Parmigiani is all about immersion into the heart of purism. Of an almost understated elegance, the watches produced by this independent manufacturer come with exceptional characteristics. The most definitory one consists of superb finishes on all the watch elements, whether case, dial, or movement. No exception for the TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante, which implements an interesting approach of a highly desired complication.
Parmigiani TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante
Although the Minute Rattrapante idea might appear as a joke for the Haute Horlogerie die-hards, it is a spectacularly simple (to use, not implement) function. A perfect example is cooking pasta… Although Parmigiani Fleurier toyed with the idea of diving intervals, the watch is much too far from being a diver’s watch used for serious situations. But the idea is cool and valuable.
Heavy, precious shell
The case is manufactured in polished, satin-finished stainless steel with a platinum 950 knurled bezel and a delicate 40mm diameter. It comes with the familiar voluptuous lines of the Tonda collection: an unusual and tasteful combination of delicate lines with bold wide shoulders terminated in relatively short lugs. A refined combination that gives smaller wear permits an elegant bracelet integration. Fine brushing and mirror polishing highlight the watch’s lines. The two steps bezel with fluted lines increase the boldness and sportiness of the Tonda. A 100m water-tightness underlines the sports characteristics.
The screwed-in crown presents a good grip and bears the embossed PF logo. The crown presents an 18ct rose gold pusher destined to be the rattraper (to recapture) – it allows the stopped minute hand to sync with the running hand (rattrapante – the name used usually for the split-seconds complication). Another specific element of Parmigiani Fleurier is the gorgeous pushers’ shape, finished with a well-executed polish that increases the contrast with the matt finish of the baseband.
The bracelet is manufactured in 3 rows with external slim polished links and wide central matt elements. The integration is flawless, and the extraordinary mobility of the links offers comfortable and pleasant wear. The stainless steel bracelet ends with a folding clasp, where we find the PF logo positively engraved again.
The details on the details
The TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante follows last year’s idea of GMT Rattrapante. But instead of using a GMT hand hidden under the hour hand, the new watch uses minutes as a time base. It conceals the other hand in 18k rose gold, which will calculate minutes in five or one-minute increments on demand. Pressing on either pusher will make the gold rose hand jump according to the desired increment: five minutes via the pusher at 8 o’clock and one minute via the one at 10 o’clock. The period of time to be measured will have elapsed when the rhodium-plated hand reaches the position of the 18k rose gold hand. It is returned to its position by means of the crown-integrated pusher, similar to the split-seconds function. A third pusher, located on the crown, allows the “rattrapante minute” to return to its hidden position by “rattrapant” (“catching up”) with the minute hand.
The dial reveals a Grain d’Orge hand guilloché, the brand’s signature ornate style. The colour scheme is neutral, and only the connoisseurs will recognize it. The applied hour indexes sit on the outer matt recessed printed minute track and generously bite from the raised guilloché section. The PF applied logo governs the upper side of the dial. No other detail is there to ruin the purist soul of this TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante
Nothing less than the expected excellency
Calibre PF052 is spectacular and full of details. When the watch is seen from the back, the rose gold micro-rotor is the one that totally steals the show. Sank in the full metal flesh of the movement, the rotor has its own way of catching the light due to the guilloché pattern. Further decorations include the Parmigiani Fleurier PF logo and excellent care for each edge.
The Calibre PF052 is lovely decorated with the classic côtes de Genève, perlage on the mainplate, polished chamfered edges and gilded engravings. On the technical side, the movement runs at a slow 3 Hz offering 48 hours of power reserve.
Unexpected practical
When I first heard about the “unusual” complication, I shook my head in disbelief. Using it for a while, I discovered a potential new world of situations where this rarity is of good use. Day by day, in moments when I might use a chrono, the minute rattrapante proved more useful and intuitive. It looks like the “stupid” idea turned out to be brilliant… Well done, Parmigiani team!
Parmigiani TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante is a good looking sports oriented watch. Although its sportiness is dedicated more to desk adventures than hardcore wild ones, its weariness can not be denied. Specific to any Parmigiani watch, the elegance is indisputable.
This watch could easily turn into the only watch one would use in various conditions: from business meetings with selected attire to going out for a swim. The practical complication makes a beautiful dial to be fully enjoyed without cluttering with sub-dials or other details. As a single piece, or part of a larger collection, the Parmigiani TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante is a piece for serious consideration.
Parmigiani TONDA PF Minute Rattrapante Technical Specifications
Reference: PFC904-1020001-100182
Functions
- Hours, minutes, minute rattrapante
Movement
- Calibre PF052
- Automatic winding with rose gold rotor weight
- Power reserve: 48 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 Vph (3 Hz)
- Jewels: 35
- No. of components: 271
- Total diameter: 32 mm
- Thickness: 4.9 mm
- Decoration: Côtes de Genève, Perlage Oscillating weight: 22ct rose gold micro-rotor, Grain d’Orge guilloché
Case
- Platinum
- Polished and satin-finished stainless steel with platinum 950 knurled bezel
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Thickness: 10.7 mm
- Crown: Ø 5.5 mm with 18ct rose gold pusher
- Glass: ARunic anti-reflective sapphire
- Case back: sapphire glass
- Engraving on case back: serial number – “PARMIGIANI FLEURIER”
- Water resistance: 60m
Dial
- Colour: Sand Grey
- Finishing: Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché
- Indices: hand-applied 18ct gold rhodium-plated appliques
- Hours and minutes hands: 18ct gold rhodium-plated skeletonized delta-shaped
- Minute rattrapante hand: 18ct rose gold skeletonized delta-shaped
Bracelet
- Polished and satin-finished stainless steel Closure: stainless steel folding clasp
“Every watch tells a story, not just of the individual who wears it, but of the society and culture in which it was created. As a restorer, I am always mindful of the cultural context in which an object was created, and I strive to preserve its historical significance as well as its physical beauty”.
Michel Parmigiani, Founder and Master Watchmaker.