2 minute read
giRaRD-PERREgaUx
THE brigHT sidE of lifE: EmoTion and coHEsion
Dan Diaconu
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Loyalty and faithfulness epitomized, amongst other things, gallant love during the Middle Ages. Afterwards, attentions were transmitted in a variety of forms. Incomparably-intense epistolary relationships, proofs of affection forever renewed. Charm and grace united the watchmaker Constant Girard and the artist-painter Marie Perregaux. In 1854, one of the most prestigious manufactures was born from this romantic partnership. In 1860, the business adventure became reality with the unveiling of a tourbillon chronometer that boasted something rather special: three slender, pointed gold bridges, which replaced a second baseplate. This technical option meant the barrel, the geartrain and the regulating device could be aligned. The movement, patented in 1884 and featured in a pocket watch called La
Esmeralda, won the Gold Medal during the 1889 World Exhibition in Paris. This one-of-a-kind engineering feat has become a stylistic signature since 1991 as the famous golden bridges set off the design of the dials of the timepieces finalized in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The Swiss brand does its utmost to infuse undeniable prestige into fine watchmaking through its exceptional creations. The latest to date, crafted in just three numbered pieces, renews this attachment to transmitting and triggering visual emotion. The exclusive Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart dazzles with its sophisticated personality. “Passion makes one think in a circle” stated Oscar Wilde (18541900) in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
THE Tourbillon wiTH THrEE goldEn bridgEs is EnHancEd by flamboyanT prEcious sTonEs.
At Girard-Perregaux, this geometric form takes on the features of a circle in a 38 mm-diameter rose gold case. This delicate case protects a selfwinding movement that delivers a power reserve of at least two days. Like many of the manufacture-made references, the mechanical elements play a preponderant role in stylistics. Here, the openings on the dial centre stage a lyre-shaped tourbillon cage assembled using 79 components, which weighs but a mere 0.3 grams. Above, the hour wheel breathes life into the dauphine-type hands. Under the upper bridge at 12 o’clock, a barrel decorated with a white gold disc glitters in unison. There are no indexes, no numerals to cloud this harmonious layout. The large sapphire-crystal caseback invites to admire the mechanism’s complexity as well as its traditional finishes and its micro-rotor. To highlight its calibre assembled using 283 components, 56 brilliantcut diamonds totalling 1.245 carats and 18 sparkling rubies embellish the bezel. Its openworked dial features a vibrant fuchsia hue obtained by the presence of ruby heart, a natural stone carved into thin layers. The same gem tops the crown. A large-scaled carmine alligator strap attached by a rose gold folding clasp set with 18 diamonds adds the final touch to this ode to creative passion.
