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Parmigiani Fleurier introduces the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date in striking Agave Blue, offered in both stainless steel and rose gold.

Though a relatively young brand, Parmigiani Fleurier has built a reputation for watches that appear simple but are anything but. Their design language is minimalistic yet sophisticated, embodying understated elegance.

Across the collections, Parmigiani Fleurier adheres to this design ethos, and the Tonda PF is probably the one that embodies it most. The Tonda PF has only been around since 2021. It seems a lot longer, but this is a sign of a good watch that has quickly become iconic for a brand. Personally, I jump back and forth between the collections as to which I like the most, but the Tonda PF keeps coming back into focus for me.

The Tonda PF’s minimalistic design, integrated bracelet, and Grain d’Orge (Barley Grain) guilloché dial in muted pastel shades check all the boxes. They wear comfortably, are well-sized, and the precious metal models feel satisfyingly weighty. The new Tonda PF Micro Rotor Agave Blue Models are no exception here. Is it love at first sight? Maybe…

A Subtle Shade Of Agave Blue

The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro Rotor Argave Blue collection comes in both a steel model and a rose gold model – each featuring the Agave Blue dial. What is Agave Blue? I’m glad you asked. According to Parmigiani Fleurier, “Agave Blue is a tone that resists immediacy. Situated between mineral blue, vegetal green and soft grey, it is drawn from nature and refined through observation rather than effect.” Make sense? My interpretation is the colour takes it’s inspiration from the Agave plant, not quite green or blue, but it floats somewhere in between. And yes, it is subtle.

With each model, the Agave Blue dial takes on different forms. In the rose gold, it contrasts with the soft hues of the rose gold, and makes the dial stand out. The rose gold hands, applied indices and PF logo enhance this even more. On the steel model, the Argave Blue takes more of a back seat. The cool steel takes on a blue-ish tone from the dial, and the steel hands, indices and logo make this watch more stealth wealth than overt luxury. Adding to the appeal, the dial is crafted with classic hand-guilloché, not stamped by machine.

Housing the dial on each are 40mm cases that measure just 7.8mm thick. The integrated bracelet blends into the offset lugs that bend around the case, and the knurled bezel in 950 platinum (on the steel) or gold creates a contrasting texture to the brushed, polished and satin finishes on the case and bracelet.

Having worn a few Tonda PF models over the years, I can attest that the design makes these a very easy-wearing watch, and thanks to the 40mm case and the short lugs, the integrated style doesn’t feel like it wears much bigger, even in the chronograph models, which would naturally tend to feel larger.

Calibre PF703 Movement & Finishing

Inside is the Calibre PF703 – an automatic winding manufacture movement with a platinum 950 micro-rotor. Parmigiani Fleurier’s finishing is excellent as well. With Côtes de Genève on the bridges, perlage on the base plate, bevelled
bridges and a micro-rotor made from 950 platinum decorated with a dial matching Grain d’Orge guilloché.

What many may not know is that Parmigiani Fleurier is effectively a full in-house movement manufacture. Under the PF umbrella is Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, which is dedicated to the movements (other brands also use them for higher complication pieces). Atokalpa makes the balance springs and regulating organs, and Elwin handles precision components. Outside the movements, Quadrance & Habillage take care of the dials, and Les Artisans Boîtiers make the cases. Again, all under the Parmigiani Fleurier ecosystem.

The movement oscillates at 3Hz / 21,600 VpH with 29 jewels as pivot points for all the gears and inner workings. Even with the lower beat rate, the Tonda PF has a minimal 48-hour power reserve. I can imagine this is due to the movement’s architecture and space as a result of the 30.6mm diameter and the 3.07mm thickness of the Calibre PF703, which keeps the watch thin. More power means a larger mainspring, which translates to more space in most instances. Alternatively, a lower beat rate, but this then compromises accuracy, which is not ideal.

Initial Thoughts

If I cast my mind back just two years ago, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF would not have even come onto my radar. I felt the dial was too plain and too much real estate for my liking. Funny how time can change perceptions. I still feel the dials could be more balanced with the size of the indices, and as these are sports watches, some Super-LumiNova on the indices and hands wouldn’t hurt – especially on the steel models where there is less contrast on the lighter dials.

That said, I’ve come to like the Tonda PF more and more. The subtle refinements, embellishments and attentions to the small details on the watches have grown on me. The rose gold models look sensational on the wrist, and the steel models wear extremely comfortably thanks to the style and design of the bracelet.

As far as minimalism goes, Parmigiani Fleurier balances this with embellishment well. As stated, these to me are sophisticated, understated elegance. Perfect for a daily-wearing watch, which these are very much meant to be. Parmigiani Fleurier even have a screw-down crown with 100m water resistance on the Tonda PF Agave Blue, so they can be worn from the office to the pool and everywhere in between.

For anyone seeking elevated luxury from an independent brand with exceptional finishing, the Tonda PF Agave Blue models are hard to beat.

References: PFC914-1020023-100182 (Steel) / PFC914-2020023-200182 (gold)

Specifications:

Retail Price: CHF 23,700 – Steel / CHF 58,000 – Rose Gold

Availability: Available through Parmiginai Fleurier retailers. Head to Parmigiani.com for your local retailer.