Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Skeleton is nothing new in itself. The brand introduced stainless steel and rose gold models in 2022. These two versions presented a monochrome aesthetic that matches very well with the stainless steel Tonda PF micro-rotor. The brand combines a platinum case with a blue dial in this latest edition. The result is the most technical looking Tonda PF in the collection. How does it balance out the Tonda PF’s classically inspired design? I had the chance to find out.
Platinum is an inherently striking material. Its understated presence could easily lead you to mistake it for stainless steel. But the moment you pick up a platinum watch, its weight says it all. That’s exactly what happened when I received the Tonda PF series of watches for review. My eye was immediately caught by the Golden Sienna dial version of the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date, which I reviewed last week. But when I picked up the skeletonized version, I immediately felt its weight, which made me smile every time. It’s the combination of the realism of holding a heavy watch in your hand and the luxury feel of a platinum watch. But after spending some time with it, was it more impressive than its stainless steel counterpart? I had the opportunity to find out.
The story of the new Platinum Tonda PF skeleton
The answer to that question is immediate. As I mentioned in my review, this new no-date version is my favorite watch in the Tonda PF collection. I love the new no-date Golden Sienna dial. It brilliantly accentuates the elegant style of the Tonda PF and gives the watch a warmer feel than the monochrome version with a date window. The new Tonda PF Skeleton in platinum is at the other end of the spectrum. This model is by far the most technical looking in the lineup. But it shows that the Tonda PF design is extremely versatile.
Technically, this watch is the same as the stainless steel model that Andreas reviewed in 2022. It’s a new version made in platinum, with a movement finished in a different color. But this is the first time I’ve experienced this skeletonized version. As Andreas said in his review, this is a watch that needs to be experienced up close. Given the price of 131,400 euros, I expect more than just the overall look. And there it is. The hand finishing of the different parts of the watch is exquisite and a pleasure to look at up close.
Platinum Tonda PF Skeleton Specifications
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First, let’s look at the specs to get a full picture of the watch. The Tonda PF Skeleton has a 40mm diameter platinum case, is 8.5mm thick, measures 44.4mm lug-to-lug, and is water resistant to 100 meters. The round case features the distinctive teardrop-shaped lugs and notched bezel that give Tonda watches their distinctive character.
The lugs flow nicely into the integrated bracelet, also made from platinum. The bracelet finish is expertly crafted by combining brushed center links with polished outer links. As you can see, the outer links combine the two finishes, and the bracelet widens towards the case. This creates a beautiful visual flow from the bracelet to the case.
The skeletonized PF777 movement was developed specifically for the Tonda PF Skeleton series, so it is not a skeletonized version of an existing movement, which also explains why its construction is different from most skeletonized movements: there is more going on than just artistically removing most of the plate.
The movement is crafted to highlight the inner workings while maintaining the excellent legibility that is often sacrificed in most skeleton watches, and at the same time, the movement has been designed to achieve a beautiful and graceful flow between the various bridges that fits well with the overall design of the watch.
Fine Watchmaking Details of the Tonda PF Skeleton
The Milano Blue openwork dial parts are sandblasted and then satin-brushed. The hand-polished bevels contrast beautifully with the brushed finish, providing further visual contrast to the movement. Looking beyond the blue parts reveals the openworked dual barrels, the small balance wheel and the pallet fork. The beautifully skeletonized platinum rotor is visible through the sapphire display case back. As you can see, there is plenty of visual space to admire the movement and its beauty.
Returning to the front, the dial is topped with rhodium-plated, highly polished 18-karat gold hands and indexes, adding to the visual brilliance. As already mentioned, the contrast between the dial and hands ensures that reading the time is never difficult. This time-only watch only displays hours and minutes, making it a very practical open-worked watch. As for the details of the movement, the PF777 caliber, which is made up of 144 components, is just 3.9mm thick, beats at 28,800vph, has 29 jewels and has a power reserve of 60 hours.
Wearing the Tonda PF Skeleton
So what does this marvel of watchmaking look like on the wrist? Of course, the first thing you notice is the watch’s considerable weight. But despite its weight, the platinum bracelet wraps comfortably around the wrist and the white gold butterfly clasp closes securely with two audible clicks.
On the wrist, the quality and finish of the bracelet and case, combined with the exquisite detailing of the open-worked movement, perfectly display the excellence of Parmigiani watchmaking, yet with a sense of understatement that I really like – the level of refinement is very much in line with the regular model.
But when you zoom in on the various details, it quickly becomes clear why this watch is so special. Everything has been thought out to the smallest detail. Even the small crown at 3 o’clock is perfectly balanced with the proportions of the case and is easy to grip and operate. Another fantastic detail is the way the blue color changes depending on the light conditions and viewing angle. With just a small movement it goes from an almost petrol blue color to a beautiful, deep blue color, which is a joy to watch. Combined with the beautiful flowing lines of the movement, you get a combination you could look at all day long.
Final Thoughts on the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton
Overall, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to wear this platinum Tonda PF Skeleton, proving once again that the Parmigiani team understands how to add new models to the lineup that fit perfectly into the overall aesthetic of the Tonda PF line. The designers and watchmakers have created a movement that beautifully showcases the inner workings of the watch while enhancing the beautiful and distinctive design style of the Tonda PF.
This new platinum version of the Tonda PF is a fantastic addition to the lineup. It’s also a beautifully understated version, considering that it’s a full platinum watch with a hefty price tag of 131,400 euros. This is obviously a steep price tag aimed at the lucky few who can afford it. Still, it’s definitely an aspirational piece for fans of the standard Tonda model, but it’s definitely not first choice.
But that’s not a criticism; rather, it’s a compliment that the brand has created something truly special with its lineup. There are plenty of great options out there that I prefer to this skeletonized version. One of the main reasons is that the dials of the various Tonda models play a big role in their appeal. That being said, I think it’s great to see the Tonda family’s distinct design philosophy at work on all levels. It’s a perfect testament to how special it is, and how well Parmigiani Fleurs understands what makes the Tonda PF so special.
For more information about the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton, visit the brand’s official website and let us know what you think of this platinum version of the Tonda PF Skeleton in the comments section below.
