The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm brings back two-tone
Fergus Nash- The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm collection has been expanded to include blends of 18k rose gold.
- With 100m of water resistance and 60 hours of power reserve, they maintain the functionality you’d expect from their larger siblings.
- The two new references include a sandy dial with a two-tone case or a ruby dial in an all-gold case.
There’s been no shortage of waxing lyrical over Parmigiani Fleurier’s watches in the last couple of years, after a management shakeup catapulted the brand from design confusion to the award-winning and much-loved Tonda PF range. With blending of minimalist layouts and complicated textures, they seemed to redefine the term ‘stealth wealth’ and entered a new league of respect from watch enthusiasts. Now, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm asks whether the same magic still occurs when the size is reduced, and even the slightest bells and whistles are stripped.
A couple of millimetres doesn’t sound like much, but in watch terms, it can be gargantuan. The 40mm size that Parmigiani Fleurier have stuck to for many of their Tonda PF models is a great middle ground for those who prefer a bit of modern kick without going overboard, especially since the 45.6mm lug-to-lug length can easily be comfortable on smaller wrists. But, people who have smaller wrists or just those with vintage tastes will crave, well, smaller. The model to solve this is the Tonda PF Automatic 36mm, with a thickness of just 8.6mm and a lug-to-lug of approximately 41mm. A reduction of 10% could easily have changed the proportions of the case which were so cherished in other Tonda PF watches, but luckily it seems that the change in wearability is really the only effect.
Although Parmigiani Fleurier’s catalogue has always been openly unisex and although the Tonda PF Automatic 36mm is certainly not considered a women’s watch, these two new models in the collection do have a slight feminine lilt. The first is a two-tone steel and rose gold configuration with a sandy beige dial in their signature barleycorn pattern. It’s paired with a matching two-tone bracelet that features both brushed and polished surfaces for a hybrid approach to its sportiness and luxurious appearance. The sportiness isn’t just for looks either, with 100 metres of water resistance making it swim-ready. The second model has a case made entirely of 18k rose gold, and the dial is a robust purple they call ‘deep ruby.’ The integrated alligator leather strap has been dyed in a matching colour which will certainly pop with the right outfit, however you’d probably want to avoid taking it in a pool. You may also notice the lack of a date display on either model, as it was sacrificed to keep the dial’s proportions unspoiled once shrunken.
Powering both of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm watches is the calibre PF770, whose gorgeous Geneva stripes can be seen through the sapphire display caseback. It doesn’t have a micro-rotor to get people excited to look at it, but the 22k rose gold skeletonised winding rotor is still a joy to watch. The 60-hour power reserve maintaining the smooth 4Hz beat rate is also a welcome feature on a watch of this size, where specifications are often disappointing compared to the full-size siblings.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm pricing and availability
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm references are now available from Parmigiani Fleurier retailers. Price: US$26,200, CHF 24,000 (Sand Grey), US$40,400, CHF 37,000 (Deep Ruby)
| Brand | Parmigiani Fleurier |
| Model | Tonda PF Automatic Steel Gold Sand Grey Tonda PF Automatic Deep Ruby |
| Reference Number | PFC804-1020003-100182 PFC804-2020001-300182 |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm (D) x 8.6mm (D) |
| Case Material | Steel and 18k rose gold 18k rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Grain d’orge hand-guilloché in sand and ruby |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Steel and 18k rose gold bracelet, steel folding clasp Ruby alligator leather, 18k rose gold folding clasp |
| Movement | PF770, in-house, automatic, 22k rose gold rotor |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$26,200, CHF 24,000 (Sand Grey) US$40,400, CHF 37,000 (Deep Ruby) |