Rosneathian
1471
My impressions: The Tondagraph isn't a direct comparator to the Daytona, which you've noted
The bracelets of the two watches are, for instance, designed for quite different purposes. The one on the Tondagraph is delicate and decorative; on the Daytona it's robust and sturdy. Both are good examples of what they want to achieve, and I would find it hard to make an either-or call.
The watches too are rather different propositions beyond some superficial similarities. PF's watch evolves out of its rather esoteric niche, trying to offer something that it hoped would have wider appeal. The results are mixed. The Rolex we all know about and its been decades since it emerged from neglect. Unlike the Tondagraph, it doesn't have anything to prove.
That said, your hunch about the Tondagraph echoes the very first reactions to it upon its release in 2020. Yes, there is just too much superfluous text on the dial. We really don't need the word 'month' next to the month window, for instance. What were they thinking? I know PF scaled back on this with later iterations in the line, but it was too late for the Tondagraph. Also there is probably not enough anti-reflective coating on the crystal, which explains how the dial can look black, grey or even blue at times. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's there.
When I was weighing up whether or not to buy the Tondagraph, I couldn't get past the irritating text. So I went instead for the much simpler - and for me more satisfying - Tonda GT (its three hander sibling) on a bracelet. Very happy I made that choice. It's a more refined option in steel than a Rolex (i sold a GMT-Master II at the time because I only wanted one 'steel sports watch').
As for the new PF line, I happen to think that the new CEO Guido Terreni is laying it on way too thick. Here is what we read on the homepage of the site: "A maison with historical expertise for purists in search of contemporary timepieces." Note the italicisation from the original. This is marketing schmaltz. I would argue that as collectors we don't need to be told by a brand's marketing efforts that we are "purists." It's way too didactic and preachy. If they toned it down to couple with these new, toned-down watches, they can trust that people interested will get what they're trying to convey.
And indeed, the watches have a more restrained look than the GT line and yes they are decidedly more expensive. They are even less like the Daytona in this respect than the GT variants were last time round. I'd be interested to look back at this effort in five years time to see where it went.
Anyway, just some spot reflections. All the best.
Parmigiani Tondagraph GT vs Rolex Daytona
Today I tried the Parmigiani Tondagraph GT, both the LE version with black dial and the panda version. I was wearing a Daytona so I thought a comparison might be useful. Something felt a bit off about the Parmigiani. I know the quality is supposed to be t...
I've tried them on as well
While I cannot offer a comparison with another brand, I can easily agree with you on the black LE. The dial is too busy with unnecessary inscription and can appear a bit dull under certain lighting. The Panda is much nicer and shows-off the Guilloché much...
Thanks for sharing.
Happen to agree with you on all counts while I haven't tried them myself. However, I LOVE the integration of the (rubber) bracelet. Just love looking at it from all angles. Perfectly designed and executed, I think. Cheers Marc
I’ve been able to try all the latest Tondas and by far the best is the new PF…
The three hander is a big step forward in proportions, layout and wrist feel, which is much like a RO. The micro rotor movement allows for a sub 8mm piece and the dimensions have been reduced, as has the guilloché pattern. A very fine start for the new CE...
thanks you! you are probably right on the PF
and I was intrigued as it is from the new CEO. Here are some pics. The movement is amazing but the dial seems a bit plain..and the price being almost duble vs the bulgari finissimo S (with 100 mt water resistance) makes it a bit difficult...umh ...
Nice 👍 you got to see one…
My understanding is that the PF is 100m also. The price is an issue, as the tonda 1950 uses the same movement and in steel is less than half the price of the PF. The platinum hand made bezel of the PF and more hand finished case add some value compared wi...
thank you for the clarification!! almost forgot about the platinum bezel...
yes both are 100mt I was just comparing the price but this might not be the most important aspect. I just thought if the PF would be priced similar to the bulgari or slighty more it might have been easier to establish it as a valid alternative (not just t...
I agree completely on their pricing…
at 29500 cad it’s a big ask! At 20k cad I’m certain they would establish far more traction in the market place and would represent more appropriate pricing for what’s on offer. Maybe we can work a 2 for 1 deal 🤝🤔😂 I tried the three hander on without plast...
also the same movement is found in the much less expensive slim Hermes
just found out and that is not a plus in my view ! but the PF feels very good and is much more balanced. I think this line will be successful. I also saw that all Tonda 1950 disappeared from the website.
A big pet peeve with me...
...you bought the watch. You own it. You know what the functions are. Many others make this mistake as well...
been thinking about these
but did not try them yet. I like them but the movement is a bit less than I hoped. Since quite some time I've been thinking about an early Parmigiani, when the brand started. So the one to get is an ionica in that case. I saw these movements over and over...
My impressions: The Tondagraph isn't a direct comparator to the Daytona, which you've noted
The bracelets of the two watches are, for instance, designed for quite different purposes. The one on the Tondagraph is delicate and decorative; on the Daytona it's robust and sturdy. Both are good examples of what they want to achieve, and I would find i...
Thank you for the very extensive and constructive reply
I am really fascinated by your analysis. The Daytona is not a fair comparison perhaps but, to give you more context, I was wearing it on the day and the price for the bicolor daytona is lower than the Tonda GT. One could argue that the tonda movement is m...