Parmigiani Fleurier had many of us staring deep into space last year when it introduced a stunning aventurine glass dial on one of its Tonda 1950 watches (http://iwmagazine.com/watch-of-the day/20161123/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-1950-meteorite-and-set-galaxy/) While set in a rose gold case and surrounded by diamonds, that dial’s copper-flecked midnight blue unfailingly elicits the same sort of sighs evoked when gazing skyward on a clear summer night¬.
Parmigiani Fleurier now places this aventurine ‘Galaxy’ dial onto another 39mm Tonda 1950 watch, and will also make the dial the focus of a 33mm steel-cased Tonda Métropolitaine Galaxy.
The Tonda 1950 Galaxy displays that deep blue aventurine dial now attached to a full rose gold bracelet. The effect gilds our view of the Tonda 1950 universe, delivering an even greater sense of luxury than the leather-strapped version presented last year.
Aventurine glass contains copper inclusions, which create the dial’s galactic sparkle. The result is a dial that draws the eye, with the diamond-set bezel forming a halo of light around its periphery. On the crown, a milky white opal might just echo a nebula.
Parmigiani Fleurier’s own PF702 proprietary automatic movement, decorated with Côtes de Genève and beveled bridges, powers the watch and is can be admired through the watch's sapphire case-back.
Métro
As noted, Parmigiani Fleurier will also set an aventurine dial in a steel Tonda Métropolitaine Galaxy. The steel bezel is set with 72 brilliant-cut diamonds, and at 6 o'clock, the small seconds display stands out on a glitter-free midnight blue background to better showcase the date, itself half a shade darker.
As a reminder, the Métro collection’s round, steel watches are more contemporary than the Tonda 1950 line. The Metro design offers two asymmetric profiles. One, from the left side, is conventional and displays two teardrop-shaped lugs. However, the watch’s right-hand profile features elongated lugs that extend to the crown, hugging it tightly. As with all models in this collection, inside you’ll find a PF310 automatic movement, which Parmigiani Fleurier launched in 2014. Prices: $9,900 (Tonda 1950 Galaxy) and $15,900 (Tonda Metropolitaine Galaxy).
