Parmigiani Fleurier is known for producing some of the finest timepieces on the market. The brand’s reputation is so strong that legendary automaker Bugatti partnered with the company on a select range of watches that celebrate the precision and excellence of both houses.
Solo, company founder Michel Parmigiani has also produced some extraordinary timepieces, including his newest release: the Tonda 1950 Annual Calendar.
At first glance, this multi-complication is instantly striking with a retrograde date display, day/night indicator, and aventurine disc to map out the sky and moon phases. The retrograde feature is of special note as it automatically adjusts based on the days of the month and only needs to be manually changed once — even in leap years. The moon phase display has unbelievable precision as well, only requiring a correction every 122 years.
The Tonda 1950 Annual Calendar follows up the company’s 2011 Tonda Quator with a much more understated and elegant look. The designers enlarged the bezel to showcase more of the dial and the hands are slimmer and more elongated than before. The result is a beautiful display with a floating appearance that reveals an astronomical, almost whimsical approach.
This watch also features the new, in-house developed PF339, an automatic movement that has a power reserve of 50 hours and stabilizes energy distribution at a constant level as its transmitted to the regulator. An additional module is dedicated solely to the retrograde calendar and the precision moon phase tracker.
The dial comes in a black or white option, the metal case and buckle is your choice of rose gold or white gold, and the strap is Hermès-brand black alligator leather.
The Tonda’s distinct construction means it could serve as daily wearer or a standout piece with an evening tux. It is among the most complicated watch that Parmigiani offers among a range of understated pieces all sharing impeccable craftsmanship and classic design.
The Tonda Annual Calendar is on sale now through the company’s site for $29,600.
