Back in the heady days of 2021 and 2022 Parmigiani effectively relaunched themselves as a brand with the creation of the Tonda PF. A watch that revitalised interest in the brand and brought a new, modern aesthetic to their collections. Now, Parmigiani are pushing the design to fresh heights, not by adding more complications or crazy new designs, but by stripping all of that away to the barest essentials on both the dial and movement to create the most minimalist version yet. Meet the Parmigiani Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date.
As a time-only watch with only hours, minutes and seconds in its display, every small aspect of the watch is put under the microscope. There’s no hiding behind the haute horological prowess of an eye-catching tourbillon or the prestige of a perpetual calendar. Every line of the 40mm stainless steel case and platinum knurled bezel has to be absolutely pristine. The arc of the round case, the sweeping lugs and integrated bracelet all have to be finished to an immaculate standard with a combination of polishing and brushing.
Under equal scrutiny is the dial, which is of course dateless with only the skeletonised hour and minute hands as any form of timekeeping. Date vs no date is often a debate among collectors but here no date makes a lot of sense, why would you want such a stunning dial to be interrupted? It features the brand’s signature Grain d’Orge guilloché which consists of incredibly fine vertical waves interspersed with pointed petal shapes. It creates a mesmerising display that warrants close observation of every detail. It also has a layered appearance thanks to the raised hour markers and recessed peripheral minute scale. The colour is called Golden Siena, a rich yellow gold tone that has the same feeling of warmth to it as a sepia photograph.
The same exacting level of attention has been paid to the Parmigiani Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date’s movement as well, which is visible through the exhibition caseback. It’s worth noting that there was previously a no date model with a full rotor, but this is the first time that display has been paired with a micro-rotor movement, allowing you to admire the finishing to its fullest on both the dial and movement side of the watch. The main plate features the clean lines of Côtes de Genève finishing and the titular micro-rotor has a radial interpretation of Grain d’Orge. The movement is called the PF703 and has a 48-hour power reserve and operates at a 3Hz frequency.
It’s priced at £23,220, which is exactly the same as the standard Tonda PF Micro-Rotor with date. It’s a price that reflects the high level of skill and finishing involved in the watch while also being notably lower than Parmigiani’s many high complications and precious metal offerings. I would go so far as to say that this is one of my favourite Tonda PFs to date, despite (or perhaps because of) being the most pared back and restrained. The gold of the dial adds some much needed brightness to the range which is full of greys and blues.
Price and Specs:
More details at Parmigiani.
