Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges “Earth to Sky” Edition
In 2019, Girard-Perregaux is instating a symbolic dialogue with the universe and presenting a series of exceptional timepieces whose nature – thanks to a play of blue and black tones – is gliding towards an astronomical dimension.
At the exact confluence of two worlds, where tradition meets innovation, the Neo Bridges automatic watch first and foremost embodies an approach dramatising the architecture of a movement that dates back more than 150 years. This mechanism has constantly evolved with the times and is now rightfully considered the historical signature of the Manufacture Girard-Perregaux.
This year, as part of the “Earth to Sky” theme, it appears once again in titanium, but in an even more distinguished and assertive version thanks to the black DLC coating of its 45 mm-diameter case. It is fitted with a rubber-patterned genuine alligator leather strap secured by a triple titanium folding clasp adding a new touch.
In keeping with its longstanding tradition, Manufacture Girard-Perregaux has equipped this model with the tried and trusted mechanical movement GP08400-0002. Perfectly symmetrical thanks to the judicious alignment of the micro-rotor with the barrel drum ensuring a minimum 54-hour reserve, this movement instantly draws the gaze.
The architectural nature of the structure is reinforced by contemporary finishing including a blue PVD coating on the barrel cover and micro-rotor, as well as a black PVD treatment adorning the delicately curved bridges and plate bridges. This sophisticated graphic design exercises an almost mesmerizing effect due to the presence at 6 o’clock, of a large 10.15 mm diameter variable-inertia balance wheel oscillating at 3 Hertz (21,600 vibrations per hour). Due to its size, the latter is less subject to disturbances and therefore more accurate.
The absence of a dial fully reveals the captivating construction, while a ring with suspended hour markers sets the perfect finishing touch. The box-type sapphire crystal specially developed for this model – requiring nearly ten times more material than usual – makes it possible to capture the light and direct it towards the heart of the movement. Finally, the transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals the inner workings of the fascinating 208-component mechanism.
Note: The Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges Automatic Titanium “Earth to Sky” Edition is based on the architectural construction codes dear to Constant Girard, creator of the Esmeralda pocket watch that won first prize at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889. It also reflects the theatrical nature of the creations by Jean-François Bautte – who in the late 18th century designed watchmaking instruments that adopted a playful approach to time display, demystified the passage of time and transformed watches into pure works of kinetic art.
Technical details
Model: Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges “Earth to Sky” Edition
Reference: 84000-21-632-BH6A
Case
Material: sandblasted titanium with black DLC coating
Diameter: 45 mm
Thickness: 12.18 mm
Glass: glareproofed sapphire crystal
Caseback: sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 30 metres (3 ATM)
Dial
No dial, but instead a ring with suspended hour-markers
Hands: open-worked with luminescent material
Movement
Reference: GP08400-0002, mechanical self-winidng
Diameter: 32.00 mm (14¼’’’)
Thickness: 5.45 mm
Frequency: 21,600 Vib/h – (3 Hz)
Number of components: 208
Jewels: 29
Power reserve: 54 hours
Functions: hours, minutes
Strap
Material: rubber-patterned matt black alligator leather, blue topstitching
Buckle: DLC-coated titanium triple folding clasp
