Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Stone-set

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Last year we witnessed the launch of quite a few interesting ladies’ watches. Between them, the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Stone-set continues a prominent collection in a precious approach. The Tonda 1950 Stone-set is an ultra-thin time only, small seconds watch with a classic appearance worthy of a lady connoisseur. I have seen and photographed the watch during SIHH 2019.

Streamlined Tonda Case

The new lady Tonda comes in a 39mm 18k rose gold. Compared to the previous versions, the watch has a larger bezel used to set the 51 round diamonds, 1.82 carats in total. Delightful setting.

The case presents an overall mirror polish. The caseband is interrupted by the protuberant streamlined lugs – a trademark of the Tonda watches and a signature element of Parmigiani timepieces. Such evident lines are creating usually a masculine line. But in the case of Tonda, the curved line bring a rather elegant feel. A finesse met in the brand’s creations.

The Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Stone-set features a sublime crown adorned with the Parmigiani Fleurier logo. Subtle but easy to use, the small crown is perfectly integrated with the timepiece’s design.

Pinkish dial

The large bezel with diamond set takes space from the dial’s face. But for this feminine version, the Tonda appears to be more delicate, more feminine.

The dial is split into three major areas. The recessed central bears the brand’s name added by transfer printing. The exterior region bears the applied gold-plated hour indexes. Tonda is fitt with the signature delta-shaped hands. These key signature elements were skeletonised and gilded to accompany the indices.

Placed at 6 o’clock, the small seconds recessed sub-dial occupies a large areal. A thin baton gilded hand flies over the transfer printed numerals and indices.

The astounding PF701 calibre

Besides the streamlined case, the dial’s signature elements, the most elegant and the brand’s DNA specific is the movement. The calibre PF701 is amazing. At only 2.6mm thickness, the movement features an off-centred micro-rotor directly integrated into the main plate.

The slender movement made possible a case of only 8.3mm. The relative slow beater (3Hz) manage to squeeze a minimum of 42 hours power reserve.

Designed initially as a base movement, a workhorse, Calibre PF701 can support a calendar or moon phase indication. In the case of the piece presented today, it serves as it is – a three hands time only watch.

The Parmigiani Tonda 1950’s movement, the calibre PF701 is superbly finished. The bridges bear a delicate “Côtes de Genève” decoration. Further adornment features a suave beveling with delicate polish.

The main plate reveals a hand made perlage in two sizes. The entire build was designed to offer a glimpse to all major components – realised with a clever shape of the bridges.

Timeless aesthetics

Parmigiani Tonda 1950 PF701 is a gorgeous timepiece. The brand excels in the finishes of their watches. No compromise is being made and this is visible. Just like any other Parmigiani Fleurier piece, the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Stone-set is a magnificent haute-horlogerie piece.

This is a piece that stands out only in the eyes of a connoisseur. It could even go unobserved for someone who has no idea about the world of watches and what hides behind the name and the dial. It is a watch to be enjoyed without being flashy, ostentatious. It is a watch for a lady that does not feel the need to prove something to the world. It is a watch for a lady that appreciates the certain beauty of the mechanical movement, the brand’s signature and DNA.