Hands-On: Two Variations Of The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph In Steel
What to make of Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Sport collection? To be perfectly honest, I hadn’t really thought about that question before I had a chance to go hands-on with two of the three new Tonda PF Sport Chronograph models. The trio was introduced earlier this year, adding three new colorways to the Sports Chronograph collection. These new colors significantly change the appearance of the watches, especially when compared to the black and white models in stainless steel and rose gold presented last year. As it turns out, they’re a perfect fit for the warm summer months.
It’s not every day that you get seven Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda models in for review. Even rarer is the opportunity to go hands-on with all of them. Most of the Fratello team has been enjoying a much-deserved summer break, which allowed me to spend some time with the watches. Sometimes, staying at home during the summer months comes with its perks, as it turns out. And out of all our models, these Tonda PF Sport Chronographs were the perfect soundtrack to these warm summer days.
The story of the Tonda PF Sport Chronographs
Honestly, the two chronographs were not the first models that caught my attention when we opened the box. As some of you might have read, the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date was the one that caught my eye immediately. The decision to create a Tonda PF Micro-Rotor without a date and with a beautiful Golden Siena dial turned out to be a stroke of genius. In essence, it is nothing revolutionary, but these two simple changes turned the watch into my favorite in the Tonda PF collection.
The Tonda PF Sport Chronographs are quite different from my newly found favorite. They are an evolution of the Tonda GT chronograph models introduced in 2022. The goal was to bring them close to the Tonda PF models. As such, they can be seen as true sportier variants of the regular Tonda PF Models. I had a chance to go hands-on with the London Grey and Arctic Grey models launched this year. These were new additions after last year’s panda dial versions in stainless steel and rose gold.
They combine silver dials with light, almost pastel colors for the subdials and straps. The first is the London Grey model, which features light gray tones. The second is the Arctic Gray model, which is a beautiful light blue rather than gray. The third watch — one that we didn’t have in for review — is the Milano Blue model. This final variant combines the same silver dial with a nice darker blue.
The details of the Tonda PF Sport Chronographs
All three models feature a 42mm stainless steel case that is 12.9mm thick and has a 100-meter water resistance rating. The characteristic knurled bezel has more pronounced notches to create a slightly bolder, sporty look. Other defining elements are the teardrop lugs that feature a mix of brushed and polished finishes.
Overall, the case’s finishing is nothing short of impressive. It’s plain to see how the finishing is deliberately executed to accentuate the case’s profile. It creates the perfect visual impact to remind you that you are wearing a high-end luxury sports chronograph.
On the right side of the case, we find the PF-branded crown and two large but elegantly shaped push buttons to operate the chronograph. As you can see, the design of the pushers is in line with the shape of the lugs. Nice details like these show how expertly conceived the design of the Tonda collection is. Those details continue in the dials, which initially look like those used in the more classically styled Tonda PF collection. That said, they are also subtly different.
The different dial patterns for the Tonda PF Sport
Looking at the dials up close, you will also find differences with the regular Tonda PF models. Most significantly, the silver base dials feature a refined Clou Triangulaire guilloche pattern instead of the Grain d’Orge pattern used for their more classically styled counterparts. The slightly recessed sub-dials bring a hint of color that matches the chapter ring on the dial’s periphery. Visually connecting the two dial parts are the 18kt gold rhodium-plated indices that are filled with black Super-LumiNova. The PF logo is located at 12 o’clock, and we find a date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The date disc is executed in a contrasting black with white printing. It matches the Super-LumiNova used for the indices and the tips of the Delta-shaped hands. Once again, the details make it two super nice dials that are easy to read and give significantly sportier vibes than the regular models. The color-matched rubber straps emphasize that feeling even more.
When it comes to picking colors, Parmigiani Fleurier is at the top of the game. Along with Vacheron Constantin, the brand chooses brilliant shades for its watches to make them stand out immediately. A good example of this can be found in the new Toric models. These Tonda PF Sport Chronographs are also perfect proof.
The in-house automatic caliber PF070
The brand’s automatic caliber PF070 powers these chronographs. This in-house movement was developed with sister company Vaucher Manufacture and is chronometer certified. It comprises 315 parts, operates at 36,000vph, and offers 65 hours of power reserve. The integrated chronograph movement features a 22-karat rose gold rotor, column wheel, and vertical clutch and is finished beautifully.
The shape of the rotor was inspired by the steering wheel of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO and looks beautiful. It’s the cherry on top because the movement itself, with its open-worked bridges, is also a joy to behold.
I love that the rotor also gives you an idea of what the term “sports” entails in the world of Parmigiani. I understand that these watches are not your sports watch for just any activity. It’s the world of Italian motorsport and yachting where these timekeepers shine.
Wearing the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronographs
Before putting the watches on my wrist, I was somewhat scared they would be too big. Visually, they have a commanding presence that is not for everyone. As the Tonda PF Micro-Rotot No Date is 40mm and already packs a visual punch, these look almost dauntingly big side by side.
But that initial impression immediately subsided once I put the watches on my wrist. These watches feel right at home on my 18.5mm wrist. They are not only super comfortable to wear, but they also look incredibly good!
I was honestly not prepared to be so mesmerized by them. Usually, I love warmer colors, and combined with the idea that they might be too big, I had no real expectations. By now, I should have known better. The design team at Parmigiani Fleurier really understands its crafts meticulously.
Both watches wrap nicely around your wrist thanks to the curved lugs, which ensure the integrated straps are placed at the perfect angle.
After two firm closing clicks of the butterfly clasp, I had tremendous fun wearing the watches. The action of the pushers is also a treat; every click of the chronograph oozes quality, and the little details on the dial kept drawing me in.
Final thoughts on the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronographs
It also gives you a great idea of how they differ from the regular Tonda PF models and what makes these proper luxury sports chronographs. These watches make sense if you put them in the right context of luxury Mediterranean life. Before this review, I didn’t really have an idea of what these Sports Chronographs add to the line-up. But after wearing them for a few days, I have a perfect idea of why they are part of the Tonda PF collection.
If you spend your long summer days in Italy, opt for one of these watches. Whether you are spending a day on the water, driving your vintage sports car, or having dinner in one of the many port towns, these are the perfect watches for those days. It doesn’t happen often that watches transport me to a different world, but these classy sports chronographs do just that. Granted, it’s an aspirational world for me.
But it is likely a reality for someone who can spend €31,400 on one of these Tonda PF Sport Chronographs. And that’s exactly who Parmigiani Fleurier creates these watches for. I think they did an awesome job creating a series of sports chronographs that is smartly related to the regular Tonda PF collection and perfectly captures the spirit of active luxury life.
Please visit the brand’s official website for more information on the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronographs. Also, let me know in the comments below what you think of this sporty chronograph version of the Tonda PF.
