WATCH of the WEEK: Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue
It is widely known that Parmigiani Fleurier is renowned for its watchmaking sophistication and stylish design. But the Swiss manufacturer also demonstrates innovation when it comes to materials—for example, with cermet.
The name “cermet” explains it all: “CER” stands for ceramic and “MET” for metal. This composite material is characterized by exceptionally high hardness and wear resistance. At the same time, cermet combines the heat resistance of ceramic with the lightness of metal. After three years of development, Parmigiani Fleurier unveiled the “Tonda PF Sport Ultra-Cermet” last year, featuring a case made entirely of cermet.
Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue
With the “Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue,” Parmigiani Fleurier consistently pursues this material approach: Ultra-Cermet is at the heart of the design concept and becomes a defining element of the timepiece’s identity.
Ultra-Cermet
Ultra-Cermet is neither a ceramic in the traditional sense nor a conventional metal. Rather, it is a composite material consisting of a metallic titanium matrix and ceramic titanium carbide. Through a sintering process, the starting powder is transformed into a homogeneous, structurally dense material.
With a hardness of nearly 92 HRA, or approximately 1,450 HV on the Vickers scale, Ultra-Cermet offers exceptionally high resistance to abrasion and surface wear. In addition, the material feels cool to the touch and has a subtle metallic appearance.
The Housing
Not only the 42.5 × 13.3-millimeter case, which is water-resistant to 10 bar, but also the fluted bezel, the crown, the chronograph pushers, and the pin buckle are made entirely of Ultra-Cermet. Parmigiani Fleurier remains the only watch manufacturer to use this material so consistently.
The anthracite-colored, satin-finished case subtly captures the light, highlighting the watch’s modern aesthetic. At the same time, the properties of Ultra-Cermet ensure a subtle reflection of light, which further emphasizes the minimalist design.
The Dial
The 18-karat gold hour markers, applied by hand and finished with a Blackor electroplated gold-nickel coating, ensure clear readability and create a subtle contrast to the vertically satin-finished dial in shades of Mineral Blue and metallic shimmering anthracite. The technical aesthetic is further emphasized by the chronograph and small-second hands, which are also coated with Blackor.
The Bracelet
The Mineral Blue rubber strap ensures comfort and stability on the wrist, while its subtly textured surface evokes the look of fine fabric. The strap is fitted with an Ultra-Cermet pin buckle, consistently continuing the design language of the case.
The PF070 In-House Caliber
At the heart of the “Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue” beats the COSC-certified in-house caliber PF070, featuring a 65-hour power reserve. With a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), this high-frequency movement enables time measurement accurate to one-tenth of a second.
The sapphire crystal case back showcases the 288-part architecture of the satin-finished and open-worked bridges, as well as the skeletonized, sandblasted, and finely polished 22-karat rose gold oscillating weight. (MSRP: €45,600)
