Parmigiani Fleurier launches new Sandstone configuration for its Tonda PF Chronograph Sport (live pics)
Zach Blass- Parmigiani Fleurier debuts a rose gold Tonda PF Sport Chronograph with a new “Sandstone” colour scheme.
- It is driven by an in-house high-beat automatic chronograph calibre that has been COSC-certified.
- Price: US$53,100.
With summer fully underway in the Northern Hemisphere, we have seen brands racing to launch all sorts of summer-ready watches. Heck, we just launched our own summery limited edition with Zenith. Summer watches are typically distinguished by brighter and bolder colour schemes, but for a brand like Parmigiani Fleurier, which is all about private luxury, peacocking is not really in its DNA. However, that does not mean it is not capable of bringing the summer heat. Today, the brand debuts its new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone, which I managed to see and photograph in the metal ahead of release.
Its rose gold case, 100 metres water-resistant, measures 42mm in diameter and 12.9mm thick, which is admirable for a chronograph. The rose gold surfaces are impeccably finished, as you would expect from Parmigiani Fleurier, with rich brushing complemented by polished accents. In particular, I find myself very impressed by how Parmigiani Fleurier constructs and finishes the lugs of the case, extending the full polished surface of the lug hood to the hairline edge, creating a thin border around their brushed sides.
The “Sandstone” coloured dial evokes class, not just summer – more like a quiet, luxurious summer adventure in the Mediterranean. Whether the grainy sands of the beaches, or the linens worn while walking across them or dining by them, the colourway is subtle yet distinguished (which may as well be a brand motto). In Parmigiani Fleurier fashion, the majority of the central medallion features clou triangulaire guilloché performed by hand. The chronograph counters introduce contrast, their grained surfaces exhibiting a slightly darker hue.
The Sport segment of the Tonda PF range is distinguished by being outfitted with an integrated rubber strap rather than a bracelet, to up the sporty vibes. For the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone, its high-grade rubber strap is executed in a hue the brand describes as tufo. Parmigiani Fleurier explains that this tufo strap takes inspiration from “the pale volcanic stone found on Mediterranean landscapes.”
It is worth pointing out the complexity of these rubber straps, which give off a Cordura textile-like effect despite being fully rubber. Furthermore, each strap is reinforced and hand-finished with saddle-style stitching just like the most luxurious leather straps. On the wrist, it just feels classy. Top-notch.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone is not just pretty, it also boasts a handsome and impressive in-house high-beat automatic chronograph movement that has been COSC-certified to run within +6/-4 per day. Beneath its openworked, polished, frosted, and bevelled 22K gold rotor, its bridges have also been semi-openworked and hand-finished with glistening bevels on their edges.
In my opinion, anyone who summers in the Mediterranean, appreciates watchmaking, and has a spare US$53,100 would be hard-pressed to find a classier summer watch that perfectly matches the vibe. That may be a very select, not very relatable group of people, but I can definitely imagine myself wearing and enjoying this watch in such scenery, even if it is likely it will just live in my imagination…
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone pricing and availability
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone is available now for purchase. Price: US$53,100
| Brand | Parmigiani Fleurier |
| Model | Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone |
| Reference | PFC931-2020021-400182 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12.9mm (T) |
| Case Material | 18k rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Silver & sandstone, clou triangulaire guilloché |
| Strap | Tufo rubber strap, 18k rose gold folding clasp |
| Movement | PF070, in-house, high-beat automatic, COSC |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$53,100 |