The New Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton

Parmigiani’s Tonda PF collection, the brand’s understated take on the luxury sports watch, receives two new skeletonised automatic models. Perhaps not the first brand you would associate with skeletonised movements, Parmigiani did produce some skeletonised models in its Tonda 1950 collection in 2015. Like the skeletonisation executed on the Tonda 1950, the approach to skeletonisation in the Tonda PF collection is eminently artistic. Offered in 40mm rose gold and steel cases, the new Tonda PF Skeleton automatic adds variety to the growing line-up of the collection.

Restraint and Artistry

Skeletonisation is an exacting art and can take many forms. There are highly technical skeletonised watches revealing their hearts with X-ray precision and then there are more artistic approaches to skeletonisation. Parmigiani has chosen the second route and has ensured that the skeletonisation in itself is as pleasing and balanced as the watch case it occupies. Instead of just stripping down the dial and exposing the nude movement, Parmigiani has ensured that the restraint and purity that mark its Tonda PF models are also translated into the skeletonisation work.

Using graceful curves with openworked areas on both sides of the Tonda PF Skeleton, the graphite-coloured bridges are decorated with alternating sandblasted and satin finishings and reveal their impeccable hand-chamfered edges. The elegant curving compositions that shield the movement are, as we mentioned, attractive in their own right and complement the streamlined case and bracelet of the Tonda PF collection. Like all other models in the family, the gold delta-shaped hands are skeletonised, as are the hand-applied rose gold indices that rest on the peripheral chapter ring.

In keeping with the signature design codes of the Tonda PF collection, the 40mm case has a slim silhouette of 8.5mm and displays contrasting polished and satin-finished finishings that follow through to the integrated bracelet. The hallmark knurled and polished bezel that distinguishes the collection is made of rose gold for the gold model and platinum for the steel model. As Parmigiani’s luxury sports watch representative, the Tonda PF Skeleton models live up to their name with screw-down crowns and 100m water-resistant cases.

The view from the sapphire caseback reveals the skeletonised 22k gold rotor as it glides over the airy structure comprised of 187 components. The openworked barrel shows the steady contracting and relaxing of the mainspring driving its balance at a rate of 28,800vph. Like the openworked bridges on the dial, the bridges are graphite coloured with alternating sandblasted and satin finishings and bevelled edges. The watch is fitted with calibre PF777, an in-house automatic movement with a 60h power reserve.

Availability and Price

The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton in rose gold (ref. PFC912-2020001-200182) retails for CHF 88,000. The stainless steel version (ref. PFC912-1020001-100182) retails for CHF 59,000. Both models will form part of the permanent Tonda PF collection. For more information, please visit Parmigiani.com.