Parmigiani Fleurier remains to be one of horology’s best kept open secrets. Despite the watchmaking house introducing some of the most impressive timepieces to date, it still does not have the publicity and name recall to match other more established companies. For some, this is not the worst thing in the world, as Parmigiani Fleurier continues to be independent, thus having complete control and liberty in the company’s direction. Today, Parmigiani Fleurier is one of the few that can truly say that all its watches components, from the hairspings to the cases, are made in-house, a point of pride to the company which most aficionados appreciate.
Release Date & Price
Release date: 2014
Price: US$11,500 (strap), US$12,000 (bracelet)
In 2014, the company added to its roster the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métrographe, which is its solution to becoming more accessible to watch connoisseurs, especially to the younger crowd. The brand has updated the timepiece in the years that followed, while being true to the original goal: give a versatile, elegant and affordable watch to attract those with contemporary tastes while still prizing the technical aspect in watchmaking.
Specifications:
- Movement: Caliber PF315, PF331 with Dubois Dépraz chronograph module
- Power reserve: ~42 hours
- Jewels: 46
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Water resistance: 30m
- Case dimensions: 40mm x 11.7mm
- Case material: steel
- Glass: sapphire crystals for both front and back
Pros
In recent iterations of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métrographe, what is apparent is the dial’s improved clarity and legibility. It cuts away some of the original features, such as the excess lume and hour markers that are now a tad shorter, to make it less cluttered. The color choice in the version with gold hands is an interesting one, but Parmigiani Fleurier manages to get away with it and end with a more elegant appearance. The design also gives a semblance of balance that makes it more appealing to the eye. The finishing touches present a versatile watch, although other color options are dressier than the others. Plus, it’s not hard to hide from plain view because the watch is only 40mm in diameter. While more expensive than other entry-level choices, the price is justified especially when considering the Tonda Métrographe’s movement.
Cons
One thing that might make potential buyers reconsider is that the movement inside the Tonda Métrographe is not completely made in-house. While powered by the watchmaker’s PF315, this is also fitted with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module, although it is what partly makes the watch relatively more affordable. The characteristic high-end finishing fans have come to love about Parmigiani Fleurier’s watches are also absent, and owners who want to peek into the movement will also be disappointed in the caseback that does not reveal the timepiece’s inner workings.
Compare With
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Sonatina Large
- Piaget Polo S Stainless-Steel
- Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Day-Date
- Nomos Glashütte Autobahn
Image credits: Watchonista (featured image and article images), Professional Watches, The Billionaire Shop, Ape to Gentleman (article images)
