Parmigiani Fleurier-Exceptional Timepieces
Every Parmigiani Fleurier timepiece is the result of the combined efforts of masterful artisans and craftsmen, plying their trades throughout five distinct companies all under one corporate roof. Since 1996, when Michel Parmigiani partnered with the Sandoz Family Foundation in the foundation of his eponymous watch brand, they have built a vertically integrated watchmaking center with the Parmigiani Fleurier at its creative core. While each of the five companies, which together encompass all the industrial and artisanal disciplines involved in the production of high-end timepieces, from the production of screws and balance springs, to computer-aided design and prototyping, to the finishing of cases and dials, also provide their expertise to other high-horology watch companies, it is Parmigiani Fleurier that is at the forefront of their production and at the pinnacle of their craftsmanship.
Parmigiani Fleurier is one of the few modern watch maisons with a deeply rooted tradition in antique timepiece restoration, a specialty of its founder and namesake, Michel Parmigiani. Its driving philosophy, in which a timepiece is approached as both a work of art and a practical timekeeping device, is shared among the collective that makes up the Parmigiani Watchmaking Centre. The five producers are Les Artisans Boitiers (LAB), a cutting-edge casemaker brought into the fold in May 2000; Atokalpa, a prolific purveyor of movement parts acquired in December of that same year; Elwin, a longtime supplier of micro-mechanical parts absorbed in January 2001; Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, the respected movement manufacturer established in 2003; and Quadrance & Habillage, whose founding and addition to the Watchmaking Centre in 2005 added in-house dial-making to the roster of horological savoir faire.
Following the successful launch of its first ever Hijri calendar wristwatch, the Tonda 1950 Tourbillon Double Rainbow and the Toric Tourbillon Slate, Parmigiani Fleurier is proud to announce the new Tonda GT. The Maison’s dress watches have long been revered among collectors for their elegance and fine craftsmanship, the result of its in-house manufacturing prowess combined with Michel Parmigiani’s master watchmaking talent and commitment to excellence. This commitment continues in this new introduction, a line designed to appeal to the modern gentleman looking for a watch he can wear on every occasion. Three distinct sporty, yet elegant designs introduces the release of the Tonda GT. With polished and satin-finished stainless steel or 18-ct rose gold, it is the embodiment of Parmigiani’s years of expertise and design ethos following golden ratio parameters.
The Tondagraph GT is powered by the PF043 automatic caliber and combines two of watchmaking’s most useful complications, an annual calendar and a chronograph. This is an uncommon combination and once again Parmigiani Fleurier fills a void in the watchmaking world by presenting them together at a level of quality seldom rivaled, and yet, with an exceptional price. The dial displays a wealth of information and remains legible. It has delta-shaped hands with black luminescent coating indicating the hours and minutes, a small second, two subdials for the chronograph function, and a big date aperture at 12 o’clock. To draw attention to the annual calendar function, the date and month are displayed in a vibrant orange color. This impressive watch is water resistant to 100m, has a screw-down crown, a 45-hour power reserve, and is finely finished with Côtes de Genève stripes visible through the open caseback.
Parmigiani Fleurier worked with watch designer, Dino Modolo, to reinterpret its design codes, resulting in a reimagined case with updated lugs and an integrated bracelet ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort. Its fluted bezel recalls another Parmigiani Fleurier icon, the Toric collection, and the dials are finished with traditional “clou triangulaire” guilloché. All watches are available on a polished and satin-finished bracelet or on a rubber strap with a motif that recalls the finishing on the dial. The Tondagraph GT is limited to rare 200 pieces. ParmigianiFleurier.com.