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 new Tonda 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 (131/4 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 in-house 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!
Source: Europa Star December - January 2011 Magazine Issue
