Parmigiani Updates the Tonda Metrographe

What defines the modern man’s day? Rhythmical and ordered, it revolves around efficiency and seemingly countless exchanges. Ready for any eventuality, he must be able to count on his timepiece, in terms of both function and design.

Based on this premise, Parmigiani Fleurier has revisited one of the most iconic watches from the Tonda line. The new Métrographe now offers a more dynamic design fueled by watchmaking references. The signature urban and expressive character has been retained, but new indications such as the tachymeter, and revisited counter proportions ensure its place amongst traditional chronographs, exuding all the hallmarks of fine craftsmanship so desired by men in their quest for meaning.

The fully polished case houses two different colors of dial, a shiny white silver shade and a black oxidized tone, obtained using procedures developed by the manufacture’s dial-makers. The black dial features a powdered rose gold decal that echoes the hands of the two counters crafted from the same metal, chosen for its warm reflection of light. Meanwhile the white dial is paired with blued hands. The snailed decoration beneath the appliques and inside the counters is achieved using a chasing tool that removes an infinitesimal amount of material. This technique creates a concentric pattern with a striped effect that lends the dial depth.

The dial still features the striking presence of the hour and minute counters, but their proportions have been recalculated to allow the time to be read more directly and effectively. The outer area of the figure of eight is now formed by a slightly raised section of material, rather than a flat luminescent coating. Volume work and attention to almost imperceptible detail add to the dial’s personality. One such example is the red number “1” on the date, a subtle yet effective touch that Parmigiani Fleurier has reinstated on the Métrographe. Combined with the chronograph, the tachymeter scale calls for high-speed action and adds another dynamic to the design.

Still focusing on the dial, the domed hands add a touch of brilliance. The double hand at 3 o’clock could already be admired on the Tonda Chronor Anniversaire unveiled to mark the 20th anniversary of the watch brand. Whilst still subtle, the addition of blue on some of the hands serves as a reference to traditional watchmaking, while the reworked indices give the piece a resolutely contemporary air.

The Métrographe is powered by the PF315 self-winding movement with an additional chronograph module. Produced in the manufacture’s multi-discipline watchmaking center, the movement features bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève. The piece is available with a choice of two different straps: an elegant and lightweight leather option and a steel version that exudes sport chic.

Given a new injection of style and added vigor, the Métrographe manages to retain its spirit whilst staying in step with the times.

Technical Specifications

Movement

• Automatic winding manufacture PF315
  
• Thickness: 6.07 mm
  
• Frequency: 4 Hz – 28,800 Vib/h
  
• Power reserve: 42 hours
  

Functions

• Hours, Minutes
  
• Small seconds at 3 o’clock
  
• Date indicator
  
• 1/4 sec chronograph, large seconds,
  
• 30 min and 12 hour counters
  

Case

• 40 mm
  
• Thickness: 11.7 mm
  
• Stainless steel
  
• Water resistance: 30m
  
• Caseback: Sapphire crystal
  

Dial

• Indices: appliques with luminous coating
  
• Finish: Opaline, snailed counters
  
• Hands: Delta shaped with luminescent coating
  

Strap

• Calfskin strap or stainless steel bracelet