The independent Swiss manufacturer, Parmigiani Fleurier, has unveiled a special edition of the Tonda 1950 model that was designed in collaboration with a graffiti artist, André Saraiva. This novelty can be purchased only at the Parisian boutique Colette.The new Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Colette Watch is available in eleven different graphic-infused versions.
Considering the fact that the Swedish-Portuguese artist André Saraiva is living in Paris, these eleven renditions, when joined together, form a eulogy to the spirit of Paris and its artistic freedom that transcends boundaries.
The limited edition Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Colette timepieces are available in either white or gold case, featuring black, blue or white lacquered backgrounds. “Paris,” “New York,” and “Love” which are the Sariva’s three key themes are written in his recognizable typeface, thus evoking graffiti art and highlighted by the color contrasts which are a constant theme in his work.
The watches are secured to the wrists with quite unique straps created by the Atelier du Bracelet Parisian. The each wristlet matches only one of the eleven models. For example, the Boa strap, with black and blue scales, creates a match only for the dial with this type of calligraphy, whilst the red galuchant strap pairs only with a variant featuring red lettering and a gem-set case.
The beating heart of the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 Colette watch is the in-house manufactured ultra-flat movement which measures about 30mm in diameter and which is about 2.6mm thick.
The self-winding mechanism incorporates an off-centered micro-oscillating weight made of 950 platinum, as well as beautifully encrusted surfaces, thus meeting the highest standards of haute horlogerie. The impeccable movement provides no less than 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The movement features the nickel silver main plate which is sand-blasted, circular-grained and then rhodium-plated. The bridges are sandblasted, drawn out or “Côte de Genève” encrusted, then bevelled by hand and rhodium-plated at the end. Furhermore, each wheel boasts the attractive finish, bevelled, sunk, circular-grained on both faces, and then gilded before cutting.
Each of these eleven unique models is signed with “Colette x André x PF“, and features its own individual number engraved on the case back together with the inscription “Edition Spéciale 1/1″.
As I have already mentioned, each of these eleven unique timepieces is available exclusively in Colette Paris boutique in Rue Saint-Honoré, at the heart of Paris. The retail price is €19,900 (approximately $21,250), except for the diamond-set variant which can be purchased for €23,300 ($24,900).
