Originally introduced during the year 2011 in precious metal only, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 was then announced in 2017 in steel also. The word Tonda derives from the Venetian word Tondo, the round canvas on which Renaissance artists created works of art and refers to the round case shape of the watch, while 1950 refers to the year of Mr. Parmigiani’s birth. It may very well be the most popular model of their current range. Except for the sapphire, the gaskets, and the luxurious strap, this is a 100 percent inhouse and hand finished piece of minimalistic design.

The Tonda bears the PF702 automatic movement coming from the Vaucher Manufacture. the movement features beautifully finished parts that can be lovingly admired through the sapphire case back. To maintain a very slender automatic movement of only 2.6mm thick, a micro rotor does the winding job to nurture the 48 hour power reserve. The stainless steel watch is waterproof to a reasonable 30 meters and is in total a mere 8.2mm thick with a diameter of 40mm. A special point of attraction is of course the rhodium plated opaline dial with the now famous Parmigiani delta shaped hands, all covered by an anti-reflective sapphire glass.

A special word of praise also goes to the uniquely shaped lugs that not only add superb fit but also look flabbergastingly beautiful. If you think you have seen this shape somewhere else in your previous life, just google the front fender of a 1927 Bugatti Royale….

The strap paired with this watch by Parmigiani is a super luxurious Hermes alligator strap equipped with a very ingenuous buckle with micro adjustments. This is something really unique that I have never seen elsewhere but it certainly adds a lot of comfort when wearing the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950.