Parmigiani Fleurier Introduces The New Tonda PF Sport Line

Parmigiani Fleurier, a brand synonymous with discreet luxury since the runaway success of the Tonda PF collection, has done it once again with its new Tonda PF Sport line. Marketed for active leisure times rather than performance sports, the line debuts with a 42mm Chronograph and a 41mm time-only Automatic in both steel and 18K rose gold.

With the unveiling of the Tonda PF Sport line, the Swiss independent watch brand says it will retire the Tonda GT, which only came out in 2020. I touched on the evolution as I covered the Tonda GT Chronograph in steel and rose gold last August. The design of the Tonda GT lent itself to the aesthetic codes set for the first PF models in 2021. When you recognized how similar they looked, you could most certainly see this day coming. Why keep the Tonda GT in a separate line when it could join one happy, thriving family?

The new Tonda PF Sport line

Sure enough, the sports-luxe line, now in its third generation, has undergone an essential makeover to enter the Tonda PF collection. The key features are a refreshed case, dial, and strap. The bezel carries more pronounced notches than on the other Tonda PF siblings, imparting a sportier feel.

The dial boasts a hand-guilloché “triangular nail” pattern, a testament to Parmigiani’s commitment to centuries-old artisanal techniques. This meticulous process of engraving creates a richly textured surface, adding to the dial’s visual complexity with light reflecting from the minute pyramid-shaped facets. Gone is the large date formerly positioned at 12 o’clock on the chronograph, making way for the PF medallion.

The date window is now at six o’clock on the Automatic and four-thirty on the Chronograph. The flange around the dial is now thinner, and the indexes are shorter, providing a more spacious backdrop. Importantly, a filling of black Super-LumiNova inhabits the tips of the skeletonized hands and hour markers to ensure perfect legibility. Finally, sealing off the gold and steel cases are ARunic antireflective sapphire crystals on the front and back.

The mock-textile strap, handcrafted and stitched in Cordura-treated rubber, adds an element of comfort while ensuring the practical appeal of a sports watch. It integrates into the case seamlessly and supports the watch’s 100m water resistance rating.

Digging deeper into the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph

The PF Sport Chronograph comes with a “panda” dial featuring three black counters. Available in either steel or 18K rose gold, the case measures 42mm in diameter and 12.9mm in thickness. Beating inside is a super engine, a 5Hz (36,000vph) manufacture movement with an integrated chronograph, boasting an impressive power reserve of 65 hours. This COSC-certified PF070 caliber consists of 315 components, with satin-finished open-worked bridges and hand-beveled edges. It has a new oscillating weight with a design nodding to the steering wheel of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. This rotor is crafted in 22K rose gold and has been skeletonized, polished, and sandblasted.

The Tonda PF Sport Automatic

As for the Automatic model, it interprets a cleaner and more elegant version of the time-only GT dial with an added seconds hand and a date function. It is unmistakably a love child of the PF Automatic and GT Automatic. The subtle tweaks in this three-hand sports watch offer a more “traditional” style to appeal to those who find the PF Automatic too minimalistic.

Also available in either steel or 18K rose gold, the case measures 41mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness. Ticking inside is a manufacture movement with series-mounted double barrels for a 60-hour power reserve. The PF770 automatic caliber is comprised of 179 components and decorated with Côtes de Genève, perlage, and beveled edges. It features the same oscillating weight in 22K rose gold.

Closing thoughts

The Tonda PF Sport line sings the swansong for the Tonda GT’s integral role in giving rise to Parmigiani Fleurier’s flagship collection. The merger makes sense in simplifying the portfolio. Furthermore, the design offerings complete the Tonda PF collection with an effortlessly sporty option. At the time of publishing, we do not have official prices yet, but there is no doubt they will be in line with the rest of the collection.

For more information, visit the official Parmigiani website.