Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Galaxy
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Galaxy
2017 GPHG Ladies Category Finalist
Propping up the six contenders in the 2017 GPHG awards Ladies category, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Galaxy really does through a disruptive element into this annual gala event.
A relative newcomer, being established as recently as 1996, Parmigiani Fleurier has established an impression in this most critically analysed area of high end watchmaking as a true manufacturing brand, and it could spring a surprise come November's awards evening in Geneva.
Priced at €15,900, it is the most accessible piece to make the final, and more than £100,000 less expensive than Chanel's Première Camélia at the other end of the scale, yet other than for its stainless steel case, it's most assuredly no 'poor woman's' alternative to the top end.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Galaxy really does have a lot going for it in terms of a juror's checklist. At just a touch over 33mm it is delicately proportioned, and whilst being embellished with a diamond set bezel, is still a nicely reserved piece. The dark blue aventurine dial is flecked with tiny metal filings which immediately conjure the image of a clear, starry night sky, with a rose gold moonphase display crowning the dial.
Inside beats a gem of a fully in-house PF318 self winding movement, complete with twin barrels which deliver an impressive 50 hours of energy reserve. The movement can be appreciated through the sapphire caseback, and even though it is relatively inexpensive in comparison to its peers, the detailing and surface decoration is of a high standard.
But can the Tonda Métropolitaine Sélène Galaxy go all the way and scoop the cherished Aiguille trophy? This is a strikingly attractive ladies watch, with aspects and features which one might not expect from the least expensive watch.
The Watch Press prediction
I think this one will cause the jury some headaches, because it has so much to offer for the price. So shall we say it's a dark horse (or in gambling terms; it might be worth a flutter!)
The pertinents
REFERENCE: PFC283-0060601-X02521
CASE: Steel
BRACELET/STRAP: Canvas
BUCKLE: Pin buckle
MOVEMENT: Self winding mechanical. Power reserve: 50 h, 28'800 vph
FUNCTIONS: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Moonphase
SIZE: ø 33.2 mm
THICKNESS: 9.6 mm
WATERPROOFNESS: 30 m
PRICE EXCL.VAT: CHF 15'900
With its wedge-like, convention defying appearance, its unfamiliar rotating display configuration and its sheer other-worldliness, the URWERK UR-106 Flower Power certainly stands out among the six finalist contenders in the 2017 GPHG Ladies category.