Though more diminutive, Parmigiani’s flagship dress watch is also a lot more wearable
Do not be misled by the images you see here. As beautiful as the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm looks adorning a lady’s wrist, the watch wears just as handsomely on men.
Although, truth be told, your truly isn’t a hulking male specimen. I’d describe my wrist as ‘average sized’. So, while the watch’s smaller dimensions is a snug fit for me, it may look a tad disproportionate on more, ahem, muscular arms. That said, there is no denying the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36mm’s expanded versatility, which now complements the collection’s now-familiar sartorial elegance and refinement.
The model that is best suited for unisex wear is the two-tone steel-and-gold version. The bi-metal combination is a first for the Tonda PF line, and it imbues the watch with a touch of retro-like sensibility while accentuating its sleek profile and sophisticated finishing. Its teardrop-shaped lugs, tapering bracelet with vertical links, and knurled bezel appear more pronounced, thanks to the contrasting sheen.
Meantime, the second version in 18k rose gold case with deep ruby dial and matching alligator strap is unabashedly feminine. The watch wears its ostentation proudly with eye-catching colours that are regal yet casual; a wonderful piece to wear for lively evenings and the weekend.
While individually brilliant and distinct, both new iterations boast impressive lineage. Their predecessor, the Tonda PF Automatic 36mm in rose gold case with diamond hour markers that was launched in 2022 is a decorated watch, having been awarded the Women’s Watch Prize at that year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
As such, beyond the cosmetic changes, one can expect the same scrupulous finishing and uncompromising technicality, from the mesmerising Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché decoration on the dial, to its Geneva Seal-certified automatic movement with micro-rotor and 60-hour power reserve. For Parmigiani, size, obviously, bears no consequence to impeccable craft and quality.
