The watch world is a fascinating realm of intricate mechanisms, dazzling aesthetics, and captivating narratives. It's a world where time is not merely measured, but rather celebrated and cherished. Within this captivating domain, certain timepieces emerge that transcend the ordinary, captivating enthusiasts and collectors with their unique blend of artistry, engineering, and heritage. The
Parmigiani Fleurier x Revolution Tonda PF Micro-Rotor "Serenissima Due" is one such creation, a watch that embodies the pinnacle of horological excellence and collaborative spirit.
This exceptional timepiece is the result of a partnership between Parmigiani Fleurier, a renowned Swiss watchmaker celebrated for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and innovative design, and Revolution, a leading watch magazine and online platform that has been a driving force in the world of horology for two decades. To commemorate Revolution's 20th anniversary, the two entities have joined forces to create a limited-edition masterpiece that pays homage to their shared passion for horological artistry.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
Parmigiani Fleurier, founded in 1996 by Michel Parmigiani, has established itself as a purveyor of haute horlogerie, crafting timepieces that seamlessly blend technical prowess with aesthetic refinement. The brand's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its creations, from the intricate movements to the meticulously finished cases and dials. Parmigiani Fleurier's watches are not mere instruments for telling time; they are works of art that embody the brand's unwavering pursuit of perfection.
Revolution, on the other hand, has been a pivotal force in the watch industry, providing enthusiasts and collectors with insightful commentary, engaging stories, and exclusive access to the world's most exceptional timepieces. Founded in 2004, Revolution has become a trusted source of information and inspiration for watch aficionados worldwide. The magazine's dedication to showcasing the best of horology has made it a respected voice in the industry, and its collaborations with renowned watchmakers have resulted in some of the most sought-after limited-edition timepieces.
The Tonda PF collection, launched in 2021, has quickly become a cornerstone of Parmigiani Fleurier's offerings, embodying the brand's commitment to understated elegance and technical mastery. The collection is characterized by its sleek, minimalist design, exceptional ergonomics, and impressive array of complications. The Tonda PF Micro-Rotor, with its ultra-thin automatic movement, is a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's ability to create timepieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sophisticated.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
The "Serenissima Due" builds upon the success of its predecessor, the "Serenissima," which was released in 2022 and quickly became a collector favorite. Both watches draw inspiration from the serene beauty of the Venetian lagoon, their dials evoking the warm hues of the sunrise over the Adriatic Sea. The "Serenissima Due," however, introduces a subtle yet significant twist to commemorate Revolution's milestone anniversary.
One of the most striking features of the "Serenissima Due" is its captivating dial, which is presented in a mesmerizing shade of salmon. This unique hue, reminiscent of the first light of dawn, exudes a sense of tranquility and optimism. The dial's subtle grain d'orge guilloché pattern, a hallmark of Parmigiani Fleurier's craftsmanship, adds a touch of understated elegance. The rhodium-plated applied hour markers and hands provide a striking contrast against the salmon backdrop, ensuring optimal legibility.
The watch's 40mm stainless steel case is a study in refined minimalism. Its sleek, flowing lines and polished finish create a sense of understated luxury. The platinum knurled bezel adds a touch of sophistication, while the integrated stainless steel bracelet ensures a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The watch's slim profile, measuring just 7.8mm in thickness, makes it exceptionally comfortable to wear, even under a shirt cuff.
At the heart of the "Serenissima Due" beats the caliber PF703, an ultra-thin automatic movement developed and manufactured in-house by Parmigiani Fleurier. This exceptional movement, measuring just 3.07mm in thickness, is a testament to the brand's technical prowess. The platinum micro-rotor, adorned with the Revolution logo and grain d'orge guilloché, is a subtle nod to the collaborative nature of this timepiece. The movement's intricate finishing, including Cotes de Genève stripes, perlage, and beveling, is a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's dedication to horological artistry.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
The "Serenissima Due" is more than just a pretty face; it's a watch that excels in wearability. One of the standout features of the Tonda PF collection, and something that truly sets it apart from its contemporaries, is its unparalleled ergonomics. This is a watch that feels as good as it looks, and that's no accident. Guido Terreni, the mastermind behind the Tonda PF, has a long and distinguished career in the watch industry, with a particular focus on ergonomics. His experience with Bulgari's Octo Finissimo, another watch renowned for its comfort, clearly informed his approach to the Tonda PF.
The "Serenissima Due" boasts a case diameter of 40mm, a size that strikes the perfect balance between wrist presence and everyday wearability. The case is crafted from stainless steel, a material chosen for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The surfaces are a mix of brushed and polished finishes, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. But the real magic lies in the way the case interacts with the integrated bracelet. The lugs are flared and curved, extending to the very edge of the case and flowing seamlessly into the bracelet. This creates a continuous, organic curve that hugs the wrist, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
The integrated bracelet itself is a work of art. Each link is meticulously crafted, with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces that echo the finishing on the case. The bracelet tapers slightly towards the clasp, enhancing the watch's elegant profile. The clasp is a folding buckle, designed to be both secure and easy to operate. But the true test of the "Serenissima Due's" ergonomics is a simple one: undo the clasp, let the bracelet dangle, and rotate your wrist. The watch stays perfectly in place, a testament to the thoughtful design and meticulous engineering that has gone into its creation.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
Turning our attention to the dial, we encounter the captivating salmon hue that gives the "Serenissima Due" its distinctive character. This unique color, inspired by the sunrise over the Venetian lagoon, evokes a sense of tranquility and optimism. The dial is adorned with a delicate grain d'orge guilloché pattern, a traditional decorative technique that adds a touch of understated elegance. The rhodium-plated applied hour markers and hands provide a striking contrast against the salmon backdrop, ensuring excellent legibility.
But the dial holds a secret, a subtle detail that reveals itself only at the end of each month. As the date window transitions from the 19th to the 20th, the standard numeral is replaced by the Revolution star logo. This discreet touch is a nod to the collaborative nature of the "Serenissima Due" and a celebration of Revolution's 20th anniversary.
Beneath the dial beats the heart of the "Serenissima Due": the caliber PF703. This ultra-thin automatic movement, measuring just 3.07mm in thickness, is a testament to Parmigiani Fleurier's technical prowess. The movement is entirely developed and manufactured in-house, a testament to the brand's commitment to vertical integration. The platinum micro-rotor, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is adorned with the Revolution logo and grain d'orge guilloché, echoing the decorative motif on the dial.
The caliber PF703 is not just technically impressive; it's also a feast for the eyes. The movement is meticulously finished, with Cotes de Genève stripes adorning the bridges, perlage on the baseplate, and anglage on even the smallest of edges. This level of finishing is rarely seen in sports watches, and it speaks volumes about Parmigiani Fleurier's dedication to horological artistry.
Courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier
The "Serenissima Due" is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and even occasional swimming. The watch is delivered on a stainless steel bracelet, but it would look equally stunning on a leather strap, allowing the wearer to personalize their timepiece and adapt it to different occasions.
The Parmigiani Fleurier x Revolution Tonda PF Micro-Rotor "Serenissima Due" is a limited edition of just 20 pieces, making it a highly exclusive timepiece. Its retail price is CHF 24,300 (excluding taxes), a reflection of the watch's exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.