sham1
9727
My first sports watch ever (and possibly my last too!)
Those who know me will know how one dimensional I am especially when it comes to watches. My small collection comprises of dress watches, a genre which I am most comfortable wearing, I have tried on various sports watches over the last 30 years but none really appealed to me. I see many posts in the forum on Rolex, Tudor, Panerais, IWCs, Royal Oaks, Nautiluses and as much as I have tried, I have not been able to appreciate them the way others do.
So you can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was today when I walked into a watch shop as I had time to kill (always a dangerous thing to do when one has spare time!), and spotted a sports watch from a brand that I have never purchased. I had been privileged in the 90s to meet Michel Parmigiani in person and managed to have a chat with him via an interpreter. This wonderfully humble man only conversed in French and apart from Bonjour, Merci and Je T'aime (all very useful words!
), my French was and still is non-existent. I told myself that one day I would like to buy a Parmigiani but more than two decades have passed and none of his watches really appealed to me mainly because they were too large for my small wrist.
), my French was and still is non-existent. I told myself that one day I would like to buy a Parmigiani but more than two decades have passed and none of his watches really appealed to me mainly because they were too large for my small wrist.The latest Parmigiani Tonda in 36mm was made for my wrist. I could not believe my luck that the watch was lying in the display cabinet staring at me seductively urging me to take it home. I was not looking for a watch of any type currently as I felt I have almost everything I want especially with a few incomings this year. And for half an hour, the salesman and my patient wife looked at me as I fondled the Tonda lovingly. The salesman who I have known for 6 years now remarked that I must really like the watch because usually, I would walk away after a few minutes with a watch. He was right - I was not looking for a new watch especially with Watches and Wonders coming up in less than four weeks so it would be almost reckless to consider buying a timepiece.
But today I proved that not only can I be impulsive and reckless but I have also found a sports watch that I love. The Tonda is slim (I believe the 40mm version is even slimmer due to its micro rotor) and light and wraps around my wrist as if it was a bespoke watch made just for me. Only one link needed to be removed and the discreetly elegant dial makes this watch one that can be worn on formal and casual occasions. And very importantly, it is a watch that will go largely unnoticed unlike the usual suspects.
Thank you for reading and sharing in my latest joy!
Finally, a Parmigiani joins my collection
Not too large or heavy a box. Just perfect
Discreetly elegant!
Light and comfortable to wear
A thin case and beautiful integrated bracelet
My two loves - cars and watches!
My first sports watch ever (and possibly my last too!)
Those who know me will know how one dimensional I am especially when it comes to watches. My small collection comprises of dress watches, a genre which I am most comfortable wearing, I have tried on various sports watches over the last 30 years but none r...
That’s a lovely dressy sports watch! Congratulations!
Thanks for taking us on your buying journey. Enjoy the watch. Jon
Thank you very much!
It is always good to see a manufacturer making a sports watch in a smaller size. Most stick with 40mm and above because somehow a sports watch has to exude some form of machoness!
Agreed!
The movement and case finishing on the Tonda is actually superior to quite a number of the hyped sports watches but I am quite happy that it still remains largely unrecognised apart from by watch enthusiasts.
Thank you for your good wishes!
My favourite sports watch by far, probably because it is quite dressy, understated and great for small wristed folk like me!
I have my eye on this watch too
I went to PF in 2005 and have looked at many since then but have never jumped either. Nice place, beautiful day, friendly people Excellent pastries I really wanted this watch \ Cazalea ...
Thanks for sharing Mike!
That is Parmigiani at his best! What a spectacular looking movement!!
Superb choice…
I have been saying Parmigiani is underrated but those days seem to be waning as the brand seems to be really taking off.
And about time too!
For too long it has been a neglected brand but it has been producing quality watches for years.
Fantastic watch! The size is perfect for you from the photos and the dial is so pure without the date…
The watch is very seductive in person and I might eventually succumb to its charms too. Congratulations!
A sports watch with no date is indeed a rarity!
I am one who prefers any watch with no date. To me, it makes the dial more pure and this is a gorgeous dial. Thank you for your feedback and I hope you get one too as you will not regret it.
Many thanks!
Initially the sales man thought it was for my wife so I gave him 'the look of death'!
Thank you Lars!
It is a watch that may not appeal to hardcore sports watch lovers as it may be too dressy but it is right up my alley
Your endorsement is much appreciated!
And that I guess is the main criteria for me when buying a watch - how well it fits and looks on my wrist rather than the brand name, the movement finishing or the resale value.
Thank you!!
To me it is probably the most under rated sports watch currently in the market but it is quite irresistable even for the strong willed
Retirement is treating you kindly!
Your collection these last 6 years is stunning. And this one is a fantastic addition. Congratulations Sham. You have impeccable taste.
Retirement has been the best years in my life so far!
It just shows what a lazy bugger I am! Thanks Mike but I am at a stage where this passion of ours must be self financing so any new addition must result in the sale of another watch. I am too old to be selling body parts or robbing a bank!
Wow! That is a beautifully taken photo
I had no idea that my Tonda had a cousin. It says hello back!
Congrats!
Looks perfect on your wrist I had the chance to handle it during an event last year, very elegant and nicely designed piece. Enjoy!
The fit on the wrist is indeed perfect!
No lugs sticking out and the wrap around effect makes it a comfortable wear. Thank you for your post!
Congrats, Sham!!!
I've been very interested in this one for the 36mm size as well, but haven't had the chance to try one on yet. The proportions look perfect!
