What should we make of the Tonda PF Sport Collection from Parmigiani Fleurier? To be honest, I hadn’t really thought much about this question until I got my hands on two of the three new models of the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph. The three models were announced earlier this year, adding three new colorways to the Sport Chronograph collection. These new colors significantly change the look of the watches, especially when compared to the black and white models in stainless steel and rose gold that were introduced last year. After all, they’re perfect for the warm summer months.
It’s not often that you get to review seven Tonda models from Parmigiani Fleurier, and even rarer is the opportunity to get your hands on all of them. Most of the Fratello team has been enjoying a well-deserved summer holiday, and I’ve been able to spend some time with my watches. There’s something nice about being at home during the summer, and of all our models, the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph was the perfect soundtrack to those warm summer days.
The story of the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
To be honest, the two chronographs weren’t the first thing that caught my eye when I opened the box. As you may have already read, what caught my eye immediately was the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor No Date. The decision to create the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor without a date display and with a beautiful Golden Sienna dial was a stroke of genius. Nothing revolutionary in nature, however, these two simple changes have made this watch my favorite in the Tonda PF collection.
The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph is quite different from my recent favorite finds. It is an evolution of the Tonda GT Chronograph model that was introduced in 2022. The goal was to get closer to the Tonda PF models, so it can be seen as a true sporty variation of the regular Tonda PF models. I had the chance to go hands-on with the London Grey and Arctic Grey models that were released this year. These are new additions following last year’s stainless steel and rose gold panda dial versions.
The silver dial is paired with soft pastel colors on the subdials and strap. The first is the London Grey model, which features a light grey hue. The second is the Arctic Grey model, which is more of a beautiful light blue than grey. The third is the Milano Blue model, which we did not receive for review. This last model combines the same silver dial with a beautiful dark blue.
More about the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
All three models feature a 42mm stainless steel case that is 12.9mm thick and is water resistant to 100 meters. The distinctive knurled bezel now has more prominent knurls for a slightly bolder, sportier look. Another distinctive element is the teardrop lugs that combine brushed and polished finishes.
Overall, the case finish is truly impressive: it is immediately apparent that it has been purposefully applied to accentuate the contours of the case, creating the perfect visual impact that reminds you that you are wearing a luxury sports chronograph.
On the right side of the case, we find the PF-branded crown and two large, elegantly shaped pushers for operating the chronograph. As you can see, the design of the pushers matches the shape of the lugs. Nice details like this show how expertly conceived the design of the Tonda collection is. These details are carried over to the dial, which at first glance appears similar to those used in the more classically styled Tonda PF collection, albeit subtly different.
Various dial patterns for the Tonda PF Sports
A closer look at the dial also reveals differences from the regular Tonda PF models. Most importantly, the silver-based dial features a sophisticated Clou Triangulaire guilloché pattern rather than the Grain d’Orge pattern used on the more classically styled models. The slightly recessed sub-dials add a hue that matches the chapter ring around the perimeter of the dial. Visually connecting the two dial sections are 18-karat gold rhodium-plated indexes filled with black Super-LumiNova. The PF logo is located at 12 o’clock, and there is a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The date disc is finished in black with a contrasting white print, matching the Super-LumiNova used on the indexes and the tips of the delta-shaped hands. Again, the details result in two very beautiful dials that are easy to read and exude a much sportier feel than the regular models, a feeling that is further accentuated by the color-matched rubber strap.
When it comes to color choices, Parmigiani Fleurier is in the top class. Alongside Vacheron Constantin, the brand chooses bright hues for its watches, making them stand out immediately. A great example of this can be seen in their new Tric models, and this Tonda PF Sport Chronograph is perfect proof of this.
In-house automatic caliber PF070
These chronographs are powered by the brand’s automatic caliber PF070. This in-house movement was developed in collaboration with sister company Vaucher Manufacture and is chronometer certified. It is made up of 315 components, operates at 36,000vph and has a power reserve of 65 hours. The integrated chronograph movement is beautifully finished with a 22-karat rose gold rotor, column wheel and vertical clutch.
The rotor’s shape is inspired by the steering wheel of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO and is a visual treat, plus the movement itself, with its openworked bridges, is a joy to behold, which goes without saying.
I love that the rotor also represents what the word “sport” means in the world of Parmigiani. I understand that these watches are not sports watches for any activity. Where these timekeepers shine is in the world of Italian motorsport and yachting.
Wearing a Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
Before putting the watch on my wrist, I was a little worried that it would be too big. It has an imposing appearance and is not for everyone. The Tonda PF Micro Roto No Date is 40mm and visually impressive, but when you put them next to each other, it looks almost overwhelmingly large.
However, that first impression quickly faded away once I put the watch on my wrist. The watch fits perfectly on an 18.5mm wrist. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it looks amazing too.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to be so enchanted. I usually like warm colors, so I didn’t have high expectations, thinking it might be too big. In hindsight, I should have known better. The Parmigiani Fleurier design team really understands their craft down to the smallest detail.
Both watches wrap nicely around the wrist thanks to curved lugs that position the integrated strap at an optimal angle.
Once I secured the butterfly clasp shut twice, the watch was a joy to wear, the pushers worked great, every chronograph click oozed quality and I was drawn to the fine detail on the dial.
Final Thoughts on the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
You also get a good sense of what sets them apart from the regular Tonda PF models and why they are true luxury sports chronographs. These watches make sense when placed in the proper context of Mediterranean luxury living. Before this review, I wasn’t sure what these sports chronographs would add to the lineup, but after wearing them for a few days, I completely understand why they are part of the Tonda PF collection.
If you’re spending the long summer days in Italy, choose one of these watches. Whether you’re spending the day on the water, driving a vintage sports car, or enjoying dinner in one of the many port towns, these watches are perfect for those days. It’s rare that a watch can transport me to another world, but these classy sports chronographs do just that. It’s certainly a world I long for.
but For those who can afford to spend €31,400 on a Tonda PF sports chronograph, that could well become a reality.Parmigiani Fleurier is creating this watch for exactly those people, and I think they’ve done a fantastic job creating a sports chronograph series that smartly relates to the regular Tonda PF collection and perfectly captures the spirit of active, luxurious living.
For more information on the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph, check out the brand’s official website, and let us know what you think of the sporty chronograph version of the Tonda PF in the comments section below.
