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The steel Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 pairs a 40 mm case with an unusually slim automatic movement, a restrained dial and a small-seconds display. In Jack Forster’s October 24, 2017 Hodinkee hands-on, it reads as a traditional dress watch sized for modern daily wear. Its dimensions and PF702 movement belong specifically to the steel version; earlier precious-metal examples differ.
What the steel Tonda 1950 is like
Forster describes the steel Tonda 1950 as an extra-flat, traditional dress watch intended for daily wear. Its round case, restrained dial and small seconds lend it a mid-century character, while the 40 mm diameter gives it a more contemporary presence. Those are the reviewer’s impressions, not a guarantee of how the watch will look or fit on every wrist. The small-seconds display is connected to the movement architecture, rather than being only a decorative choice.
The case is 8.2 mm thick, and the watch has 30 meters of water resistance. Forster’s review lists sapphire crystal on both the front and back, an alligator strap and a folding steel buckle. The thin profile suits the dress-watch brief, but the stated water resistance is modest: the published specification does not make this a watch for swimming.
Steel Tonda 1950 specifications
| Specification | Steel version |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 40 mm (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Case thickness | 8.2 mm (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Water resistance | 30 meters (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Crystal | Sapphire, front and back (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Movement | Parmigiani Fleurier PF702 automatic |
| Movement dimensions | 30 mm diameter × 2.6 mm thick (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Frequency | 21,600 vibrations per hour (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Jewels | 29 (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Power reserve | 48 hours (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
| Strap and buckle | Alligator strap with folding steel buckle (Hodinkee, October 24, 2017) |
PF702: why the micro-rotor matters
Hodinkee identifies the PF702 as a movement made by Manufacture Vaucher in Fleurier and based on Vaucher caliber 5401. Forster describes it as essentially the same as the PF701 used in gold versions, except that the steel watch’s micro-rotor is tungsten rather than the PF701’s white gold.
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- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
A micro-rotor is integrated into the movement’s plane, sitting level with the gear train instead of being stacked above it like a conventional full rotor. That arrangement helps keep the movement—and therefore the watch—thin. The trade-off noted in the review is lower winding efficiency than a full-rotor automatic. The PF702’s listed 48-hour power reserve is a specification; it does not by itself describe how quickly the watch winds during wear.
Steel versus precious-metal Tonda 1950
The Tonda 1950 name covers versions that should not be treated as having identical dimensions or hardware. Hodinkee’s 2017 hands-on documents the steel model and its PF702. The 2010 Watch Press review describes precious-metal versions in 18-carat rose or white gold, with a different movement caliber and smaller, thinner case.
Rank #2
- Powered by the Orient In-House F6B24 Automatic / Hand-Winding / Hacking Movement
- Case Diameter: 41.5 Case Thickness: 14.2mm Lug Width: 21mm Lug to Lug Length: 47mm
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 24-Hour Sun and Moon and Moon Subdial
- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
| Detail | Steel version (Hodinkee, 2017) | Precious-metal version (The Watch Press, 2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Steel | 18-carat rose or white gold |
| Case diameter | 40 mm | 39 mm |
| Case thickness | 8.2 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Movement | PF702 automatic, with tungsten micro-rotor | PF701; the review describes the precious-metal version |
| Dial | Small seconds | Small seconds |
| Water resistance | 30 meters | 30 meters |
| Strap and buckle | Alligator strap with folding steel buckle | Alligator strap with matching buckle |
These are descriptions of versions covered by the two dated articles, not a complete catalogue of every Tonda 1950 reference. For the steel model, see Jack Forster’s Hodinkee hands-on, published October 24, 2017. The earlier precious-metal description is in The Watch Press review, published October 31, 2010.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability context
Hodinkee listed the steel Tonda 1950 at $9,900 in its October 24, 2017 article. That is a historical price, not a current retail price or a pre-owned market quote. The cited coverage does not establish whether the model is currently in production, what it costs today, or whether any particular example is available.
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- Round watch featuring corrugated unidirectional bezel, luminous hands/markers, and magnified date window at 3 o'clock
- 40 mm, Length: 210mm, 23k gold-plated stainless steel case with mineral dial window. Movement Caliber: NH35A
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Parmigiani Fleurier describes itself as an independent Swiss haute horlogerie maison founded in 1996 by watchmaker and restorer Michel Parmigiani. Its official press room provides the brand’s institutional background: Parmigiani Fleurier press room.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powered by the Orient In-House F6B24 Automatic / Hand-Winding / Hacking Movement
- Case Diameter: 41.5 Case Thickness: 14.2mm Lug Width: 21mm Lug to Lug Length: 47mm
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 24-Hour Sun and Moon and Moon Subdial
- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
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