The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy is a special-edition watch inspired by the expansive view of the night sky in Val-de-Travers, where Parmigiani Fleurier is located. This inspiration is most obviously seen in the blue aventurine glass dial, the copper component of which provides the star-like shimmers of light on the otherwise dark, night-sky dial. With other accents, like a ring of 84 diamonds set into the case around the dial meant to represent a “halo of light” surrounding the galaxy, and an opal set into the crown to be reminiscent of a “miniature nebula,” this is a very interesting take on the classic dress watch which uses materials, rather than a modified case design, to set itself apart.

The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy is powered by the PF702 automatic movement, which is decorated with Côtes de Genève and bevelled bridges. A sapphire crystal exhibition case back allows for easy viewing of these details. The 29-jewel movement has a 48-hour power reserve and is made of 160 different components. The classic oblong case of the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy is 39mm wide and has a thickness of 8.4mm in polished 18k rose gold. On the case back is engraved the individual number for the watch and the words Edition Speciale.

Returning to the beautiful dial under an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the 18k gold hour indices and the delta-shaped hour and minute hands provide visually pleasing and legibility-enhancing contrast. So you can use your nighttime-inspired watch at nighttime, the hands have been coated with luminescent. Capping off the luxury feel of the watch is the black Hermès alligator leather strap – certainly not overkill on a watch with 84 diamonds, an opal, and a rose gold case.

As regular readers of aBlogToWatch will know, Parmigiani Fleurier is a company only in its 20th year of operating, and this watch, along with the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Tourbillon and the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Squelette (among others), shows the benefits of having a new (in the relative terms of the watch industry) player in the game. The aesthetic of a simple three-hand watch is well-established, and yet by changing materials, adding complications, or modifying movements, the brand has been able to expand the range of available options and introduce a new looks for the prospective collector. The Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Set Galaxy is priced at $23,900. parmigiani.ch