Introducing Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton 'Milano Blue' in Rose Gold

Parmigiani Fleurier has unveiled a new limited-edition take on its Tonda PF Skeleton, which does something so many Parmigiani watches do so well: blending several existing elements to create something just a little bit new. In this instance, Parmigiani Fleurier has taken its Milano Blue skeletonised Tonda PF dial and movement—which had previously been available only in platinum—and fitted them to a rose gold Tonda PF case (and bracelet).

The Tonda PF case is one of the key arguments in favour of modern Parmigiani Fleurier. At 40mm across and just 8.5mm thick, it's well-sized and thin without feeling slight. Still, for as good as the Tonda PF is, the star of the show here is the movement. The PF777 (which you can read a bit more about here) is an automatic winding calibre developed in-house by Parmigiani Fleurier, and unlike many movements that find their way into skeletonised watches, the PF777 was purpose-built and designed from first principles with skeletonisation in mind.

The result of this — and of Parmigiani's willingness not to take skeletonisation to the absolute extreme, but rather to implement the concept with some modicum of consideration — is a movement that balances aesthetic concerns with practical ones and is all the better for it. A blend of polished, satin-finished, and sandblasted surfaces keeps the PF777 feeling contemporary, and the ground-up design means the watch avoids many of the usual pitfalls that come with skeletonised versions of existing movements, namely a lack of legibility and too much of the wearer's wrist showing through the watch.

This version of the Tonda PF Milano Blue is available in a limited edition of 30 pieces and is priced at CHF 97,000 (~A$167,440)— a price in keeping with previous rose gold releases of this watch.

Parmigiani Fleurier has been on an interesting trajectory over the last few years. They've been in the midst of a serious transition from a small independent watchmaker, largely driven by one man and his creative vision, to a serious high-end brand. To my eye, they're doing about as good a job as could be imagined, and watches like this are a big part of the reason why.

That's because, while it may not be the most dramatic release, it's a solid double. I know that may not sound like the most glowing praise, but I swear it is, because not only do I genuinely like this watch, but to really grow and develop a brand, home runs — like the 30th Anniversary Carillon Tourbillon TanTan went hands-on with last month — aren't enough; you need to support them with consistent singles and doubles. Parmigiani is really good at that, and I'm not sure there's a watch in their catalogue that isn't helping them move in the right direction, even if it's just a base at a time.

Brand: Parmigiani Fleurier
Model: Tonda PF Skeleton Rose Gold in Milano Blue
Reference Number: PFC912-2020004-200182

Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 8.5mm
Case Material: Rose gold
Dial Colour: Milano Blue, skeletonised
Indexes: Applied rose gold
Lume: No
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Rose gold integrated bracelet

Calibre: PF777, in-house
Functions: Hours and minutes
Diameter: 30.6mm
Thickness: 3.9mm
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Jewels: 29

Price: CHF 97,000 (~A$167,440)
Limited Edition: Yes, 30 pieces

For more, click here.