MASTER MECHANICS

50 SIHH europa star
Parmigiani takes on the classics
Parmigiani’s new Tonda 1950 is by far the most classic model to be released by the brand to date,
with an extra-flat self-winding movement and timeless design.
RSophie Furley
T
The return of the classical watch has been one
of the most prominent watch trends that has
appeared in the watch industry over the last
12 months. While some brands have strived
for the ultimate slenderness in both their
watches and movements, others have moved
away from trendy designs in favour of more
subdued shapes and styles – all with a view
to capture wider audiences. “A collection will
not be complete unless a classic timepiece is
part of it,” explains Michel Parmigiani. “The
Tonda 1950 has been introduced in order to
achieve this and to offer a complete range to
our customers.”
Parmigiani’s newTonda 1950 leaves behind the
tonneau case of the brand’s Kalpa Collection
and the sporty lines of its Pershing models for a
totally new, subdued classic shape. The design
couldn’t be cleaner with a plain graphite or
white grained dial and elegant diamond-polished
appliques. “The challenge in design that
was achieved with the Tonda 1950 is that we
were able to develop a complete new product,
without distancing ourselves from our brand’s
identity and soul,” shares Michel Parmigiani.
Despite the simple lines, the brand’s DNA certainly
shines through with the company’s signature
Delta-shaped hands with luminescent
coating and four of Parmigiani’s round and
ergonomic, iconic lugs.
The Tonda 1950 is equipped with Parmigiani’s
new PF700 automatic movement with a 42-
hour power reserve and a diameter of 30mm
(13 1/4 lines) and a thickness of 2.6mm. The
movement has an off-centred micro-oscillating
weight in platinum and is finished to the highest
standards of the brand. The nickel silver
main plate is sand blasted, circular-grained
and then rhodium plated, while the bridges
are sand-blasted or decorated with the Côtes
de Genève motif, before being bevelled by
hand and rhodium plated. Each wheel is also
bevelled, sunk, circular-grained on both sides
and then gilded before cutting.
The entire exterior and the movement of each
Tonda 1950 timepiece is created exclusively inhouse
thanks to the different centres of expertise
that make up the Parmigiani Manufacture.
“Retailers will discover the new Tonda 1950
during the upcoming SIHH 2011.We are confident
that the response will be very enthusiastic
but time will tell…” muses Michel Parmigiani.
At Europa Star, we don’t think he has anything
to worry about! O
For more information about Parmigiani click on
Brand Index at www.europastar.com