Parmigiani Fleurier showcases its gem-setting and watchmaking expertise in a bejewelled take on its elegant Tonda
At its essence, the Tonda is one of Parmigiani Fleurier’s purest collections, its pleasingly simple silhouette contrasting with the precision haute horlogerie within. Its latest iteration, fully adorned with diamonds, is dazzling yet retains this same refined elegance, in a tour de force of the watchmaker’s gem-setting expertise.
What makes its design particularly spectacular is the brand’s signature Grain d’Orge motif, often seen on its guilloché dials, that has been painstakingly brought to life on the dial using these precious jewels. This is achieved using a “snow” setting technique, an intricate process that sees seven different diameters of diamonds intricately and closely set to create the undulating waves of the barleycorn-inspired pattern.
In total, 979 brilliant-cut diamonds are required for this stunning composition, complemented by a further 70 across the bezel and lugs. The Tonda Automatic comes in rose gold and white gold versions, with the crown finished with a cabochon in white opal and blue sapphire respectively, while they are both presented on complementary-hued alligator leather straps made by Hermès.
Inside is just as beautiful, from both an aesthetic and mechanical standpoint. It comes equipped with the automatic PF310 calibre, featuring a 50-hour power reserve. Bringing the balanced design full circle is the rose-gold oscillating weight viewable through the sapphire-crystal caseback, engraved with the Grain d’Orge guilloché pattern.
