Parmigiani Tondagraphe Feel The Dizzying Complexity Of Time

Incorporated in Parmigiani Fleurier's Haute Horlogerie collection in 2009, the Tondagraphe celebrated two major new features: a grand complication combining a chronograph and a tourbillon at six o'clock, housed in an elegant white gold case, in the Swiss brand's trademark style.

Following on from its success, Parmigiani Fleurier is reissuing this model in two editions limited to ten pieces, and is offering a new 2013 version in step with its time.

Combining the hypnotic beauty of the tourbillon with the technical prowess of the chronograph, this model is brought to life by a manufacture calibre which boasts a 72-hour power reserve. The PF 354 comprises 295 components and reflects the unfailingly excellent craftsmanship that the artisan creating it must display. The assembly's accuracy and aesthetic is the product of all the manufacture's knowledge.

The bevelling of the two tourbillon bridges alone requires 20 hours of work to achieve the required quality of finish, and the cage will take almost 40 hours. But the tourbillon is the horological complication that requires the greatest skill; its mechanism is the personification of time itself. Standing out perfectly on the dial at 6 o'clock, the cage that encloses the regulating organ turns on its axis at a rate of one rotation a minute: the heart of the watch seems to beat and breathe life into the assembly.

The main aesthetic developments for this model are seen in the style of the dial, which offers a new balance. While it has retained its organisation and the original combination of materials, it demonstrates a desire for clarity and a return to the essential. The inclusion of new understated and elegant Parmigiani numerals makes it easy to read, while the two second and minute chronometer counters stand opposite each other in the centre of the dial. At 12 o'clock, the power reserve also boasts this same spirit and echoes the decorations on the tourbillon. The wearer can admire the bevelling of its bridge, and the perlage work on the barrel. True to the same style codes and quality of finish, these functions are showcased by a snailed circular dial, which is both fresh and dynamic.

The Tondagraphe is available in two versions, one with a black dial and the other with a white dial. This model complements the new contemporary faces that Parmigiani Fleurier wishes to bring to Haute Horlogerie.

 Model                     Tondagraphe Tourbillon – Chronograph

 Movement             PF 354

Tourbillon movement – hand-wound chronograph. 72-hour power reserve

Calibre 13 ¼'''– Ø 29.90 mm

Thickness: 7.6 mm

Frequency: 3 Hz – 21,600 Vib/h

29 jewels

Number of components:     295

Hand-bevelled main plate and bridges

Functions              Hour

                                Minute

Power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock

Small seconds at 9 o'clock

¼ second chronograph (large central seconds, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock) 

Exterior                  3-part round case: Ø 43 mm. Thickness: 13.3 mm

Material: 18 ct white gold. Polished finish

Water resistance: 30 m

Anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Crown: Ø 7 mm

Case-back with sapphire crystal

10-piece numbered edition

Individual numbering on the case-back

Dial                         Opaline dial outer and counters, circular snailed inner, applique indexes

Delta-shaped hands with luminescent coating

Leather                  Hermès alligator with 18 carat gold ardillon buckle, polished finish