An absolute immersion in rose gold that conceals a competition-class ‘machine’, but a resolutely Haute Horlogerie iteration. Dedicated to short-time measurement, manual winding TONDA PF Chronograph Rattrapante with its two column-wheels belongs the category of exceptional watchmaking instruments and is powered by a movement beating at a rate of 5 Hz or 36,000 Vph. This reinterpretation comes with an entirely 18ct rose gold case and bracelet, delivered with an additional alligator leather strap secured by a pin buckle. This model enabling the wearer to admire the 18ct rose gold movement with a barrel featuring the signature of Michel Parmigiani, who created it to mark his brand’s 20th anniversary.
Split-seconds chronographs represent the best of this complication category. Designed to measure intermediate (split) times, they are equipped with two superimposed chronograph hands. Activating the 1 o’clock pusher makes the two hands turn together. Pressing the 4 o'clock pusher stops the upper hand while the lower hand continues running. Another press at 4 o'clock brings the upper hand back to the second one in a move that has led to the French term rattrapante (“catch-up”) for this function. The split time is measured at the first stop. This highly sophisticated function is one of the most difficult complications to create, on a par with a tourbillon or a minute repeater.
TONDA PF Chronographe Rattrapante is all about performance. Its integrated Manufacture movement includes all the indispensable attributes of a sophisticated mechanism. A high 5 Hz frequency, along with two column-wheels each playing different roles: one dedicated to the chronograph and the other to operating the split-seconds function via the crown-integrated pusher. Calibre PF361 naturally incorporates a vertical clutch and the balance is held in place by a cross-through bridge in 18ct rose gold–a material featured on the entire structure (baseplate and bridges) holding the moving parts.
The movement of the TONDA Split Second Chronograph is a “racing machine” with 309 components, 35 jewels and a 65-hour power reserve. This timepiece singlehandedly symbolises the expertise of an integrated Manufacture. In addition to the chronograph measurement, the dial displays tachymeter and pulsometer scales, while the split-seconds hands adopt different colours, as do the counters appearing slightly above the crown axis.
The tenth-of-a-second precision and the challenge of shaping the gold that is such a malleable material are assets that every devotee of fine watchmaking will appreciate. The construction is designed to ensure the movement’s longevity and enable it to withstand shocks. The decorations adorning the movement components meets the standards of Haute Horlogerie, which are those of Parmigiani Fleurier. This creation displays all the aesthetic elements of the TONDA PF collection. The case and bracelet are integrated into a fluid overall design ensuring excellent readability of the chronograph on the date-free dial framed by the brand's signature knurled bezel.
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, split seconds chronograph
Hands
Hours and minutes: 18ct rose gold skeletonized delta-shaped
Chronograph and small seconds: Steel, rhodium or rose gold-plated
Bracelet
Polished and satin-finished 18ct rose gold
Closure: 18ct white rose folding clasp
Movement Specification
PF361 – MANUAL WINDING MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT IN 18CT ROSE GOLD
WITH INTEGRATED SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH
Power reserve: 65 hours
Frequency: 36,000 Vph (5 Hz)
Jewels: 35
No. of components: 309
Total diameter: 30.6 mm
Thickness: 8.45 mm
Decoration: Satin-finished open worked bridges, hand-beveled edges
Dial Specifications
Material: Platinum 950
Finishing: Sandblasted
Indices: Hand-applied 18ct rose gold appliques
Rose gold
PFH916-2010002-200182
Case Specifications
Polished and satin-finished 18ct rose gold with knurled bezel
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Crown: Ø 7.2 mm
Glass: ARunic anti-reflective sapphire
Case back: Sapphire glass
Engraving on case back: serial number – “Edition Limitée X/30” –
“PARMIGIANI FLEURIER” – “36’000 Alt/h”
Water resistance: 100 m