Parmigiani Fleurier: A Closer Look at the Tonda PF Sport Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue

Material innovation has become one of the defining areas of modern haute horlogerie. Beyond improving durability and reducing weight, new materials are increasingly shaping the aesthetic identity of contemporary timepieces. Parmigiani Fleurier underscored this philosophy last year with the introduction of Ultra-Cermet, a proprietary composite that combines the benefits of titanium and high-performance ceramic. The new Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue now gives this advanced material a fresh visual expression.

Developed over a period of more than three years, Ultra-Cermet brings together the lightweight feel and metallic character of titanium with the exceptional hardness and scratch resistance of high-performance ceramic. Produced through a sophisticated sintering process using high-purity titanium and ceramic powders, the material achieves a hardness of approximately 1,450 HV on the Vickers scale. Rather than serving as a surface coating, Ultra-Cermet forms the entire structure of the watch. The 42.5mm case, measuring 13.3mm in height, along with the signature knurled bezel, crown, sculpted chronograph pushers, and even the pin buckle are all crafted from the material. Depending on how the light strikes its surface, Ultra-Cermet shifts between anthracite, deep black, and subtle blue reflections, creating a distinctive visual effect on the wrist. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters.

Those blue reflections continue onto the new dial. Its vertically satin-brushed surface combines Mineral Blue with a Blackor finish, creating impressive depth and changing character under different lighting conditions. The three chronograph registers are seamlessly integrated into the monochromatic design. As expected from the Tonda PF collection, the dial is finished with hand-applied 18-karat gold hour markers featuring a Blackor coating. The partially skeletonized delta-shaped hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light conditions.

Powering the watch is Parmigiani Fleurier's COSC-certified manufacture caliber PF070. The integrated automatic chronograph operates at a high frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), delivering enhanced chronometric performance while offering a power reserve of 65 hours. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement comprises 288 components and features finely satin-finished and hand-beveled open-worked bridges. The partially skeletonized, sandblasted oscillating weight adds another refined visual element to the movement's architecture.

The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue is fitted with a Mineral Blue rubber strap featuring a textile pattern and an Ultra-Cermet pin buckle. The watch is priced at $48,000.