You will love it when you try it on!
I believe the 36mm version looks better dial wise than the 40mm version not just because of the absence of the date but the 40mm version's dial looks more spartan and less balanced than the 36mm version. Just my thoughts.
It looks perfect on your wrist!
Great choice that I wouldn't have imagined being right for you until I saw the pictures. I'll show your pics to my Malaysian fiancée, maybe there's a PF in her future!
She will love it!
Just imagine the watch on her dainty non hairy wrist! And yes, I never thought that the watch would suit me either until I tried it on. Thank you for your comments.
Universal watch
I bought the 40mm 1 year ago . I have mostly integrated sport watch in my small connection and , yet, my PF is on top of my list The most universal watch I ever had . Perfect in suit as well as in jeans I’m sure you’ll enjoy it a ton !
An absolute testament from a sports watch collector!
Enjoy yours too! I think the slimness (and yours is even slimmer) adds to the appeal and shows that one does not need a sports watch to be thicker than 9mm for it to withstand the rigours of daily life.
Huge Congrats my friend, it looks perfect on your wrist imho
I love the direction the brand is going. Beautiful sports watches 👌🏻
Thank you very much my friend!
Based on the feedback from fellow purists, it is probably the most perfect watch for my wrist! And most strangely, I have been wearing it at home which is rare for me as I very seldom wear a watch when I am home. The more I look at it, the more convinced ...
Thanks Patrick!
It was a tough decision only because I was concerned what if a watch I love gets released at Watches and Wonders. But the Parmigiani Tonda is that amazing that I decided that I could not miss out on the opportunity before it becomes a sought after sports ...
Huge congrats, sham!
This is such a nice and interesting watch. I think Parmigiani is a really fascinating, highest-quality brand still far too much under radar. But this brand is noticeably evolving. Like GP or Moser. Many congrats again for this important catch far away fro...
Thank you very much Thomas for your endorsement and kind words!
Under the radar brands seem to be my speciality before everyone else jumps on the band wagon. And if they don't, it is ok as I tend to buy only what I love and what fits my wrist! Parmigiani are indeed under rated but if a GP Laureato can take off, I don'...
Wow wow…huge congratulations Sham
great reference, elegant & I think the dial is done tastefully! Also those lugs from the sides are gorgeous! Enjoy in good health…hope to see it in metal soon.
Thank you Justin!
A very modest watch in comparison to your watches but yes, it does fit handsomely!
congratulations Sham!
it's a beautiful watch and it definitely looks great on your wrist! alas... i already have the 40mm version and have also placed deposit for the GMT Rattrapante (which arrived yesterday). if the GMT Rattrapante was launched before the 40mm micro rotor, i ...
You are obviously a serious collector of Tondas!
I am sure the 40mm fits your wrist perfectly! Well I hope they do because you now have two of them! Congratulations on your GMT and thank you for your kind comments on mine.
You are being modest!
Considering they only have three different models and you have two, that qualifies as being a serious collector! And although like me, you have bought the watches to keep and enjoy, I would not be surprised if the Tondas become an amazing investment over ...
haha... if you add the skeleton, the annual calendar and the chronograph,
all of which I'm not too interested at the moment, then I'm probably not a "serious" collector 😉 and if your prediction on their value comes true, it'll be my son who will benefit i guess 😅
Time will tell but
when I see lesser brands producing sports watches that appreciate in value, I see little reason why the superior Tonda will not receive the accolade that it deserves. Your son is a lucky young man. Mine is not as his dad is less generous!
amazing, wonderful choice! is this the one with the diamond indices?
I really identify with your comments about sport watches vs dress watches, so it is interesting that we both ended up with the Tonda! I have the 40mm version, and was torn between the two. No wrong choice in my opinion, I loved both! ...
It just shows how subtle the diamond hour markers are
for you to ask me which version mine was! And that is a good thing in my opinion. My watch with the grey dial has no diamond hour markers. I believe the version with the dark blue dial has the diamond hour markers. And your watch looks lovely on you, well...
dial color
Thank you sham! I am wondering, is it referenced on the box or anywhere else the color of the dial? It is my understanding that in steel 36mm, there is only "warm grey" with diamond markers, and "silver sand" without. The pictures of silver sand look much...
My photography skills are non existent
but you are right than the ambient lighting does affect the colour of the dial. Mine is definitely the lighter dial and I have checked but it is not referenced anywhere - just by the price paid!
Congrats!
I had a similar encounter with PF. Wasn’t looking for it. It found me. As you said, it wraps the wrist, kind of like a well tailored bespoke suit. I have the chrono version, which is amazing on several levels, but I’m slightly envious of the smaller dimen...
I love the dial on your chrono!
Thanks for sharing that well taken photo of your beautiful watch. Does the chrono come with a micro rotor or semi rotor?
Still gorgeous like mine! :-)
We all tend to talk about the movement a lot but to be honest, it does not really matter whether a watch has a micro rotor or semi rotor as long as it operates reliably and the dial looks great. Afterall, we see the dial so much more than the movement. Th...
I also feel that
the 40mm case is better suited to a chronograph like yours as the sub dials fill up the dial whereas a 40mm case with purely a date function would make it look rather spartan. Just my thoughts.
Congratulation on your
new Parmigiani. It seems that the watch had been waiting you to take it home with you.
My exact sentiments!
Thank you very much Jari for your congratulatory message. I feel somewhat privileged to own this watch and it has been worn daily since its purchase.