Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante and Minute Rattrapante transcend the simple quantitative measurement of time as embodied by Chronos and appropriate the more philosophical Greek concept of Kairos that refers to the qualitative time of life.

An invitation to reset our relationship to time, the timepieces deliver instantaneous and intuitive measurements that capture the rhythm of contemporary life. The ingenious mechanics behind these simple-looking watches alter the way countdowns and dual time complications are viewed and activated. In a departure from conventional graduated rotating bezels, an additional gold hand concealed under the minute hand executes the task – minute countdown on the Minute Rattrapante and GMT indication on the GMT Rattrapante – without marring the understated elegance of the Tonda PF.

The “rattrapante” denomination of both timepieces describes the motion performed by the extra hand when it jumps back to its concealed position, similar to a split-seconds chronograph hand. Parmigiani Fleurier’s Rattrapantes fuse pragmatic, intuitive complications with the luxurious, understated aesthetic that defines the Tonda PF collection.

THE TONDA PF MINUTE RATTRAPANTE  2023 WORLD PREMIERE

Usually performed with a graduated bezel, the ingenious, user-friendly solution is discreet and in line with the subtle, refined aesthetics of the Tonda PF. Invisible when not in use, the Minute Rattrapante function indicates the minutes left until a target is reached – end of a presentation, cooking times, parking meter, remaining game time, etc.

It is equipped with two superimposed minute hands: a rhodium-plated hand to indicate the time and an 18kt rose gold minute for countdown timings: two pushers advance the gold minute hand around the dial; the pusher at 8 o’clock advances the hand in 5-minute jumps, the pusher at 10 o’clock in precise 1-minute jumps.

When the rhodium-plated hand reaches the fixed position of the gold rattrapante hand, the minute countdown is complete, and the hands overlap. The 18kt rose gold pusher in the crown activates the gold rattrapante minute hand to “catch up” (rattraper) to its hidden position beneath the rhodium-plated hand. The signature hand-guilloché Grain d’Orge (barleycorn) dial features an elegant sand grey colour, while the hands and appliqués are crafted in 18ct gold.

THE TONDA PF GMT RATTRAPANTE

Launched in 2022, the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante refreshed the dual time complication with a resolutely innovative mechanism that respects the purity and minimalism of the Tonda PF collection. The Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante is the perfect instrument for globetrotters juggling time zones. There is nothing superfluous about this sleek, elegant model indicating local and home time.

The timepiece returns in 2023 in a full 18kt rose gold version, graced with a Milano Blue dial featuring a refined barleycorn guilloché pattern. The Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante appears unassuming at first glance, with the hours and minutes sweeping gracefully around the elegant handguilloché dial. Yet beneath this traditional face lies a complication powering two superimposed hour hands; one in rhodium-plated gold for local time and the other in 18ct rose gold for home time. The pusher at 8 o’clock advances the rhodium-plated hand for local time in one-hour increments; home time is displayed by the gold hand.

When the dual time function is no longer required, the gold pusher integrated in the crown allows the local hour hand to “catch up” (rattraper) like the split-seconds hand of a chronograph and hide beneath the gold home time hand. This original mode of operation, unique in watchmaking history, relies on a sophisticated and innovative mechanism. Intuitive and simple to use, this complication lets purists enjoy the luxury of an uncluttered time display and enjoy the quality and care lavished on each detail.