Parmigiani Fleurier unveils a new version of its phenomenal Chinese Calendar

The Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar is now available in an 18K rose gold case paired with an imperial red dial.

Parmigiani Fleurier (PF) has introduced a rose gold version of its Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar, paired with the same imperial red dial of the stainless steel version. It is the newest addition to the brand’s “trilogy of cultural calendars.”  It joins the Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar in stainless steel, the Tonda PF Hijri Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel, and the Tonda PF Gregorian Annual Calendar in rose gold and stainless steel. We covered the Hijri last year.

Left: Tonda PF Gregorian Annual Calendar in stainless steel. Middle: Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar in stainless steel. Right: Tonda PF Hijri Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel.

The Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar in rose gold was launched in January 2025 to coincide with Chinese New Year and the Year of the Wood Snake.

“The Chinese calendar transcends mere functionality; it embodies a profound expression of cultural memory and universal harmony. To capture its intricate essence within a contemporary watch is not just a technical triumph—it is a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. With the launch of the Tonda PF Xiali in rose gold, Parmigiani Fleurier pays homage to this exceptional tradition, seamlessly blending timeless philosophy with the artistry of haute horlogerie to create a true masterpiece.” – Guido Terreni, Parmigiani Fleurier CEO

Image: Over 5000 years of heritage on the wrist.

Brief Background on Xiali or Chinese Calendar

“Created over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese calendar, or Xiali, is a marvel of ingenuity. Based on a lunisolar system, it divides time into complex cycles that integrate: 

– 24 solar terms (or solar breaths), which pace the seasons and agricultural cycles. 

– 12 zodiac animals, which define the years and their spiritual influences. 

– 5 natural elements (wood, fire, metal, water, earth) and their Yin and Yang variations. 

Each day and month in the Xiali calendar holds specific meanings, frequently linked to significant events such as harvests, festivals, or ceremonies. This calendar aligns natural forces with human life cycles, embodying a philosophical perspective where harmony takes precedence over linearity. 

Through the Tonda PF Xiali, Parmigiani Fleurier translates this timeless tale onto a dial, inviting its wearer to engage in a unique dialogue with time.”

Key Features

Image: An incredible accomplishment by Parmigiani Fleurier. Looks gorgeous.

Central hours and minutes.

Complete Chinese calendar indicated by the subdials at 12, 3, 9 o’clock and the external subdial (outer dial).

12 o’clock subdial: Indicates the name of the current year (1st level), associated zodiac animal (2nd level), and corresponding natural element + yin/yang (3rd level). These are “integral components of the Chinese sexagenary cycle.”

3 o’clock subdial: Indicates the day number. An aperture in the subdial “indicates whether the current month is long (30 days) or short (29 days), essential for tracking the lunisolar calendar.” 

9 o’clock subdial: “Indicates the presence of an intercalary month, a feature used to align the lunar and solar cycles in the Chinese calendar.”

External subdial or outer dial: “Elegantly engraved with the 24 solar terms (Jieqi), representing the traditional Chinese agricultural calendar.” Indicated by the central pointer.

6 o’clock subdial: Precision moon phase. “Shows the moon phases, reflecting the changing relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.”

Images in this section are from the stainless steel version.

Dial

Image: Imperial red dial contrasts beautifully with the 18K rose gold case and bracelet.

Imperial red dial featuring a “Grain d’Orge hand-guilloché” finish.

Skeletonised delta-shaped hour and minute hands are made from 18K gold and rhodium plated.

The 4 calendar hands are made from steel and rhodium plated.

The 8 hour-markers are made from 18K rose gold.

Moon phase is made from blue aventurine.

Parmigiani Fleurier logo is located between the hour-markers at 1 and 2.

Movement

Image: Movement appears well finished.

Powered by Calibre PF008, a mechanical automatic movement. It drives the hours, minutes, complete Chinese calendar functions, and precision moon phase display.

Diameter: 25.60 mm or 11 ½ lignes. Thickness: 6.90 mm.

Parts: 353. Jewels: 42.

Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Power reserve: 54 hours.

Movement finishing includes Côtes de Genève and bevelled bridges.

The automatic winding rotor is made from 22K rose gold and is “skeletonised, polished, and sandblasted.” It displays the brand’s logo and name.

Case and Bracelet

Image: Notice the knurled bezel and correctors for calendar functions.

Case is made from 18K rose gold, polished and satin finished. It features a knurled bezel.

Diameter: 42 mm. Thickness: 12.20 mm.

Dial side features an ARunic anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

Caseback features a sapphire crystal.

Screw-in crown at 3 o’clock measures 6 mm in diameter

Based on images, the correctors for the calendar functions are located at (approximately) 2.30 and 3.30 and (approximately) 8.30.

Image: Caseback view looks lovely. Notice the corrector for calendar function.

Caseback features standard watch text and engravings.

Water resistant up to 100 metres.

Bracelet made from 18K rose gold, polished and satin finished. It features a folding clasp, made from 18K rose gold.

Image: Bracelet is a work of art.

Our Thoughts

Miniaturising the incredibly complex Chinese calendar or Xiali on a wristwatch would appear to be a formidable task, one the watchmakers at Parmigiani Fleurier have successfully and elegantly accomplished. The Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar is a horological gem, has universal appeal, and pushes the boundaries of horology. It is horology for horology’s sake.

Image: Looks great on the wrist. 

It asserts Parmigiani Fleurier’s credentials as a special watchmaker. It is perfect for collectors who love calendar complications and want to add a watch that would complement their other calendar watches.

Additional Details

Name: Tonda PF Xiali Complete Calendar

Reference: PFH982-2022501-200182

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 97,000

Please visit the Parmigiani Fleurier website and Instagram page for more information.

Parmigiani Fleurier is retailed in Dubai by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons Boutique in Dubai Mall, and Mohammed Rasool Khoory & Sons at Emirates Palace Hotel. This is as per their website.

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