The Tonda PF features a 40mm stainless steel case that may appear unassuming from a distance. However, upon closer examination, it reveals hidden depths and exhibits many stylistic elements that Parmigiani Fleurier had deftly established from its predecessors. These elements include a meticulously hand-knurled bezel, beautiful flared tear-drop lugs, and a well-made integrated bracelet with alternating finishing on the links that interplay with the light wonderfully.

In conclusion, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor is a watch that blends understated charm with intricate design details from watches past. Its seamless embodiment of the brand's essence and design philosophy, coupled with its captivating aesthetics, has earned it a place among the best timepiece collections worldwide. It is a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation in horology.

The case of the Tonda PF measures 40mm, with a diminutive 7.8mm thickness. On the wrist, the steel version of the Tonda PF seems to vanish, feeling nearly weightless in steel. The case profile is distinctive and unmistakable thanks to its teardrop lugs which have been present in the Tonda range since its inception. The curvature of the case compliments the wrist's natural shape and drapes like a well-made suit in a very ergonomic fashion. The teardrop lugs and case architecture borrows from the Tonda GT, released in 2019. This creation takes those same values and design codes and expresses them purely and minimally.

The dial bears the Grain d'Orge guilloché dial, an important finishing for the brand as it was used in the first Parmigiani Fleurier watch, the Toric Memory Time, a detail that allows for a homogeneous retelling of the first Michel Parmigiani creation.

The bezel, a direct heritage from the Tonda collection, features a sleek, polished part and another that's been knurled by hand and is crafted out of solid platinum 950 for the steel models. Rather than using the same steel as the rest of the case and bracelet, Parmigiani Fleurier has elected to work with this highly precious metal, not for the sake of exclusivity but because it provides a better, shinier play with light and a more artisanal feeling once polished by hand.

THE MOVEMENT

The PF703 alleviates the fragility concern through INCABLOC shock absorption technology. The PF703 movement at the heart of the Tonda PF is the same ultra-thin micro rotor caliber found in former Tonda 1950 models, now with the addition of a date displaying at 6 o'clock. Though the watch is largely comprised of steel, the micro-rotor that powers the Tonda PF is made from the same 950 platinum as the bezel and wears the Grain d'Orge guilloché found on the dial. This rotor winds bi-directionally, allowing for an impressive 48 hours of running autonomy.

The PF703 is an impressive technical exercise but also boasts classical decoration in a way that compliments the understated nature of the watch as a whole. Perlage can be appreciated underneath the rotor and balance, while the bridges and main plate are layered with pelts of côtes de Genève. The bridges and jewel countersinks are all adorned with chamfered edges throughout. Although none of the elements that make up the Tonda PF Micro-Rotor are inherently new, it's worth highlighting the effort and respect for design codes that have been ever present in the Parmigiani Fleurier catalog.