Reviewing the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph Platinum

Parmigiani Fleurier powers its new Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph watch with a solid gold manual-winding movement inside a 950 platinum case to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with just 25 pieces available worldwide.

If it’s news to you that Parmigiani Fleurier has just released a new sub-collection as an extension to its already-popular Tonda series, you’re going to be even more pleased to hear that the new line also includes one of the most complicated chronographs – the split-second chronograph. The watch is crafted from platinum and sits alongside a three-handed model with a micro-rotor, a standard chronograph version in a steel or rose gold option, and an annual calendar also available in rose gold or stainless steel. The Tonda PF watch collection is a fresh new take on the luxury sports watch that Parmigiani Fleurier has been refining over recent months. The prestigious watchmaker, located in the Swiss hills in a village named Fleurier, develops its own wristwatches that are powered by in-house movements.

The new Tonda PF watch collection marks 25 years of exquisite watch manufacture from Parmigiani Fleurier and launched in time for the Geneva Watch Days event just last month. It marks a distinct and new direction for the Tonda collection. Founder of the brand, Michel Parmigiani states:

“The name of this family of watches comes from the Venetian term ‘Tondo,’ which refers to the round canvas on which Renaissance artists created magnificent works of art. In a way, our round Tonda range is that blank canvas which enables the individual to explore the many facets of the Parmigiani Fleurier aesthetic.”

What makes the Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph so different?

It is the ability to time two events independently via unique gearing and a second chronograph seconds hand that makes the split-second chronograph so different to the standard chronograph watch, yet the Tonda PF line itself brings several new features to the brand’s offerings. Firstly, the 42mm case of the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph watch is crafted from 95% pure elemental platinum. There’s also very few available. The watch is limited to just 25 pieces worldwide and boasts a different patina compared to the lustre of stainless steel, white gold or titanium. Although bearing the signature design elements of a luxury sports watch (these include an integrated bracelet, a robust case design and a relatively slim profile), it showcases something entirely new on its dial. Parmigiani Fleurier has designed a new motif. The oval-shaped logo has a double frame and encompasses the initials of the brand within its vertically-set frame against a sandblasted platinum dial.

The dial of the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph watch also features luxurious 18ct white gold appliques, which interact nicely with the golden tones of the additional central chronograph second hand and the hands to the two chronograph counters. The three counters placed at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock offer 30-minute, small second and 12-hour functions respectively and are operated easily via the two push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock on the side of the watch’s platinum case. The sub-registers are also surrounded by a rattrappante and pulsometer scale around the periphery of the display. The split-second chronograph is also integrated with 100-meter water resistance and features a sapphire crystal glass front treated with anti-reflective technology. Looking through at the performance of the watch’s movement is also made remarkably easy thanks to a sapphire-backed case.

The Calibre PF361

What makes this new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph watch so special to own is the fact that its manual-winding engine, built into the heart of the watch, is crafted from solid gold and offers a flyback function that enables you to start, stop and reset a timing with one simple push of a button. The Calibre PF361 is an integrated chronograph movement that needs to be wound by hand (preferably at the same time each day) to keep timing accurate. Aside from its chronograph functions it also oscillates at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, which is rare for such a complication. The movement provides an impressive 65-hour power reserve and comprises a total of 309 components – 35 of those being the jewels. The movement’s mainplate and bridges are also crafted from 18K rose gold and the engine is executed with stunning satin finishes and bevelled decoration.

The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph limited edition watch secures to the wrist with a matching integrated 950 platinum bracelet and encloses with a folding clasp engraved with the brand logo. For more information on the watch or to secure yourself one of the 25 pieces available, you can call our sales team at Jura Watches on 01335 453453 or visit the link here.

Technical Specifications of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition watch

• Case: 42mm – 950 platinum – 100-meter water resistance – sapphire crystal glass front with anti-reflective treatment – see-through exhibition caseback crafted from sapphire crystal – hand-knurled bezel
• Dial: Platinum – sandblasted – 18ct white gold delta hands and hour markers – golden central chronograph second hands and chronograph sub-counter hands – 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock – 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock – small second sub-counter at 6 o’clock – new PF logo under 12 o’clock rattrappante and pulsometer scale around flange
• Movement: Calibre PF361 – in-house manufactured – manual winding – 36,000 v.p.h – 65-hour power reserve – flyback and split-second function – 309 components – 35 jewels – crafted from 18ct gold
• Bracelet; 950 platinum - integrated bracelet – folding clasp
• Reference: PFH916-2010001-200182
• Availability: Limited to 25 pieces worldwide