Is 20 the age of opportunity?

An integrated chronograph is the Holy Grail for a watch manufacture, as it is one of the complications requiring the most skill to create on an industrial scale. The basic rule was the following: no additional module. Each element had to be integrated to the movement and restricted to a single main plate. The creators started with a blank sheet and after a careful research and development stage, they drew up and optimized the first integrated chronograph of the Parmigiani manufacture. This manually wound movement includes a chronograph, a split second function and a large date, all on the same main plate.

Perfectly integrated into the Tonda Chronor Anniversaire’s PF361 movement, this complication enhances the chronograph with its potential to measure split times. Its principle rests on an additional hand known as the “split second hand” which sits on top of the central chronograph seconds hand, or “trotteuse”, and is permanently linked to it (when started, stopped and reset). However, once the central seconds hand is running, if the additional push-piece for the split second on the crown is activated, the hand stands out: it stops, while the central seconds hand continues to run. After reading this split time, pressing the push-piece on the crown again will bring the split second hand back in line with the central seconds hand, to continue running alongside it. This manoeuvre can be repeated as many times as is necessary.
Lastly, this movement comprises a Large Date which is also integrated into the movement, rather than added to an additional module. The purpose of this development is to keep the movement as slim as possible, whilst retaining technical reliability.

Managing to insert a large date into a calibre with an integrated chronograph is a logistical challenge, considering the spatial constraints involved. The creators of the watch therefore maximised the usable surface to create the perfect space to house the 13 mm discs. The large date appears at 12 o’clock, behind a double counter with gold appliques.

The launch of this first integrated chronograph coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Parmigiani Fleurier brand. Christened “Tonda Chronor Anniversaire”, this first model in a long future line comprises a gold movement to highlight its prestige. Every aspect of working with gold during a manufacture process was complicated. Gold sticks to the tools; it is malleable and easily deforms; all the machines must be completely recalibrated and each cutting parameter needs changing. Successfully manufacturing a movement this complex from gold demonstrates an imposing level of expertise.

The Tonda Chronor Anniversaire with gold movement is available with either a white gold or rose gold case, each of which will be produced in a limited run of 25 pieces to mark this anniversary.