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Watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier is paying tribute to its iconic ultra-thin model – the Tonda 1950 – with a fully skeletonised dial to showcase the minute details of its mechanism.
The Tonda 1950 Skeleton exposes its gears; including components which never usually see the light of day and these details are what make the watch so elegant and prestigious.
The main plate and bridges have been skeletonised to their very limits, only retaining as much substance as the watch needs to operate. This process demands that a perfect balance be struck between laying the movement bare to better unveil its mysteries and retaining the rigidity of each component. That is essential in ensuring it works as designed.
The barrel is also open, finally allowing the winding spring — the source of energy for the watch — to be seen with the naked eye. The oscillating micro-weight can now be glimpsed from the back and on the surface of the movement.
Its intricate decoration is worthy of such scrutiny with the words “barley grain” engraved on the back of the rotor and a pattern composed of Parmigiani Fleurier’s iconic lugs, key to the brand’s design DNA, on its surface. It also has a sapphire dial and the crystal is enclosed by a rose gold metal flange displaying the minute track and indices. The back of this flange features minutely detailed engraving, with fine, elegant concentric snailing adorning its surface.
The flange sits atop the skeletonised movement, which cascades below it on the many levels required by its complex kinematics. The entire piece has an enthralling 3D effect which reflects light and draws in the gaze.
The steel case is 40mm in diameter with a thickness of just 8.2mm. It extends into four lugs which flank the strap, with their iconic teardrop shape beautifully echoing the curve of the wrist. The steel folding buckle can be adjusted to five positions. Everything has been carefully designed to ensure the wearer enjoys perfect comfort and ergonomics.
