Yesterday, Parmigiani Fleurier celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with the unveiling of its brand-new Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy timepiece. Inspired by the night sky in Val-de-Travers, Switzerland, where the brand is based, the dial is made of blue aventurine—a glass containing copper flecks that give it a shimmering appearance.
Master watchmaker Michel Parmigiani—with the support of the Sandoz family—founded the Swiss watch brand in 1996. It was his goal to build original movements and innovative timepieces that would reflect his sense of style and demonstrate his watchmaking, and restoring, prowess. Over the years, the brand has built a host of complicated and elegant watches, as well as made significant strides in movement manufacturing.
His latest, the Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy, is just one example of his vision: Powered by the PF702 self-winding 160-part movement that has been meticulously finished with Cotes de Genève and beveled bridges, visible via a transparent caseback. The bezel and 18-karat gold case are set with 84 diamonds and a white opal cabochon graces the crown. Water resistant to 30 meters, the watch features a black Hermes alligator strap.
Each of the special edition pieces is numbered, and only a handful of pieces will be available in the U.S., sold at authorized retailers and at the brand’s stateside boutique, Le Studio Parmigiani (Miami Design District, 140 N.E. 39th St., Ste. 108, Miami, FL; 786-615-9656) beginning in 2017. Collectors who want to get their hands on one sooner can try to snatch up the one or two pieces that will become available at the Miami boutique in early December. Price: $23,900; parmigiani.ch.
For more celestially inspired timepieces, see our reviews of the Harry Winston Premier Moon Phase luxury watch for women and the Louis Moinet Memoris Red Eclipse luxury watch for men.
