Hands-on with the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph Rattrapante Rose Gold Watch
Friday - 28 April 2023
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph Rattrapante watch is one of the brand’s most beautiful horological revelations. With the ability to measure intermittent timings, as well as additional features like 12-hour and 30-minute chronograph measurements, a pulsometer and a tachymeter, this indulgent 18ct rose gold addition to the Tonda PF line is exclusive to just 30 pieces and is sure to sell as fast as the brand is succeeding.
If you were ever to visit Parmigiani Fleurier’s head office at Geneva’s Rue de Temple, you’d spot the black Range Rover of the brand’s CEO parked up each morning. Guido Terreni is leading the Fleurier-based brand located in the Swiss municipality of Val-de-Travers at a considerable pace these days. Even King Charles III England trusts the quality and the authenticity of this world-renowned brand and its masterpieces. Now, tell me - having learnt that fact today - would you trust any Swiss watchmaker more?
Parmigiani Fleurier’s success as an innovator of world-class complicated watches and simple sporty time and date models is growing by the minute and to make the recent Geneva Watches & Wonders 2023 event even more special, the Maison showed our team all its exciting releases for this year. This included a new Tonda PF Rattrapante, a GMT Rattrapante, and a new PF Micro-Rotor made from platinum to name just a few. Joining this line-up is the brand’s new Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph watch in 18ct rose gold. The horological masterpiece is a true work of art that would deserve a category of its own if it weren’t for its Tonda PF signature traits.
The new model features a rose gold barrel displayed through the back of the case, signed by Michel Parmigiani himself for the brand’s 20th anniversary. The master calibre that lives inside this watch is equipped with a double column wheel, representing the very best of its category. The two superimposed chronograph hands that can be seen in the centre of the new Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph Rattrapante are designed for measuring intermediate (or split) times. To make it easier to differentiate between the two hands, one is executed in a silver tone and the other sitting below it is finished in a rose golden tone to match the case. To activate both hands at the same time the 10 o’clock pusher must be activated. To cease the timing of the upper hand, the 4 o’clock pusher needs to be pushed, allowing the hand underneath it to continue working. A second pressing of this pusher brings the upper hand back to the lower one, creating the Rattrapante function.
The engine responsible for the functioning of this highly complex timepiece is the PF361, which not only incorporates a vertical clutch and a balance that is held into place by an 18ct gold cross-through bridge, but it also features two-column wheels that play different roles – one for the chronograph function and one for the split second function that is activated through the crown-integrated pusher. The PF361 movement also performs at a rate of 36,600 vibrations per hour and incorporates a total of 25 jewels into its design, along with 309 hand-assembled components. The movement produces an impressive 65-hour power reserve once fully wound. All hand-applied decoration of the movement is carried out in-house and the engine also promises a precision of 1/10th of a second, with additional scales around the edge of the dial, denoting a pulsometer and a tachymeter.
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph Rattrapante is limited to just 30 pieces worldwide and bears the serial number, unique to each timepiece upon its caseback, along with a sapphire crystal glass exhibition feature that showcases the movement and its beautiful decoration as it performs. The case of the watch measures a 42mm width and a depth of 15mm. The model boasts a stunning platinum dial adorned with a trio of chronograph counters placed at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. These include the 30-minute scale at 3 o’clock, the small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and a 12-hour totaliser at 9 o’clock. These recessed scales are framed by rose golden hour markers and the two external measuring scales around the edge. The PF logo, framed by an oval motif, is positioned at 12 o’clock to match the rose gold knurled bezel that has become the identity of the Tonda PF’s architecture ever since its first release.
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Seconds Chronograph Rattrapante Limited Edition watch is fitted on an 18ct rose gold bracelet with an 18ct white gold folding clasp but also comes with an additional alligator leather band that secures to the wrist with a traditional pin buckle. If you’d like more information on this mode,l you can check the watch out in more detail here on the product page of our Jura Watches website, or call and speak directly with a member of our sales team on 01335 453453 today.
