Parmigiani Fleurier has just launched the Tonda PF Automatic 36mm ‘Sunlit Ivory’ SHH Edition, a limited edition for Singapore retailer Sincere Fine Watches. More compact than the rest of the collection that ranges from 40 mm to 42 mm, its svelte dimensions are an answer to collectors’ calls for smaller watches, which is a positive development from both an ergonomic and aesthetic standpoint.

Limited to 50 pieces, the watch will be available exclusively at Sincere Fine Watches and SHH boutiques across Southeast Asia.

Initial thoughts

Let’s get this out of the way: this is an integrated-bracelet luxury sport watch. But the Tonda PF, and this SHH edition specifically, is a thoughtfully conceived watch that deserves a second look despite the numerous offerings in this segment. Its appeal primarily comes down to the size and execution, which differentiates this from its peers.

The sizing, in particular, is just about perfect. While 36 mm may sound small, the visual size is enlarged by the large dial opening, narrow bezel, and the integrated bracelet, giving it presence without bulk. Furthermore, the 8.6 mm case is thin enough to slip under a shirt cuff, but substantial enough to not feel dainty.

There are also a number of well-considered details, such as the guilloché dial, platinum bezel, and no-date format, which plant the Tonda PF Sunlit Ivory firmly on the dressy end of the luxury sport watch spectrum. But the Tonda PF is still sporty – featuring a 4 Hz movement, screw-down crown, and 100 m water resistance – making it a true beach-to-boardroom option.

With a retail price of S$35,800 with taxes (about US$26,500), the SHH edition is a good value in the luxury sports watch category, especially considering the 50-piece limitation.

The design and execution make it worth the premium over peers like the Breguet Marine, though it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Royal Oak 37 mm.

Dialing it up a notch

There has been a trend towards warmer dial colours in recent years, which is something that I welcome. Of course, the major distinguishing characteristic of the SHH edition is its dial, which features a barleycorn guilloché in a warm cream colour called “Sunlit Ivory.” Easy on the eyes, the off-white colour is dressed up with 18k rose gold hands and markers.

For this SHH edition, Parmigiani is using the same vertical barleycorn pattern found on previous Tonda PF models. The graining is intentionally very small; from a distance it can simply look like a grained dial, but up close the delicate pattern reveals itself.

The guilloché work is executed with clinical precision, despite being done the traditional way, on a hand-operated straight line engine.

Tried-and-true movement

Inside the Tonda PF Sunlit Ivory ticks the PF770, an automatic movement manufactured by Parmigiani’s sister company Vaucher that supplies similar calibres to Hermes and Richard Mille.

Though produced at scale, it is a refined movement typical of Vaucher’s approach to construction, and checks all the technical boxes from its 4 Hz beat rate to the 60-hour power reserve (derived from twin mainspring barrels) and free-sprung balance.

An unusual detail can be found on the 22k rose gold rotor, which features the PF logo suspended in a sapphire crystal window.

The “Sunlit Ivory” SHH Edition will be available at the SHH Boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, priced at 35,800 Singapore dollars.

Key facts and price

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36 mm Sunlit Ivory SHH Edition
Ref. PFS8041020004100182

Diameter: 36 mm
Height: 8.6 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: PF770
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet with folding clasp

Limited edition: 50 pieces
Availability: Available at SHH boutique at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore
Price: 35,800 Singapore dollars including GST

For more information, visit Timepiecesbyshh.com.

This was brought to you in partnership with Sincere Fine Watches and Parmigiani Fleurier.