On The Wrist: The Parmigiani Tonda PF Micro Rotor

There is just something about the Tonda PF Micro Rotor from Parmigiani. I had that feeling when I first saw it when it was introduced in 2021, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Now, after being on my wrist for a couple of weeks, I feel I can. I would describe it as ‘casual classiness.’ It is a watch that seamlessly goes with you from one activity to another and always looks right. From jeans to black tie and everything in between, the Tonda PF Micro Rotor is rather easy-going, making it an exemplary watch to live with.

That is right away the first point that this Parmigiani scores, and an important one that is, as it wants to become a part of your (life)style without overtaking it. I would almost say that it blends in so easily, but don’t mistake this for lack of character, as the Tonda PF Micro Rotor has loads of it but shares this in a subtle way. This starts with the dial, which is a beautiful shade of grey and gives center stage to their guilloché in a Grain d’orge pattern. It gives the dial a sense of refinement, also because Parmigiani applied the less-is-more principle by keeping the hour markers very modest and the writing down to the brand’s emblem and the words ‘Swiss made.’ However, it does have a date, nicely incorporated into the design. For many, this is an essential complication on a watch that accompanies you through everyday life.

While the Tonda PF Micro Rotor is no sports watch, nor does it pretend to be, it does have a water resistance of 100 meters. This makes it so that you never have to worry, even when jumping into the water only to realize that you forgot to take off your watch.

On this stainless steel model, the knurled bezel is made out of platinum. While the difference in hue between this and the stainless steel case and bracelet is nearly unnoticeable, its finish does draw your eyes to the watch. Neither one of the components that make the Tonda PF Micro Rotor tries to overpower the other. This results in a harmonious creation, something that you admire more and more as you are wearing it longer. It also stands out by its wearing comfort. Its modest thickness of 7.8 mm helps in this, but also the shape of the lugs and the design of the bracelet. It follows the shape of your wrist perfect, and rounded edges ensure that it never rubs or irritates.

Parmigiani, fortunately, fitted the Tonda PF Micro Rotor with a sapphire caseback. This allows you to admire caliber PF703, which is quite a treat. Not only does it come with a pleasant architecture, but the cherry on top is also the, you guessed it, micro rotor. Parmigiani made it from platinum to give it substantial weight, featuring the same grain d’orge as the dial. It is one of the many details that make this Parmigiani such a pleasant and sophisticated watch to enjoy daily.

More information on the Tonda PF Micro Rotor can be found on the website of Parmigiani, here.