Parmigiani

bmngc
47

• Show profile
• Show other posts

The PF I miss: Tonda GT Big Date

I owned a Parmigiani Tonda GT Big Date for a while, and found it to be a seriously underrated integrated sports watch. This was the piece that made me want to “upgrade” to a PF Micro-rotor Tonda, but if I’m honest, I much preferred the GT. I ended up parting with the modern PF as well, but would consider going back to owning a GT again. Here’s my experience with it.

- The dial was what sold me. The quality of the finishes, and the diversity of details really draws the eyes. The outer minute-markers track sits higher on the dial, followed by a concentric circle layer. Then, the dial steps down to a very unique Clou Triangulaire dial. It has a ton of depth and interest, all executed at extraordinary levels. This dial is far more interesting than the PF Tonda Micro-Rotor, and is actually noticeable from a distance. I do prefer the more subtle “PF” emblem on the new models.

- The skeletonized delta hands and the hour markers are also a standout. They are highly legible, and also manage to give the dial a nice flow by not occupying a ton of visual space. They also have a bronze hue that’s hard to describe until you see it live.

- The big date complication is another differentiator, and is very well executed with an excellently finished frame. If I’m being nit-picky, the frame could have been larger for this complication to make it easier to read from different angles.

- The seconds subdial is unique. PF opted for the two-half-arc implementation, with each displaying 30 seconds using the same hand (easier to look at it than to describe it in words).

- At 42mm, some people might rule this out as too big before further consideration. That would be very premature. My wrist is 6.5”, and this wore like a dream, largely because of the dramatic curvature of the lugs. It had more presence and a better fit than the modern PF on my wrist.

- The bracelet is very well done and comfortable. Same issues as the newer PF Tonda’s: no micro-adjustment, and the clasp feels flimsy. The only difference is that I was actually able to find a perfect fit for my wrist with the GT.

- The crown is just as small and problematic as for the newer PF’s. I’m not sure why Parmigiani doesn’t pay more attention to that detail. It’s hard to get it to the other positions, and the winding action is less than satisfying. I give PF low grades in the tactile portions of the experience.