Here at WWR, we’re fans of micro-rotor movements. Ok, maybe it’s just me, but I like them so much, I wrote a Top 10 List of our (my?) favorites (you can see that here), and talked some about the history of the movement. All of this is to say, you know I’m going to write about a new watch with a micro-rotor, even if it is firmly out of my league, pricetag speaking. And the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platine Stone Blue definitely hits on both marks.
Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platine Stone Blue: what it is
If I had to coin a phrase for the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platine Stone Blue, it would be this: sleeper luxury. Given the price tag of $91,400, this is a watch this is firmly in the luxury category. But, to look at it, you wouldn’t know that. On some level, this could easily be mistaken for “just” a dressier steel watch with a sterile, blue dial. It’s those who know the details that realize just what is going on here (sort of like the sedan that can blow your doors off at the line).
First off, it is very definitely not a steel watch. The case, dial, and bracelet are all made of platinum, which will carry a lustre that will be unlike any steel, or likely even a rhodium-enhanced gold. Even that knurled (or coin-edge, if you like) bezel is made of platinum. Then, of course, there’s that movement.
The movement
Inside that lovely precious metal case of the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platine Stone Blue beats the PF703 micro-rotor movement. Now, why might you want a micro-rotor? There are a number of reasons. First off, you get automatic winding in a movement thickness that is usually the domain of manually-wound watch. This means a slimmer, and potentially lighter, watch on your wrist. Secondly, there just are not a lot of them out there. Yes, we covered a number, but the odds of you seeing a micro-rotor pop up in an affordable independent or crowd-funded watch are low.
Here, the PF703 is a movement that shows up in other PF watches (like this steel one), which we rather like. Yes, new 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.
What does Parmigiani Fleuerier say about the watch?
We’ll let them speak for themselves. Myself, I’ll summarize the quote below with my phrase from earlier: sleeper luxury.
Parmigiani Fleurier speaks to those for whom excellence
is a personal quest, an introspective journey. With the
Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platinum Stone Blue, the Maison
illustrates a serene and refined luxury, characterized by
unparalleled expertise and a minimalist sophistication.
Every component reflects exceptional attention to
detail: from the sandblasted Stone Blue dial, inviting
contemplation and imagination, to the 18-ct rhodium-
plated appliques, and the 950-platinum case and bracelet.
This minimalist design and chromatic choice, inspired by
Le Corbusier’s palette and timeless aesthetic, highlight the
essentials while avoiding the superfluous. This creation
is an intimate masterpiece, designed for those who value
authentic distinction and distinctive perspective.
Wrapping things up
Here’s the thing about high-end items (be it cars or watches, or anything else) that are major lifts in terms of materials as compared to what came earlier: they are limited in nature, and they’re pricey. Some of that price comes from the new materials (platinum is indeed more expensive than steel), and some of it comes from the relative rarity and exclusivity.
For the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platine Stone Blue, we told you that price tag earlier: $91,400. Past that, only 25 of these delights are being made, so you’ll be in very rare company, indeed. Our only ask is that, if you do add one of these to your collection, that we can come crash at your place for a weekend to check it out. parmigiani.com
Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Platine Stone Blue Tech Specs
- DIAL
- Color: Stone Blue
- Material: platinum 950
- Finishing: sandblasted
- Indexes: hand-applied 18ct gold rhodium-plated appliques
- CASE
- Polished and satin-finished platinum 950 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”– “1 of 25”
- Water resistance: 100 m
- FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes
- HANDS: 18ct gold rhodium-plated skeletonized delta-shaped
- BRACELET
- Polished and satin-finished platinum 950 bracelet
- Closure: 18ct white gold folding clasp
- MOVEMENT
- PF703 – AUTOMATIC WINDING MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT WITH PLATINUM 950 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: platinum 950 micro-rotor, Grain d’Orge guilloché
