When Parmigiani Fleurier announced the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Cermet London Grey, the brand became the first watch manufacture to craft an entire watch case—including the pushers, bezel, and crown— in Cermet. This represents a genuine leap forward in both materials development and contemporary watch design.
While Audemars Piguet pioneered the use of Cermet in watchmaking with bezels in the Royal Oak Offshore collection as far back as 2010—on the Jarno Trulli Royal Oak Offshore and in 2012 on the Michael Schumacher Royal Oak Offshores—, and RM in the Richard Mille RM 11-05 Cermet Limited Edition with a cermet bezel; Parmigiani has taken this innovation further by crafting an entire case in this revolutionary material.
Where Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille have demonstrated Cermet's potential in bezel applications, Parmigiani has now shown its viability as a primary case material, necessitating entirely new manufacturing processes that extend to the case, pushers, bezel, and even the crown.
What is Cermet?
Cermet is a highly advanced composite material typically used in creating heat shields for space shuttles, ballistic protection, external aerospace fuselage components, and in the brakes of racing competition vehicles. Its name is the result of the contraction of the words “ceramics” and “metal.”
Cermet is extremely hard, with a hardness rating of 2,360 Vickers, and is also resistant to corrosion. When highly polished, it bears a striking resemblance to the finest mirrors. Almost as hard as a diamond’s 2,400 Vickers, Cermet is a judicious choice for use in watchmaking, as watches are very exposed to scratches.
Things to Know About the Watch
With a case measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and 13.3 mm in thickness, the Tonda PF Sport has a substantial presence yet feels surprisingly light thanks to Cermet's unique properties. The satin brushed anthracite color case catches light in ways that traditional steel cannot replicate, and there's a depth to the reflections that feels both metallic and organic.
Every component, from the case middle to the case back ring and bezel, as well as the chronograph pushers and crown, and even the pin buckle, has been crafted in Cermet, requiring 72 distinct components and a full day of assembly. The precision necessary becomes apparent under magnification—transitions between surfaces are seamless, and the satin finish maintains consistency across every angle.
The London Grey colorway is particularly striking. The Blackor-treated—a 9-carat gold-nickel deposit—appliques on the dial, and the satin-finished dial surface creates a grey-black canvas that shifts subtly with lighting, providing the perfect backdrop for the chronograph registers in taupe, which perfectly match the texturized rubber strap on the watch. It's industrial without being harsh, modern without sacrificing elegance.
The Movement
Flipping over the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Cermet London Grey, one can enjoy the beauty of the COSC in-house automatic calibre PF070-CSND through the sapphire display case back. This 288-part movement is equipped with a 22K three-spoke skeletonized oscillating weight, a column-wheel chronograph, and features 42 jewels, operating at a frequency of 5Hz—36,000 vph.
The impressive 65-hour power reserve ensures excellent weekend reliability—when not wearing the watch over the weekend—, while the 6.95 mm thickness enables a relatively slim profile. The movement features traditional haute horlogerie finishing, evident in Côtes de Genève, perlage, and hand-beveled edges, which demonstrate Parmigiani's commitment to craftsmanship within this thoroughly modern timepiece.
On the Wrist & Price
The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Cermet wears true to its size, and the rubber strap perfectly complements the modern aesthetic, providing both comfort and security. The ARunic anti-reflective sapphire crystal performs exceptionally, maintaining legibility even in bright conditions. The chronograph pushers showcase Parmigiani's expertise in Cermet—despite the material's hardness, the push feel is precise and satisfying. Column-wheel construction provides smooth operation, and the delta-shaped hands are both legible and aesthetically pleasing. The reset function is crisp and immediate.
Its price point, right under CHF 40,000, sits alongside strong offerings from other reputable brands. Still, the innovative case material and Parmigiani's distinctive design language set it apart. This isn't for traditional collectors preferring gold or steel, but for those seeking genuine innovation in luxury sports chronographs. For collectors who value innovation and distinctive design as much as traditional craftsmanship, this watch feels like a glimpse into the future of luxury sports watches, executed by a manufacturer with deep horological respect. Also available in Milano Blue colorway.
Sticker Price CHF 39,900—approx USD 50,000 plus applicable tariffs. For more info on Parmigiani Fleurier click here.
