Pre-SIHH 2019: Meet Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda Metropolitaine Selene Rose Gold

Once again top watch brands exhibiting at SIHH 2019 will be showcasing some important watches woofer women. In fact, Parmigiani’sTonda Métropolitaine Sélène Rose Gold is yet another example of Parmigiani’s skill in creating lovely ladies watches that tastefully meld fine watchmaking and fine jewelry. The Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène collection, you may remember, was first introduced in 2016. And since then the line has grown to include a number of 33.7mm steel-cased models defined by Tonda-style drop-shaped lugs, moon-phase indication at 12 o’clock and small seconds and date indication at 6 o’clock. Most of the models in the collection exhibit a lacy lotus flower blooming in delicate mother-of-pearl at the center of the dial, with the exception of those featuring an aventurine dial.

This first model in rose gold furthers the theme of the case with a solid rose gold lotus flower at the dial’s center, whichis accentuated by a white mother-of-pearl dial and complemented by18-karat rose gold applied indices and skeletonized hands. The intricacy of the flower is emphasized by its 0.2mm thickness, which—while barely perceptible—adds a measure of depth. The Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Rose Gold, on a bracelet ($47,000)or strap ($32,000), earns some additional sparkle from the76 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel totaling 0.52 carat.

The moon-phase indication at 12 o’clock is particularly gorgeous, I think. The russet-hued moon comes alive with life-like lunar craters achieved by hand-applying successive layers of transfers, and it is set in motion by the PF318 self-winding movement visible through the sapphire caseback. The celestial display disappears and emerges from behind a pearl cloud upon which the Parmigiani Fleurier logo is applied.

The PF318—decorated with Côtes de Genève and featuring finely beveled bridges—has notable isochronism, thanks to the two series-coupled barrels that regulate the rate and offer 50 hours of power reserve. Its functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, date and, of course, the phases of the moon.

The moon phase’s operation is based on a gear moved by the hour wheel, which rotates at half the speed of the gear. The gear then drives the moon disk every 24 hours via a flexible blade integrated into the center of its wheel. A corrector at 9 o’clock enables the wearer to independently index the moon in relation to the day and date in order to match its phase to the geographic reference. As an important aside, the PF318 is the 33^rd movement created within the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacture.

The dial of the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Metropolitain Selene features an open-worked gold motif.