Parmigiani Fleurier grows its Tondagraph GT series

The new offspring from the Tondagraph GT series from Parmigiani Fleurier adopts the classic style of the Tonda line and now comes in a silver and black panda dial, a choice of rubber strap or bracelet and two case materials – classic stainless steel or luxurious 18ct rose gold.

Back last year, Parmigiani Fleurier released the Tondagraph GT in a similar case and style to the Tonda GT. The steel leisure watch was defined by three distinct features – a chronograph, a 100-meter water resistance and an annual calendar complication. Now, wait there for a second. It’s worth mentioning here that apart from the likes of Ulysse Nardin, IWC, Richard Mille and Patek Philippe, it would be hard to think of anyone else doing the same thing right now. Suffice to say, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tondagraph GT watch was and still is a rather compelling timepiece to get your hands on. Last year, it was all about the slate grey dial with subtle splashes of orange on its dial – a well-received design of course, and no prizes for guessing why. But it wasn’t a panda dial. The new Parmigiani Fleurier 2021 releases for the Tondagraph GT sports watch collection, however, are. They are sleek, elegant, sporty panda dials, now available on a choice of a rubber strap, as well as a classic steel or an indulgent, rose gold case option.

Let’s take a closer look at the steel models versus the 18ct rose gold versions since there are some significant differences to appreciate. First of all, the steel versions, both on a black rubber strap ref: PFC906-0000140-X01482 and the steel bracelet ref: PFC906-0000140-B00182 are the annual calendar chronographs. The 18ct rose gold versions are equipped with an integrated column-wheel chronograph based on a very important movement, Parmigiani’s GPHG-winning PF361 Calibre. Before we go into that, take note that both models feature the big date function at 12 o’clock, filled in with a rich black hue to match the chronograph counters laid out in the familiar 3-6-9 arrangement.

Handling the new Parmigiani Tondagraph GT watch in the metal really gives you a feel for the level of attention to detail that has gone into the design. The black counters pop against a silvery-white dial executed in a stunning Guilloché Clou triangulaire technique. This gives the design an undeniably crisp and fresh look since the pronounced dimensions pressed into the dial catch the light as the display turns on the wrist. Of course, the orange touches have been removed for these new pedigrees, alas, these new hands certainly don’t look out of place. The skeletonised Delta hands on both steel and rose gold versions are beautifully proportioned, with black lumed tips that help with timekeeping in the dark. The baton indexes around the hour track are also treated with Super LumiNova, serving the same purpose whilst protected underneath a strong anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass lens.

The back of the new Parmigiani Tonda Tondagraph GT watches expose two different movements as mentioned earlier. The steel models house the solidly built Caliber PF043, which runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a 45-hour power reserve. Through the exhibition window, Cotes de Geneve finishes can be admired, along with a 22k gold rotor and a scribed Parmigiani logo. The PF043 comprises 443 components and is the result of adding a module to the former PF334 movement. Obviously, this is no ordinary chronograph movement. Parmigiani Fleurier has created this elite engine, which combines standard stopwatch features with annual calendar functions. The small second and month aperture can be accessed at 3 o’clock, while the 12-hour sub-counter resides at 6 o’clock and the 30-minute counter at 9.

The two rose gold versions of the Tondagraph GT watch, that’s the one styled on a black rubber strap ref: PFC903-1500140-X01482 and the 18ct rose gold bracelet version ref: PFC903-1500140-B10082 really come into play with an impressive movement. Both are powered by the COSC-certified Caliber PF071, although, “top-notch” should be its middle name, since it provides several impressive qualities. Its design is based on the award-winning Caliber PF361. It’s an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement with a cross-bridge balance and a performance rate of 36,600 vibrations per hour. With a vertical clutch instead of a horizontal one, accuracy is improved, and the addition of the cam lever grants an overall smoother performance. This quality eradicates the undesirable jolt usually experienced when starting a chronograph timing in those watches with a horizontal clutch. This superior movement provides a 65-hour power reserve once fully wound. The dial of the rose gold Tondagraph GT watches differ slightly from the steel ones. As mentioned, the big date still resides at 12 o’clock but the small second sub-dial combined with a month aperture now sits at 6 o’clock. The 30-minute counter sits at 3 o’clock and the 12-hour totaliser is located at 9 o’clock.

For more information on the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Tondagraph GT watches, you can check out the recent additions here at Jura Watches, or call our team on 01335 453453

Technical specifications of the Steel Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Tondagraph GT watches

• Case: 42mm – stainless steel – satin-brushed and polished – fluted bezel – push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock – 100-meter water-resistant – sapphire crystal glass front – sapphire glass caseback
• Dial: Silver Guilloché Clou triangulaire – black-filled chronograph counters – skeletonised Delta hands – Super-LumiNova coated baton indexes – black big date at 12 o’clock – small seconds and month at 3 o’clock – 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock – 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock
• Movement: Self-winding - in-house Calibre PF043 – based on the PF334 movement – 28,800 v.p.h – 45-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute, chronograph seconds, 12-hours, date, month – 22k gold rotor – 443 components – 56 jewels
• Strap: Black rubber strap – steel folding clasp / stainless steel bracelet – steel folding clasp
• Reference: Steel on black rubber strap: PFC906-0000140-X01482 / Steel on steel bracelet: PFC906-0000140-B00182
• Prices: Start from £16,080

Technical specifications of the rose gold Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Tondagraph GT watches

• Case: 42mm – 18ct rose gold – satin-brushed and polished – fluted bezel – push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock – 100-meter water-resistant – sapphire crystal glass front – sapphire glass caseback
• Dial: Silver Guilloché Clou triangulaire – black-filled chronograph counters – skeletonised rose gold Delta hands – Super-LumiNova coated baton indexes – black big date at 12 o’clock – small seconds and month at 6 o’clock – 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock – 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
• Movement: Self-winding - in-house Calibre PF071 – based on the Caliber PF36 movement – 36,600 v.p.h – 65-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute, 1/10th of a second, 12-hours, date, month –331 components – 42 jewels
• Strap: Black rubber strap – 18ct rose gold folding clasp / 18ct rose gold bracelet – 18ct rose gold folding clasp
• Reference: Rose gold on black rubber strap: PFC903-1500140-X01482 / Rose gold on rose gold bracelet: PFC903-1500140-B10082
• Prices: POA