Hands-On With The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic In Its Ideal 36mm Size

Every so often, the people at Parmigiani Fleurier send us a box with a few of their newer watches. This time, along with the new Toric models, it included a few variations of the brand’s Tonda PF. Our eyes were quickly drawn to the very impressive all-platinum Tonda PF Skeleton. The more sporty Chronographs on their rubberized straps also got much attention. But the real showstopper for most of the Fratello team was the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date. Its understated style fits Parmigiani’s vision of discreet and timeless refinement so well. However, another watch got all my attention. It was the 36mm Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic.

Of course, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date is a fantastic watch. By now, its finely knurled platinum bezel, brushed and polished case and bracelet, and teardrop-shaped lugs are so familiar. Yet, within the world of watches with integrated bracelets, it still feels like a fresh breeze, especially with its sophisticated no-date dial. The only downside for me, though, is its 40mm size. It simply feels too big on my 17cm wrist, especially with its fairly wide bracelet. But then I tried on the two-tone version of the 36mm Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic. When I did, it was as if all the clouds covering the Sun suddenly cleared away.

The 36mm Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic

The three 36mm versions of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic that we received are clearly marketed toward women. Unfortunately, that happens a lot with smaller versions of flagship models. Two of the three have a rose gold case and bracelet and come with diamonds on the bezel. One of them even features diamonds on the lugs and the outer links of the bracelet. Those were a bit much for me, I must say. However, there’s also a two-tone version in stainless steel and rose gold. That didn’t look too terrifying to put on, even though its White Citrine dial did feature the same hand-applied, rhodium-plated appliques set with 12 FG-VVS baguette-cut diamonds as the other two.

The hour markers are so tiny, though, that you almost don’t even notice they’re diamonds. Besides, I was completely blown away by how well the 36.1mm case of the Tonda PF Automatic fit my wrist. With an 8.6mm thickness, it’s almost a full millimeter thicker than the 40mm Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, but it’s still slim enough to fit the wrist so well. It’s always difficult to give an accurate measurement of the lug-to-lug distance of a watch with an integrated bracelet. In this case, a 41mm span is quite close, and then the links articulate nicely around a (smaller) wrist.

The other great thing about the 36mm Tonda PF is that the Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché dial has never had a date window. It looks so clean with the skeletonized delta-shaped hour and minute hands and the applied logo. Even with the baguettes on the dial and the two-tone case and bracelet, I’d happily take this watch for a spin.

No micro-rotor, no problem

The 36mm Tonda PF Automatic is a bit thicker than the 40mm version due to the slightly thicker movement inside. Apparently, the thinner in-house micro-rotor movement didn’t fit the smaller case. That’s why the 36mm Tonda PF features the company’s in-house automatic PF770 caliber. On the one hand, it’s a pity you don’t get to see the beautifully made micro-rotor movement. On the other hand, the PF770 is certainly no slouch in terms of features and finishing.

The automatic movement runs at a 28,800vph frequency and delivers a power reserve of 60 hours. Its bridges are decorated with Geneva stripes and beveled edges, and the 22K rose gold skeletonized rotor has both polished and sand-blasted finishes. You can see all this splendor through the sapphire window of the exhibition case back. Another thing I love is that this smaller version of the Tonda PF is still water resistant to 100 meters. That makes it a true sports watch. The versions we received probably weren’t the best examples of the Tonda PF Automatic’s sportiness, but I’m glad there’s also a steel and platinum version without any diamonds available.

The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF for me

Before I’d tried on the 36mm two-tone Tonda PF Automatic, I wasn’t even aware of that more toned-down, smaller version. I always admired the Tonda for the beautiful and sophisticated sports watch that it is. But at 40mm, it was simply too big. Another issue is the Tonda PF’s price, which starts somewhere around €22,000. That’s also why I had never really looked into other sizes. But now that I know that there’s a 36mm version with a beautiful Sand Grey Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché dial out there, I just can’t stop thinking about it.

Yes, it’s a lot of money for a stainless steel sports watch. But I feel it’s worth it when you look at the distinctive design and the high level of finishing. I’ll be on the lookout for more versions of the 36mm Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic. Meanwhile, I can start saving up for one and think about which of my watches I’d like to sacrifice for it.

An octet of choices

Currently, eight versions of the 36mm Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic are available. Prices start at CHF 21,000 for the “basic” steel and platinum version. The two-tone model I tried this time sells for CHF 31,900, while the version in rose gold with the Warm Grey dial costs CHF 63,900. Understandably, the rose gold model with the Sand Gold dial and more diamonds tops the range at CHF 78,900. But let’s hope the people at the brand see how much love this size is getting so that they’ll introduce even more versions. In the meantime, you can get more information about these watches on Parmigiani Fleurier’s official website.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of the 36mm Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic.