Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Owner Review : Bold, refined and discreet

As a great friend of the Fleurisanne brand, it was natural that I acquired their flagship new model presented at the Geneva Watch Days in 2021: the Tonda PF Micro Rotor. I had one of the first models released from the manufacture, which was running slowly at the time, due to Covid. This watch is for me a sort of quintessence of sophistication behind an apparent simplicity. The dial, finely guilloché "Grain d'Orge" subtly plays with the light that hits the small indexes, the hands and the logo cartouche. The 7.8mm thick case has a knurled platinum bezel, a touch of discreet nobility known only to its owner (be careful not to shock it, however, its replacement is expensive!). The crown is screwed down, offering a welcome water resistance of 100m, allowing for daily wear. However, its small size can make it a little tricky to handle for setting the time. The signature "Water Drop" horns are discreetly integrated and are adorned with 4 chamfers. The PF703 movement perfectly fills the case and offers very beautiful finishes allowing it to box in the same category as a 240 from Patek (guilloché "Grain d'Orge" of the platinum micro-rotor, Côtes de Genève, circular graining and some chamfering here and there). Its power reserve is 48 hours. But the Tonda PF stands out in my opinion above all for its bracelet, which I think is one of the very best on the market. Thus, the integration is perfect, the horns blending into the ends of the links. The finishes are polished at the ends of the links and brushed in their center. It is discreet and very well executed. The fall is very well controlled. The treatment of the steel makes the bracelet very soft to the touch, offering a beautiful tactile experience. It is also very flexible and has this finesse giving it this "second skin" effect so appreciable that we find on the most beautiful bracelets of the production, like that of the Octo Finissimo or the Patek Nautilus and to a lesser extent Cubitus. The list price of the Tonda PF Micro Rotor is around 25,000 euros. A tidy sum but which I remind you is well below what Patek asks for its Cubitus 5821 1A, Audemars for its 16202ST or Vacheron for its 222, which are direct competitors. The Tonda PF therefore remains very well placed price-wise, also offering unprecedented exclusivity, Parmigiani wearers being rare and being available in stores immediately, which doesn't hurt. Finally, the Tonda PF is a beautiful creation that joins Romain Gauthier's C Bracelet in the interpretation of a chic sports watch with top-notch finishes that can meet a growing customer demand, in a context of insecurity, for "quiet luxury." It will thus be able to offer its owner high-end services and sophistication, known only to him. And if someone comes to notice it, there is no doubt that it will be an enthusiast, offering the opportunity for a beautiful exchange.