Both the Free Bridge and the Free Bridge Infinity watch models from Girard-Perregaux pay respect to the celebrated Swiss Maison’s legendary Three Bridges of 1867. The design of each model is unabashedly contemporary and perfectly suited to those who appreciate style, strong design codes and extraordinary watchmaking expertise.
The FreeBridge and the Free Bridge Infinity Edition are endowed with a distinctive arrow-shaped, Neo Bridge that spans the base of the main plate. Its shape upholds the Maison’s iconic arrow-shaped bridge design, but simultaneously reinterprets the contemporary structures often seen in architecture.
The master watchmakers in La Chaux-de-Fonds have reinterpreted the tried and tested GP01800 in-house calibre, adding a sizeable dose of cutting-edge technology. Girard-Perregaux has used silicon to make the escapement and parts of the balance wheel.
Silicon is not liable to corrosion, is unaffected by changing temperature, lightweight and less susceptible to magnetic fields.
Perhaps one of the most notable differences with silicon relates to its capacity to be made into elaborate shapes which would be impossible using conventional technologies. In 2013, Girard-Perregaux created an ingenious silicon blade for its prize-winning Constant Escapement L.M. The action of the silicon blade flexing backwards and forwards delivered a uniform supply of energy to the escapement, enhancing precision.
Once again, Girard-Perregaux has capitalised on silicon’s ability to be formed into intricate shapes, using the state-of-the-art material to create not only the escapement but also a large variable inertia balance. Most watches feature a ‘raquette’ which alters the effective length of the balance spring, making the watch run faster or slower. With a variable inertia balance, the length of the balance spring is fixed and the rate is altered by moving adjustable inertia blocks. The benefit of this approach is that the balance is more stable and less susceptible to shocks. Its aerial design as well as its large diameter further augment precision.
In contrast to a conventional sapphire crystal, both models are fitted with a newly designed sapphire crystal box, featuring a distinctive dome shape. The movement opening, between 6 o’clock and noon, bathes the exposed movement components with an abundance of light. The inverted movement affords stunning dial-side views of various components, often hidden from view, including the balance, the escapement and the barrel positioned at the top of the dial.
The self-winding GP01800-1170 perpetuates the company’s reputation for fine watchmaking. The movement is embellished with Côtes de Genève motif, bevelling, sandblasting and snailing. The specification of the Infinity Edition also includes an 18-carat pink gold oscillating weight. The Maison’s Eagle symbol adorns the calibre, testifying that it is a Manufacture movement.
Both the Free Bridge and the Free Bridge Infinity Edition feature an hour bridge which draws the onlookers gaze to the barrel and the oscillating balance wheel. On the Free Bridge, this hour bridge is satin-finished and hand-bevelled, while the hour bridge on the Free Bridge Infinity Edition is formed of onyx, a material which exhibits the darkest shade of intense black. The hour bridge encompasses straight lines which sit in contrast with the arcing lines of the case. The Free Bridge is housed in a 44mm steel case, while its counterpart, the Free Bridge Infinity Edition, assumes a stealthy appearance courtesy of its DLC treatment.
The Free Bridge features skeletonised Dauphine-style hands that collaborate with suspended indexes to impart the prevailing time. The suspended indexes reinforce the model’s three-dimensional design language.
The Free Bridge Infinity Edition employs golden hues to deliver an alternative persona. The colour-coordinated strap on both models is enriched with two prominent stitches adjacent to each lug, presented in a contrasting shade. Moving forward, this design element will become a recurring GP signature design element.
The Free Bridge is available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers from October 2020. The Free Bridge Infinity Edition is limited to 88 pieces and is available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers from October 2020.
Technical details
Model: Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge, Reference: 82000-11-631-FA6A
Case
Material: Steel
Diameter: 44.00 mm
Height: 12.20 mm
Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal “box”
Case-back: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Dial
Ring displaying suspended indexes with luminescent material
Hands: ‘Dauphine’ type, skeletonized, rhodium-plated with luminescent material
Movement
Reference: GP01800-1170
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 36.20 mm (16’’’)
Height: 5.94 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h –(4 Hz)
Number of components: 185
Number of jewels: 23
Power reserve: min. 54 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes
Strap
Material: black calf leather with a fabric effect
Buckle: triple folding, steel
Retail price
CHF 16,250
Model: Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge Infinity Edition, Reference: 82000-11-632-FA6A
Edition
Limited edition of 88 pieces
Case
Material: Steel with DLC treatment
Diameter: 44.00 mm
Height: 12.20 mm
Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal “box”
Case-back: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Dial
Ring displaying pink gold suspended indexes with luminescent material
Hands: ‘Dauphine’ type, skeletonized, rhodium-plated with luminescent material
Movement
Reference: GP01800-1170
Self-winding mechanical movement with pink gold oscillating weight
Diameter: 36.20 mm (16’’’)
Height: 5.94 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h –(4 Hz)
Number of components: 185
Number of jewels: 23
Power reserve: Min. 54 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes
Strap
Black alligator with black and pink gold-coloured stitching, glossy effect between the scales
Buckle: Triple folding, titanium blades, ceramic cover
Retail price
CHF 19,410
