Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Hemisphere Owner Review : Comfortable, thoughtful and geometric

As a preamble, the first versions of the Hemispheres were released in 2008 under the name "Kalpa Hemispheres." The name "Tonda" had already existed since 2006 with the three-hand, date watch "Kalpa Tonda." It wasn't until later (around 2011) that "Kalpa" and "Tonda" were separated into two collections. Logically, the round-case watches would be called "Tonda," which means "round" in Italian. Four versions were released: three in steel with dials named Silver, Graphite, and Blu Metal, and one in rose gold with a dial named Havana. The second version (the one I'm presenting here) was released in 2015. This version is called Tonda Hemispheres. Many variations will be released in steel, white gold, and rose gold cases, and with different dials (black, grained white, open or semi-open with Côtes de Genève on the mainplate, etc.). The model I'm presenting today is the Tonda Hemispheres Grained White in rose gold (second version), reference: PFC231-1002400-HA1241. The movement: Both versions are equipped with the same movement: the PF337 caliber. The PF337 caliber is a modular movement based on the PF331, whose module was developed by Agenhor under reference AGH-3502. This dual time zone caliber allows for the setting of two time zones to the minute. The crown at 2 o'clock allows for setting the reference time. The crown at 3 o'clock drives both sets of hands. It also features the date, two day/night indicators, and a small seconds subdial for local time. This caliber (with the addition of a retrograde date) is also featured in the Toric Hemispheres, which won the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie in 2017. The case: The case is in three parts. The bezel is mounted on a straighter case middle than the first version, and the case back is secured by six screws. The teardrop lugs begin below the bezel and end a few millimeters below the case back. The dimensions are 42mm in diameter, 11.15mm thick, and 49mm lug to lug. Dial and hands of the second version: This version features a hand-grained dial. There is a slightly larger grain around the edge of the dial, which houses applied hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova. The fact that there are only baton markers accentuates the off-center position of the local time hands. The delta hands for local time are also thinner and slightly longer than on the previous version. The two date window openings on the dial and the mainplate are offset. Time for emotions: This watch is a true immersion into the unique world of Michel Parmigiani. Geometry, the golden ratio, and hand-finished details. The combination of rose gold and a cream-colored grained dial particularly appeals to me. I find this pairing soft, warm, and refined. The exceptional comfort alone could be a deciding factor. A watch that cannot fail to impress.