Parmigiani Fleurier debuts a world-first with the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante
Borna Bošnjak- Re-imagining a use case for their Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante calibre, Parmigiani Fleurier present the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante
- In classic Parmigiani style, it’s a minimal take on an elapsed time complication, negating the need for a timing bezel
- Powered by a modified GMT Rattrapante calibre dubbed the PF052
It’s safe to say that Parmigiani Fleurier has been one of the feel-good stories of watchmaking in the last couple of years. Under new business leadership helping the brilliant Michel Parmigiani, the brand has been on the up-and-up. Hell, I thought it was the brand that won 2022 overall! For Watches & Wonders 2023, and inspired by the success of their previous GMT Rattrapante model, Parmigiani is presenting the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante. This time, the minute hand offers the split function, acting as an elapsed-time timer without the need of a bezel. Let’s get into the details.
The case is a familiar Tonda PF affair, with smooth transitions and those amazing dual-finished lugs. Integrated into their sides are the two pushers, the 8 o’clock one advances the 18k gold hand by five minutes, whereas the one at 10 o’clock pushes it forward in one minute increments. The rose gold pusher embedded into the crown snaps the hand back into position. Acting as a stealth wealth touch on top of the mirror-polished and brushed steel is the 950 platinum bezel with its finely knurled edge. Both metals have a silver sheen to them, but platinum always emanates a sort of warm glow, making it distinct from the rest of the steel construction. The 40mm diameter and 10.7mm thickness makes this a versatile everyday proposition.
Bridging the gap between the silver tones of the case and bezel and the rose gold highlights in the crown and rattrapante minute hand, Parmigiani uses a sandy grey colour for the dial. The Rattrapante Minute makes use of Parmigiani’s signature grain d’orge guilloché, executed completely by hand. The minimal indices and appliques are in 18k solid gold with rhodium plating, all applied by hand and serving as a nice transition between the guillochéd portion of the dial and the media-blasted outer ring. Another Parmigiani signature are the skeletonised delta hands, executed in solid gold, rhodium-plated for the hours and minutes, and rose for the split-minutes.
Movement-wise, it’s a similar affair of what powered the Rattrapante GMT, with the mechanism modified to advance the minutes instead of seconds. Christened the PF052, it’s an in-house micro-rotor calibre with a 48-hour power reserve, 3Hz beat rate and only 4.9mm in height. There’s some lovely finishing too – Geneva striping, circular graining and razor-thin chamfers, while the 22k rose gold oscillating weight has that same barleycorn guilloché found on the dial.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante pricing and availability:
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante is available now. Price: CHF 28,000
| Brand | Parmigiani Fleurier |
| Model | Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante |
| Reference Number | PFC904-1020001-100182 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.7mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel and 950 platinum |
| Water Resistance | 60 metres |
| Dial | Sand grey grain d’orge guilloché main |
| Crystal(s) | ARunic anti-reflective sapphire |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp |
| Movement | PF052, in-house, micro-rotor automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, rattrapante minutes |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF 28,000 |