Parmigiani Fleurier, located in Fleurier, Switzerland – was founded by Michel Parmigiani in 1996. As a tribute to 1950, Michel’s birth year, a special 60 piece numbered edition timepiece was created and revealed at SIHH 2012 – the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Edition Spéciale.
The dial is exquisite, revealing glimpses of the mechanical gear trains through its circular grille. You can even see a portion balance wheel as it oscillates. The grille is produced using a unique finishing process which includes lithography, molding and electroplating. Indexes are diamond polished and applied to the dial. Delta-shaped hour and minute hands feature luminescent treatment. A dial at 6 o’clock displays the seconds.
The case is extremely comfortable, due in part to its dimensions, especially its thinness. Measuring 39 mm in diameter and 7.8 mm thick, the 3-part polished titanium case is not only well proportioned, it is super light too. Moreover, the perfectly rounded lugs are both ergonomic and recognizable as Parmigiani, a design which goes back to the brand’s origin.
The entirely in-house manufactured movement, caliber PF 701, is as beautiful as it is thin. At only 2.6 mm thick, it is currently one of the thinnest mechanical movements on the market. The self-winding movement has 29 jewels and runs at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz). An off center oscillating micro-weight made from 950 platinum winds a single power barrel; it has a maximum power reserve of 42-hours. Functions include hours, minutes and small seconds.
Each movement is finished to the haute horology standards. The nickel silver main plate is sand-blasted, circular-grained and then rhodium-plated. The bridges are hand-bevelled, sand-blasted, rhodium-plated and rubbed-down or decorated with “Côte de Genève.”
Individually numbered (1-60) and engraved with “Special Edition 60 Michel Parmigiani” engraved on the case-back. Sapphire crystal case back. Water-resistance is 30 meters. Hermès alligator strap with titanium ardillon buckle, polished finish.
From the dial to the case, to the movement and finishing, the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Edition Spéciale is truly a special timepiece.
