While we’ve written about a number of watches from Parmigiani Fleurier (you can see that here), we’ve only been able to go hands-on with one, until today. Today, we double that review count, and this one was a treat. Not just because of the watch it is, but also because we got pre-release access to the watch. You see, this version of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor is just released as of today.
Tonda PF Micro-Rotor: what it is
It’s the latest addition to the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor family, of course. While other versions have kept things completely mono-tone, this version is their first foray into a two-tone for the line. Here, things are primarily steel, with rose gold taking up accent positions on the bracelet, bezel, handset, indices, and crown. Also, around back, you’ll see that the micro-rotor is also made of rose gold. While I’m not a big gold watch guy, this one felt like it had just the right amount to elevate the elegance without becoming boorish.
The movement
For me, that was the biggest prize with this watch. Inside, you’ve got the PF703. And yes, this is a movement that shows up in other PF watches (like this steel one). Here, we like the stability in a known movement getting put to work in the new iteration of the watch. Sure, innovation is great, but if you’re putting down a solid chunk of money for something you’ll likely have for a good long time, we like seeing an engine and drivetrain that have been proven out over time.
Now, you might be asking, why would you want to get a watch with a micro-rotor movement? Well, for starters, it makes for a very thin watch. In this case, the watch is just 7.8mm thick, which feels more like the domain of a manually-wound or even a quartz watch. This makes for a very comfortable watch, as well as one that easily slips under any shirt cuff.
Another reason you might go for the micro-rotor is just the overall rarity of the movement, in general terms. Micro-rotors are not something that you see all that often, and if you’re trying to get some uniqueness into your collection, this is a great way to do just that.
Wearing the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
We already mentioned how thin the case is on the watch, and the 40mm diameter helps with that wearability. The tapered two-tone bracelet fits quite comfortable on the wrist, and the integrated clasp is about the thinnest we’ve seen in a bracelet, which helps keep it from digging into your wrist.
On the dial side, telling the time was no problem. The skeletonized hands stand out sharply against the stone blue dial. Oh, and that dial? It has a guilloche pattern applied on it, which does some interesting things in the light. Overall, I’d call the blue a sort of a greyish blue, and depending on how bright the light is (or the angle it hits the dial), you’ll go from darker tones into something a bit brighter. In other words, a bit of a visual treat for your eyes for when you can’t stare at the micro-rotor (which has the same guilloche pattern applied to it).
Wrapping things up
I’ve long been a fan of micro-rotor movements, and every watch I get to see with one in it just reaffirms that position. The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, in particular, really clicked with me. It worked excellently for the aesthetics I look for in a watch, as well as how comfortably it sat on my wrist.
Sure, you could try calling it a steel sports watch (it does have steel, and does have a 100m WR rating), but in my book, this is a watch that is firmly in the dress side of things. Aside from all the technical fun hiding under the dial, this is a watch that would certainly elevate your day-to-day, from formal wear to even business casual. If you’d like to put this brand new two-tone version on your wrist, you can do just that for $35,742. Get all the details over at parmigiani.com
Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Tech Specs
Reference: Stainless steel & Rose gold (PFC914-1020022-100182)
FUNCTIONS: hours, minutes
HANDS: 18ct rose gold skeletonized delta-shaped
BRACELET:
Polished and satin-finished 18ct rose gold and stainless steel
Closure: stainless steel folding clasp
MOVEMENT
PF703 - AUTOMATIC WINDING MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT WITH ROSE GOLD MICRO-ROTOR
Power reserve: 48 hours
Frequency: 21,600 Vph (3 Hz)
Jewels: 29
No. of components: 166
Total diameter: 30.6 mm
Thickness: 3.07 mm
Decoration: Côtes de Genève, Perlage, bevelled bridges
Oscillating weight: 22ct rose gold micro-rotor, Grain d’Orge guilloché
DIAL
Color: Stone Blue
Finishing: Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché
Indices: hand-applied 18ct rose gold appliques
CASE
Polished and satin-finished 18ct rose gold and stainless steel with knurled bezel
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 7.8 mm
Crown: Ø 4.3 mm, screwed-in
Glass: ARunic anti-reflective sapphire
Case back: sapphire glass
Engraving on case back: serial number – “SWISS MADE” – “PARMIGIANI FLEURIER”
Water resistance: 100 m