch designer, Dino Modolo, to reinterpret its design codes, resulting in a reimagined case with updated lugs and an integrated bracelet ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort. Its fluted bezel recalls another Parmigiani Fleurier icon- the Toric collection- and the dials are finished with traditional “clou triangulaire” guilloché. All watches are available on a polished and satin-finished bracelet or on a rubber strap with a motif that recalls the finishing on the dial.
The Tondagraph GT is powered by the PF043 automatic calibre and combines two of watchmaking’s most useful complications- an annual calendar and a chronograph. This is an uncommon combination and once again Parmigiani Fleurier fills a void in the watchmaking world by presenting them together at a level of quality seldom rivalled, and yet, with an exceptional price. The dial displays a wealth of information and remains legible: it has delta-shaped hands with black luminescent coating indicating hours and minutes, a small second, two subdials for the chronograph function, and a big date aperture at 12 o’clock. To draw attention to the annual calendar function, the date and month are displayed in a vibrant orange colour. This impressive watch is water-resistant to 100m, has a screw-down crown, a 45-hour power reserve, and is finely finished with Côtes de Genève stripes visible through the open caseback. The Tondagraph GT is limited to 200 pieces.
Two additional models will accompany this new launch, the Tonda GT Black and the Tonda GT Rose Gold Blue. The beauty of the guilloché decoration shines through on these dials, which have a big date aperture at 12 o’clock and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. They are powered by the PF044 automatic movement, which is finely finished, has a power reserve of 45 hours, and is water-resistant to 100m via a screw-down crown. The 18-ct rose-gold model is particularly stunning when paired with its sporty blue rubber strap matching the dial and the Tonda GT Steel easily transforms into a sportier watch when paired with its black rubber strap. From classic to sporty, both watches allow today’s man to easily transition from a day full of activities to an elegant evening. The Tonda GT Rose Gold Blue is limited to 150 pieces, while the steel model is limited to 250 pieces.
“This is yet another step forward for Parmigiani Fleurier as it continues to evolve and innovate,” says Davide Traxler, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier. “The new Tonda GT line, with its more casual shape and attractive price point, reflects current market needs and is, at the same time, distinctively Parmigiani.”
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