ReviewParmigiani Tonda Métrographe Rose Gold: When Function Meets Finesse

When one thinks of luxurious dress watches, the hallowed watchmaker, Parmigiani Fleurier, does come to mind. The manufacture is a relatively new entrant into the world of watchmaking, founded as it was in 1996 by Michel Parmigiani in Fleurier, Switzerland. Parmigiani Fleurier made its mark with its hand-made, diligently crafted horological beauties that have a larger-than-life presence on the wrist. However, what tends to not come to your mind when you think of elegant dress watches are chronographs. This complication, which is the embodiment of functionality and utilitarianism, can generally be spotted on the wrists of sportsmen whose entire lives revolve around keeping time—whether it’s on the field or off. Closely associated with the worlds of aviation or motorsports as well, we’ve come to see chronographs as rugged, tough-looking timepieces that appear meaty on the wrist.

And yet, here’s a chronograph that boasts a sleek design, a clean, legible dial, and an air of delicacy that goes against the grain. Parmigiani Fleurier, with the simple and elegant design of the Tonda Métrographe Rose Gold, has proved yet again that a match between form and functionality is one that’s made in heaven.

A Vision Of Versatility

As its name suggests, the case of this gorgeous timepiece has been crafted from 18-karat rose gold that looks wonderful against its deep blue dial. Despite the presence of three sub-dials, the dial does not look cluttered and is a vision of symmetry. Designed in opaline, with a flinqué pattern, the chronograph counters at six and nine o’clock make a figure eight pattern, which is a hallmark of Parmigiani Fleurier’s chronographs. A retrograde small seconds, with a double-sided hand, is present at three o’clock, and date aperture, with only numerals of odd dates, sits at 12 o’clock. The Parmigiani Fleurier logo right below the date window balances the aesthetic of the three sub-dials beautifully. The open-worked delta-shaped hands, with a luminescent coating, are an elegant touch. Rhodium-plated appliques, which also sport a luminescent coating, serve as hour markers. Prominent teardrop-shaped lugs lend the timepiece a more striking appearance.

Even with three sub-dials—chronograph counters at six and nine, and small seconds at three o'clock—the dial does not look busy

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Sized at 40mm and only 11.7mm thick, the Tonda Métrographe sits comfortably on the wrist despite its large diameter

₹36,50,000

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The teardrop-shaped lugs are prominent, but do not take away from the watch's sleek design

₹36,50,000

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Sized at 40mm and only 11.7mm thick, the Tonda Métrographe sits comfortably on the wrist despite its large diameter. Oval-shaped pushers meld seamlessly into the case, while the crown sits between them. The tachymeter scale at the periphery of the dial gives it a sporty look, while the suave Hermès Abyss Blue alligator leather strap, with a pin buckle also crafted in 18-karat rose gold, enhances its formal appeal.

Tonda Métrographe Rose Gold's chronograph counters make a figure eight pattern—one of the hallmarks of Parmigiani Fleurier’s chronographs

Picture-Perfect Precision

The PF315 automatic chronograph movement, which has 46 jewels and beats at 4Hz, powers the timepiece’s many functions, and provides a power reserve of 42 hours. This movement has a 22-karat gold rotor that sports a Grain d’orge guilloche pattern. A sapphire crystal caseback allows you to appreciate this calibre, with its lovely Côtes de Genève pattern and a hint of perlage finishing, ticking away inside. This stunning timepiece has a water resistance of 30m.

At the helm of a flawless union between form and functionality, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métrographe appeals to the refined gentleman who wants utility encased in a winsome package.