The innovative Tonda PF Chrono Ultra-Cermet is a dark take on Parmigiani Fleurier minimalism
Borna Bošnjak- Parmigiani Fleurier becomes the first brand to use the ceramic and metal composite for an entire watch for the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet.
- The 42.5mm Ultra-Cermet case combines the scratch-resistance of ceramics, and the stress-resistance of metals
- The watch is available in two colourways, powered by a high-beat, integrated chrono movement, and priced at CHF 39,900.
Think of Parmigiani Fleurier, and you’ll likely imagining two different scenarios. If you’ve been familiar with the brand for a while, you might think of restorationist extraordinaire Michel Parmigiani, his Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, and the many complex pieces the brand has made. Alternatively, you’ll think of the revitalised brand under the guidance of CEO Guido Terreni, with the focus on design and “private luxury”. The latest Tonda PF Sport Chronograph is looking to add another facet to the brand’s portfolio, and that’s with material science, as it becomes the first watch with a case fully made of Ultra-Cermet.
Just from its name, you may have an inkling of what Ultra-Cermet may be. Cermets, in general, are alloys of ceramic and metal, where a metal like nickel or molybdenum is used to bind with oxides, borides, or carbides. If you’re familiar with tungsten carbide – a compound used in watchmaking by the likes of Seiko and Rado – cermets are cousins once-removed. What does all this mean for watches, and the Tonda PF Sport in question? Well, Parmigiani doesn’t specify what kind of cermet Ultra-Cermet happens to be, but with a Vickers hardness rating of 1,450 Hv, you can expect very high scratch-resistance the likes of which you’d expect from ceramic, but with the added shatter-resistance you get from metals. For a much better science lesson on hardness of watch materials, make sure to check out Buffy’s manifesto.
Whatever the chemical compound of Ultra-Cermet might be, it’s quite the looker. The subtle sheen of the dark grey case works wonders with Parmigiani’s delicate finishing, and it might just help shave off a little bit of the visual bulk too. At 42.5mm in diameter and 13.3mm thick, the Tonda PF Sport Chrono is not a small watch, fully immersing itself in the “Sport” part of its name. Though it has to be said, it does fully live up to it, with a 100-metre water resistance (with a screw-down crown), and an integrated, textured rubber strap that can not only get wet, but one that’s also supremely comfortable from first-hand experience. To top it all off, the strap comes with an Ultra-Cermet pin buckle, too.
In the playing field of high-end, sports chronographs, the Tonda PF Sport Chrono has a distinct advantage of being powered by quite a decent movement, having replaced the modular Tonda GT last year. The PF070 is fully integrated, and is COSC-certified, with a speedy, 5Hz beat rate and impressive 65-hour power reserve. It also helps that the movement itself is quite handsome, with its steering wheel-like rotor and bevelled bridges visible through the sapphire caseback.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet price and availability
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet is now available in two colourways. Price: CHF 39,900
| Brand | Parmigiani Fleurier |
| Model | Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet |
| Reference | PFC931-1020021-400182 PFC931-1020022-400182 |
| Case Dimensions | 42.5mm (D) x 13.3mm (T) |
| Case material | Ultra-Cermet |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | London grey Milano blue |
| Strap | Integrated rubber strap, Ultra-Cermet pin buckle |
| Movement | PF070, in-house, automatic, 5Hz |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 39,900 |