Celebrating one of the most noble of all horological complications in a spectacularly beautiful setting, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Tourbillon is a truly exceptional wristwatch, which is as stunning on the eye as it is breathtaking in its technical complexity and execution. A contemporary classic, behind its slender profile and modern design aesthetics beats a superb in house manufacture movement, created by hand by the brand’s master watchmakers.

Presented in a round case of 18Kt rose gold, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Tourbillon boasts the world’s thinnest self winding flying tourbillon movement, measuring 40.8mm across, and only 8.3mm in depth. Its flowing lines are clean and with its four comma-shaped lugs, which are individually soldered to the waist of the case, it’s elegant and distinguished on the wrist.

The glow of the rose gold is accentuated by the sublime abyss blue dial, which in place of a typically flat surface, is decorated with Côtes de Genève striping, creating an effect in which the shading of the abyss blue seems to fade in and out between one stripe and the next. It features tapering gold hour indices and hands which are coated with Super-LumiNova and so are clear and legible in light or low light environments, as well as superbly complementing the ribbed deep blue surface underneath.

Dominating the dial the flying tourbillon appears to float inside its round aperture as it rotates every sixty seconds, and its lightweight titanium cage features a short oxidised blue pointer which indicates the passing seconds.

On the underside, a sapphire crystal caseback reveals the magnificent PF517 self winding movement, which has been fully manufactured in house. In the pursuit of creating an ultra thin mechanism, it features a platinum micro rotor which nestles flush among the plates, rotating with the motion of the wrist and delivering energy to the single barrel which, when fully wound will take 48 hours to discharge.

A masterpiece of Haute Horlogerie in every aspect of its manufacture, assembly and finishing, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Tourbillon is a piece for the most discerning collector. It is presented on a dark blue alligator leather strap by Hermès with folding deployant clasp.