ReviewSeeing Through The Time: The Bare-Faced Charm Of The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton
Standing out as an emblem of artful luxury, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton, available in rose gold or stainless steel with platinum, brings together tradition and modern design
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When 2021 unfolded, it was not merely the turn of a calendar page but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Parmigiani Fleurier. The Swiss horological icon took a bold stride, moving gracefully yet assertively by updating its flagship Tonda PF line. At the helm of this evolution was none other than Guido Terreni, the visionary once responsible for orchestrating the timeless cadence of Bulgari’s watches, most notably the Octo Finissimo. The collection featured remarkable pieces such as the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante and the Tonda PF Flying Tourbillon, while the sporty pulse of the Tonda GT Chronograph with its big date and annual calendar iterations added a different tempo to the line-up. However, amid this grand ensemble, there was one watch that captured the essence of sheer beauty and ingenious design-the Tonda PF Skeleton. Available in stainless steel or rose gold, this open-worked timepiece presents unmatched architectural splendour, where the charm lies in the intricate skeletonised dial whose deep grooves traverse between the plates and bridges, providing a glimpse into the lively mechanics within, all the while preserving its balance and volume.
The Parmigiani Tonda PF Skeleton Reveals The Dial’s Inner Secrets
Crafting a skeleton watch is a nuanced endeavour, as showcased by the Tonda PF Skeleton watches in 18-karat rose gold and a blend of steel and platinum. They embody Parmigiani Fleurier’s core philosophy in watchmaking, prioritising simplicity and elegance and ensuring every minute detail is working out to achieve a harmonious blend of form, beauty, and functionality. Skeletonisation often involves maximising the visibility of a watch’s movement. However, Parmigiani took a unique stance. For the maison, the artful design of the Tonda PF Skeleton should not only offer a glimpse into the movement’s essence but also maintain its structural integrity and depth.
The craftspeople have skilfully utilised the solid components, creating spaces for light to illuminate the core of the automatic PF777 calibre, which achieves a 60-hour power reserve and operates at 4Hz. This intricate hand-finished design captivates discerning eyes, providing a riveting glimpse into its inner workings. The oscillations powered by the wearer’s movements fuel the barrel, which with its openworked design provides a visual of the mainspring’s rhythmic contractions, propelling its balance at a pace of 28,800vph. The robust movement also features satin-finished open-worked bridges and bevelled edges.
The dial is adorned with 18-karat rose gold hour markers that appear to levitate above the movement, reminiscent of the standard Tonda PF line’s design. In contrast to the earlier models that featured a two-tiered dial for the hour markers, the new Tonda PF Skeleton has been simplified, which involves removing a layer and creating an illusion of the markers effortlessly floating above the dial. As a finishing touch, the signature Parmigiani ‘PF’ logo is delicately inscribed on the movement plate just beneath the 12 o’clock marker.
Both cases feature a knurled bezel—a discreet yet strong visual signature ensuring the stylistic and iconic coherence of the collection, along with teardrop lugs that extend the case. Water-resistant up to 100m, the 40mm case is 8.5mm thick and features a screwed-in crown, along with the engraving on the caseback with the serial number and the Parmigiani Fleurier branding.
Creating perfect contrast against the gold and steel hues of the two Tonda PF Skeleton watches, the open-worked graphite dial has been sand-blasted and satin-finished and shows hand-applied 18-karat rose gold appliques. While the rose gold version of the Tonda PF Skeleton comes paired with a polished and satin-finished 18-karat rose gold bracelet, the one in steel with platinum has been flanked by a polished and satin-finished steel bracelet.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton radiates a subtle charm that speaks volumes of Parmigiani Fleurier’s classic watchmaking with a contemporary flair. Its design, marked by a meticulously crafted bezel that plays with light, seamlessly merges with the fluidity of its bracelet, evoking both admiration and wonder. This timepiece remains a fitting blend of art and innovation—a statement piece that goes beyond telling time, to showcase restrained opulence in every detail.
