There is just something about the Tonda PF Micro Rotor from Parmigiani. I had that feeling when I first saw it when it was introduced in 2021, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Now, after being on my wrist for a couple of weeks, I feel I can. I would describe it as ‘casual classiness.’ It is a watch that seamlessly goes with you from one activity to another and always looks right. From jeans to black tie and everything in between, the Tonda PF Micro Rotor is rather easy-going, making it an exemplary watch to live with.

That is right away the first point that this Parmigiani scores, and an important one that is, as it wants to become a part of your (life)style without overtaking it. I would almost say that it blends in so easily, but don’t mistake this for lack of character, as the Tonda PF Micro Rotor has loads of it but shares this in a subtle way. This starts with the dial, which is a beautiful shade of grey and gives center stage to their guilloché in a Grain d’orge pattern. It gives the dial a sense of refinement, also because Parmigiani applied the less-is-more principle by keeping the hour markers very modest and the writing down to the brand’s emblem and the words ‘Swiss made.’ However, it does have a date, nicely incorporated into the design. For many, this is an essential complication on a watch that accompanies you through everyday life.
While the Tonda PF Micro Rotor is no sports watch, nor does i...