Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey Watch Review
Parmigiani Fleurier has just released three additional variants of the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph in ‘Arctic grey’, ‘London grey’ and ‘Milano blue’. Endowed with a wonderfully nuanced dial, ergonomic steel case and peerless Manufacture movement, this latest expression of PF ownership is yet another product of Guido Terreni’s impeccable taste.
Parmigiani Fleurier watch
As most of my compatriots will know, on Thursday 4th July 2024, voters in the United Kingdom will be invited to choose a new government and, by default, a new Prime Minister. In December 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 46.5 million people were registered to vote in the national elections; however back in 2019 only 67.3% of these people exercised their right to vote (source: House of Commons Library). I suspect that with an increasing number of UK citizens becoming disillusioned with the country’s political system, the ‘turnout’ figure for the forthcoming election maybe even less than 2019.
Like many of my fellow tax-paying citizens, I am now apolitical and apathetic to what takes place in the Palace of Westminster. Chatting with friends, it seems most of us distrust blues, reds, yellows, greens and every other shade of the political spectrum. Quite simply, millions of people are disillusioned with a system that delivers very little but costs a fortune.
Image – Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph London Grey
Guido Terreni
In contrast, when I look at Guido Terreni, he has much to show for his endeavours. He was appointed CEO of Parmgiani Fleurier in February 2021 and in just over three years has overseen the evolution of the firm from a maker of exquisite watches to what is now widely regarded as one of the hottest brands on the horological scene. In August 2021, just a few months after Guido’s arrival, the inaugural Tonda PF models were unveiled. This suite of sporty-elegant timepieces soon attracted critical acclaim.
Tonda PF collection
Eminently refined with wonderfully nuanced habillage, each Tonda PF reference hits the sweet spot. The dials eschew excessive branding with just a simple ‘PF’ signing the artistic canvas.
For example, should you appraise the Tonda PF micro-rotor, you will note the dial’s epidermis is adorned with a softly spoken guilloché motif. This subtly textured dial evokes thoughts of an Italian suit, cut from fabric with a high thread count. Indeed, the subtle nap of the dial delightfully toys with light, bestowing charming pockets of light and shade.
Terreni had the inspired idea of placing a platinum bezel atop a steel watch. In pictures, the noble and egalitarian metals appear almost identical; however, when affixed to the wrist, the pairing confers a subtle tonal contrast that proves most becoming.
Image – Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph London Grey
In a world where an ‘it’ll do’ mindset is widespread, the integrated metal bracelet fitted to the Tonda PF models showcases Terreni’s near-obsessive attention to detail. Each bracelet is composed of numerous parts, encompassing polished bevelled edges and tapering links. Ordinarily, the bean counters would countermand such complexity, but Terreni’s quest for perfection has prevailed.
A sublime movement sits at the heart of each member of the Tonda PF collection; every component is executed to the highest standard. Put simply, with PF, mechanical virtue sits in concert with flawless finissage.
Returning to August 2021, Terreni unveiled the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, Tonda PF Chronograph, Tonda PF Annual Calendar and Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph. This genteel quartet was later joined by other models, including a flying tourbillon, a GMT rattrapante, a skeleton, Hijiri perpetual calendar and, very recently, the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date.
Image – Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Milano Blue
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
Last year, the brand from the Val-de-Travers released the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph. With a silver and black dial (panda style), would-be wearers were given a choice of two housings, steel or 18ct rose gold.
Clearly, a man who requires little sleep, Guido has just enlarged the range of Tonda PF Sport Chronographs available, releasing three additional colourways.
Image – Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph silver and black dial
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to view this fresh-faced trio up close. On paper, they are almost identical to last year’s panda options with their tri-compax dials, date aperture at 4:30, 42 mm ergonomic steel case with fluted bezel and a top drawer Manufacture movement. Ordinarily, I would dismiss the latest models as mere ‘animations’; however, by shrewdly using alternative shades, PF has imbued each of these three new references with a very different character, thereby justifying some additional column inches. Allow me to elaborate.
Image – Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey
Three models: ‘Arctic grey’, ‘London grey’ and ‘Milano blue’ all vie with one another for purists’ affections. Personally speaking, I freely admit that I only have eyes for the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey. The other references are wonderful, but Ms Grey, all fifty shades of her, is a horological seductress that has me under her spell.
Image – Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey
Her skin is a light shade of grey, appearing almost wispy blue from some angles and exudes a gentle demeanour. The kindly hue extends to the counters, minute track and the textured rubber strap. The dial’s epidermis is enriched with ‘clou triangulaire guilloché’, while the counters are adorned with a lightly textured finish.
Openworked delta-shaped hour and minute hands circumnavigate the dial, collaborating with neat indexes to lucidly impart meaning. However, while eminently legible, everything pales in comparison to the dial’s bewitching complexion.
Parmigiani Fleurier Calibre PF070
Chronographs measure elapsed periods of time and by definition they are about speed, performance and competition. The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey ably fulfils its timekeeping duties but it seems a more relaxed soul than your typical chronograph. Rather than screaming from the touchline, it fulfils its role quietly, without fuss and displaying decorum at all times.
The self-winding Manufacture movement, the Calibre PF070, powers the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph. It is fully integrated (ie it’s not a combination of a base movement and module) and will sate the desires of most purists, courtesy of its hallowed horological pairing, namely a column-wheel and vertical coupling. When actuated, the central chronograph seconds hand commences its journey without any hesitation or stutter. Furthermore, the pushpiece action is as smooth as fine Italian silk.
Unusually, the balance has a cadence of 36,000 vph (5 Hz), a frequency that is greater than most other watches on the market. By operating at a higher frequency, the movement is less susceptible to positional influence and shocks, thereby augmenting precision. Needless to say, as you would expect of PF, the finissage is exemplary. Moreover, the movement is also subject to the independent scrutiny of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse Chronomètres (COSC), culminating in chronometer certification.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey – closing remarks
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey fulfils all practical considerations, delivering readability, precision and impressive wearer comfort. However, this ticking composition surpasses such qualities with its pulchritudinous visage, sculpted torso and brilliant mind.
Recently, while attending Watches & Wonders 2024, there were several timepieces that turned my head; however, there were only a handful that I would have taken home ‘to meet mother’, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey being one of them.
Returning to the start of this feature, the Scottish comedian, Billy Connolly is famous for saying, “The desire to be a politician should bar you for life from ever becoming one” and, “Don’t vote. It just encourages them….”. There are 650 elected members of parliament and yet despite all of the pomp and expense, I see little advancement. Since arriving at Parmigiani Fleurier, Guido Terreni has been instrumental in the creation of several superb watches and has helped the brand flourish in a highly competitive market. His track record speaks for itself; his achievements are many. If he ever stood for political office, he would certainly get my vote.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Arctic Grey
- Reference: PFC931-1020003-400182
- Case: diameter 42 mm, height 12.9 mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: calibre PF070, self-winding movement, frequency 36,000 vph (5 Hz), 42 jewels, power reserve 65 hours, 315 components.
- Bracelet: arctic grey rubber strap with steel folding clasp
- Price: £27,570 (RRP as of 30.5.2024)