The Most Underrated Sports Chronograph Just Debuted Its Classiest Version Yet

When people think of Parmigiani Fleurier — and, to be fair, you’ve got to be pretty deep into the weeds as a watch nerd to know the brand at all — sports watches aren’t the first thing that come to mind.

The independent Swiss brand is known for producing some of the classiest and most elegant watches in the world, with subdued styling, exquisite finishing and luxurious materials.

But you shouldn’t sleep on PF’s ability to make a damn good sports watch.

The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph is perhaps the most underrated sports chronograph on the market. It boasts a great design that is unmistakably Parmigiani while also recalling some classic chronographs (especially the steel panda versions), it’s got serious high-horology chops, yet it’s still plenty sporty and capable with its integrated rubber strap and 100m water resistance.

Parmigiani Fleurier

Now, just in time for the height of summer, the brand has launched a new version of the chronograph that’s perfectly suited for warm-weather activities.

Club Med

I, unfortunately, will not be vacationing on a Mediterranean beach this summer. But if I were, this would probably be the watch I’d want on my wrist.

The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone is full of warm tones inspired by the luxe Southern European locales that surround the Mediterranean Sea.

The case, pushers, screw-down crown and PF’s signature knurled bezel are all crafted from solid 18k rose gold for some sunny, warm vibes. The dial is silver-tone with a clou triangulaire (read: triangular) guilloché pattern, with rose gold hands, applied indices and an applied logo to match the case.

Parmigiani Fleurier

The subdials and minute track are sandstone in color for additional warmth, while the integrated rubber strap is a similarly calming shade of beige dubbed “Tufo.”

According to the brand, the color was inspired by the volcanic rocks of the same name that line the Mediterranean coast. The strap is textured to resemble woven Cordura textile and is hand-stitched in a process identical to high-end alligator leather straps. It’s secured with an 18k rose gold folding clasp.

The movement powering the watch is the same one you’ll find in other Tonda PF Sport Chronos, and it’s spectacular. The calibre PF070-CSND is an in-house automatic integrated column-wheel chronograph with a high beat rate of 5Hz and a 65-hour power reserve. It’s dressed to the nines and wound via an 18k gold rotor, and even boasts COSC chronometer certification — a designation eschewed by most of its rivals.

Parmigiani Fleurier

Pricing and Availability

I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by declaring this latest version of the Tonda PF Sport Chrongoraph to be the classiest and most elegant the brand has produced yet. With its muted colors and solid gold case, it could even pass as a dress chronograph — until you look closer and notice the rubber strap, 100m of water resistance and screw-down crown.

Whether you think it’s too dressy for a sports watch or too sporty for a dress watch, there’s one thing we can all agree on: This watch is gorgeous.

It’s available now from authorized Parmigiani Fleurier dealers for the healthy sum of $53,100.

Parmigiani Fleurier

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone

Specs

Case Size	42mm
Movement	Parmigiani Fleurier Cal. PF070-CSND automatic chronograph
Water Resistance	100m

• $53,100 at Parmigiani Fleurier

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