Parmigiani Fleurier earns a lot of flowers (deservedly so), for its dressier expressions like the Toric and understated models like the recently released Tonda PF Chronograph Mystérieux. But there’s something to be said for a full-throated sports watch like the new Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra Cermet in mineral blue.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue

Ultra Cermet is an interesting and unusual material — sitting somewhere between traditional metals and more contemporary ceramics, and offering the best of both worlds. Parmigiani Fleurier was the first to use the material, created by sintering ceramic and titanium powder under specific conditions, which results in a material with a 40% metal content, making it cool and tactile like titanium, while offering the hardness and temperature resistance of ceramic. On the wrist, this results in a watch that wears like metal, while having the durability of ceramic.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue

It’s cased in a sizeable 42.5mm Tonda PF Sport case, black, with the fluted bezel and a striking mix of polished satin finishes and a matching satin-finished black dial. This dark and sporty demeanour is enlivened by the Mineral Blue elements. The three registers, along with the blue rubber strap, finished with a textile pattern. The addition of the blue keeps the watch from reading as dour, and adds a summery energy to the sporty model.

Caliber PF070

Of course, there’s more to Parmigiani Fleurier’s watchmaking than novel case materials and a pretty palette; there’s also some very serious horology under the hood. The movement in question is the Calibre PF070, a high-frequency automatic beating at 36,000 v/ph, with 65 hours of power reserve and a fairly slender profile of 6.95mm. It’s good-looking too, with an open-worked rotor in 22-carat rose gold ensuring a clear view of the column-wheel, balance and a good few of the other 288 components.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue

Tech Specs: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Ultra-Cermet Mineral Blue

Movement Caliber PF070, automatic, 65 hours of power reserve
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds and chronograph
Case Ultra-Cermet, 42.5 x 13.3mm, water-resistant to 100M
Dial Black and mineral blue
Strap Mineral blue rubber with an Ultra-Cermet pin buckle