Parmigiani Tondagraph Tourbillon Chronograph

Michel Parmigiani is one of a handful of watchmakers that formed the foundation of independent watchmaking that is attracting such interest today. Starting work in 1976 as a watch and clock restorer he honed his craft while the quartz crisis raged around him. Twenty years later he achieved the means to launch his own watchmaking brand, dedicated to preserving and in some cases resurrecting historic watchmaking techniques. Aged 71, Michel Parmigiani is still involved with the design and production of the watches that bear his name.

Produced as an extremely limited series of just 10 pieces, this example being no. 9, the Tondagraph Torbillon Chronograph is a masterpiece, currently retailing at €195,000. The Tonda case revisits 1950s classic design in minimalist white gold. The hands are created in the ‘delta’ style found throughout the Parmigiani collections. The movement, calibre PF354 is created entirely in-house with a total of 295 components. The technical prowess in balancing the power requirements of the chronograph and the action of the tourbillion while still offering a power reserve of 72 hours is remarkable. This attention to detail is mirrored in the fine finishing and decoration of the individual movement components.

This watch is offered in excellent condition. Purchased by the owner in 2013 the watch shows light signs of wear with small marks to the bezel and some scratches underneath the lugs from changing the strap. The current strap, with the original 18k white gold pin buckle attached shows light creasing from having the buckle fastened. The watch is offered with full box and papers.

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