The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante in Arctic Rose is a thoughtful colour choice that perfectly complements one of the most original complications in modern watchmaking.
Parmigiani Fleurier first launched the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante back in 2023, which at the time was a world first as it introduced a unique minute rattrapante complication. Rather than reworking an existing complication, Parmigiani Fleurier set out to introduce an entirely new way of measuring time through the unique Rattrapante Minute complication.
We are normally used to the rattrapante complication, measuring two separate events starting simultaneously, but ending at different times. When the chronograph is engaged, both hands start together; however, using the rattrapante pusher, one hand can be temporarily stopped to read an intermediate time while the other continues running. Once released, the stopped hand instantly “catches up” to the moving hand. A rattrapante complication is ideal if you need to time laps or events with staggered finishes.
Parmigiani Fleurier took the concept of the rattrapante complication and reworked it to show split times with the minute hand now. This concept, as stated by the brand, “is one of remarkable clarity, unmatched to this day”. It starts off with two superimposed minute hands, which are invisible to one another until the rattrapante minute mechanism is activated. Three pushers are used for the functionality of this complication. There is a pusher on the crown, which is used as the “reset” function. Then we have the pusher at 8 o’clock, which is used to add five-minute increments, while the pusher at 10 o’clock adds 1-minute increments.
Looking at the watch, if you didn’t know any better, you wouldn’t even be able to tell it features this rattrapante minute complication. The lack of subcounters, which is normally displayed on a rattrapante timepiece, makes this a more elegant and minimalistic offering, perfectly on theme with Parmigiani Fleurier’s design ethos.
Case Design
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante is presented in a 40mm x 10.7mm thick steel / 950 platinum case. The case and lugs are crafted from stainless steel, while the knurled bezel is made from 950 platinum. The pusher on the aforementioned crown is crafted from 18k rose gold, offering not only different precious metals but also a luxury aesthetic. The case comes with different finishes as well, which adds to the visual appeal. The surfaces of the tear-drop shaped lugs feature a beautiful polished finish, while the side profile of the lugs and case come with a horizontal brushed finish.
What I personally love about the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante case design is the pushers at 8 and 10 o’clock. While this is a consistent design throughout Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF range, it is one element that stands out for its refinement and ability to blend in with the overall sharp and angular case design.
Dial Design
The dial is the main highlight of this latest interpretation of the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante. The beautiful Grain d’Orge guilloché-patterned dial is visually enhanced with the use of the ‘Artic Rose’ colour. The pale rose colour shifts at different lighting angles, giving the watch added character with the ever-changing colour palette.
The use of this specific dial colour wasn’t just meant to be another colour choice, but rather a more meaningful addition to the innovative timepiece. The hands are done in rhodium, which matches the indices nicely and doesn’t detract attention away from the beauty of the dial. The second minute hand is made from rose-gold, which matches the crown pusher and subtly sets it apart from the rhodium minute hand.
As highlighted by Parmigiani Fleurier, the story goes, “in the eighteenth century, rose was a colour worn by men, a symbol of refinement and distinction. It was only in the second half of the twentieth century that it became associated with the feminine. To reintroduce this shade into masculine watchmaking today is to reconnect with a forgotten tradition and affirm an aesthetic freed from convention.“
Movement
Sitting inside the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante is Parmigiani Fleurier’s in-house Calibre PF052 movement, which has been developed from the ground up to support this unconventional complication. This automatic movement with its micro-rotor delivers a practical 48-hour power reserve, while operating at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 VpH). Despite the complexity of the movement, it remains quite slim, measuring only 4.97mm thick, which allows the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante to have those elegant and refined proportions.
The case back finishing mirrors the beauty of the dial side. The PF052 movement is finished to the highest standards of traditional watchmaking, featuring Côtes de Genève, perlage, and bevelling techniques. The micro-rotor is made from 22-carat rose gold and is adorned with Grain d’Orge guilloché pattern, the same as seen on the dial.
Initial Thoughts
The Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante is innovation combined with refinement and simplicity. Leaving behind the visual complexity of traditional high complications, Parmigiani Fleurier has instead opted for a timepiece that showcases a genuinely new way of interacting with time, all the while keeping to the brand’s signature minimalism design. From the refined case and five-link bracelet design, which exude luxury and elegance, to the use of precious metals that subtly elevate the overall aesthetic, every detail of the Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante feels purposeful and thoughtfully executed.
With soft pink tones becoming quite popular in watchmaking right now, from coloured dials to straps, this seems like the perfect addition from Parmigiani Fleurier to keep up with the trend. The Grain d’Orge guilloché-pattern amplifies the beauty of the dial, giving it a texture that, honestly, fits in very nicely alongside the knurled bezel. It all comes together nicely, creating a dial that feels detailed without being busy, and perfectly in tune with the overall design of the watch.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante is one of these timepieces that the more you look at the details and the more you learn about the watch, the more impressive it becomes!
Reference: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante Ref. PFC904-1020002-100182
Specification:
- Dimensions: 40mm x 10.7mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless steel with fine brushed and polished surfaces. 950 Platinum bezel
- Dial: Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché patterned dial in Arctic Rose colour. 18ct gold rhodium-plated appliques. Delta-shaped hands.
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 60 meters
- Movement: In-house Calibre PF052 with 48-hour power reserve.
- Strap: 5-link bracelet with polished and brushed finishing.