Using the word ‘simple’ to describe a high-end watch is much the same as complimenting a Michelin star chef on his ‘good’ food. The appreciation is most definitely evident, but there’s no need to go over the top with excessive admiration when everyone can clearly see the object being discussed is impressive.
In the case of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Stone-Set timepieces – an extension of the successful 2011-launched Tonda 1950 collection – ‘simple’ is probably the best word to describe them, elegant and stylish as they are.
This selection of watches revolves around two variations of dial, made from finely-layered Tahitian mother-of-pearl, a material collected from only the most beautiful of pearls and hand-selected by the manufacturer. One is ‘Graphite’ and the other ‘Grained White’. The graphite dial is just as one would expect – a soft, steel grey-black with a subtle, colourful metallic lustre – with the grained white being a softly grey-dappled ivory. The choice to customise is increased further by introducing a stylish Hermés leather strap, such as pillar-box red or white calfskin.
The proportions are generous enough to showcase the craftsmanship that has been poured into the construction of the dial, with the case at 39mm diameter; once again, there is a choice – rose gold with the grained white face, or white gold with the graphite face. The bezel is studded with 84 brilliant-cut diamonds that form a non-imposing border around the dial, and is flanked by the brand’s iconic teardrop horns that come together to create sleek, feminine profile.
The features of the dial itself are subtle yet alluring. The appliqué indices are grazed by delta-shaped hands bearing a luminescent coating – making time-telling easy in less radiant environments – and the face possesses just one sub dial at 6 o’clock that nicely echoes the overall shape of its vessel. There is nothing else this watch requires to propel it into the higher echelons of watch sophistication, other than a proud owner with a bare wrist.
