Press release
Among the pieces produced by Constant Girard-Perregaux that led to the creation of the famous Tourbillon with three gold Bridges, a pocket-watch with three parallel nickel-plated bridges, made in the 1860s, was a precursor of his masterpiece. Awarded a first-class prize at Neuchâtel Observatory, this creation already displayed bridges aligned in parallel, but the use of gold and the final arrow-shaped appearance of the bridges were yet to come. The limited-edition Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three gold Bridges celebrates this heritage with more modern lines. Its rhodium-plated skeleton bridges with their pure, contemporary geometry, are the fruit of meticulous preparation: they are first delicately hollowed then carefully hand-polished. It takes seven days to achieve a perfect finish, especially in all the interior angles. The Tourbillon is also the focus of special attention, with its 72 components that have to be perfectly assembled within a diameter of 12 millimetres.
The rectangular case also contributes to the distinctive character of this timepiece. Inspired by a watch made in Art Deco style in 1945, it has been redesigned by the Manufacture. The case, with its convex profile and discreetly matched crown, harmonises perfectly with the wrist. The case-back of this exceptional creation has a sapphire glass to reveal the superb Haute Horlogerie finish of the Calibre 9600C.
This outward appearance is underpinned by technical mastery exemplifying the comprehensive skills of Girard-Perregaux. The Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three gold Bridges is equipped with an automatic calibre designed – thanks to the Manufacture's patented platinum micro-rotor mechanism incorporated under the barrel – to show to full advantage the architecture of the movement, emblematic of the Brand.
Technical datas - Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three Gold Bridges, limited edition in white gold
White Gold Case
Diameter: 36.10 mm x 35.25 mm
Glass: anti-reflective sapphire
Case-back: secured by four screws, anti-reflective sapphire glass
Water-resistance: 30 metres
Hand-engraved individual numbering
Girard-Perregaux 9600C movement
Automatic winding mechanism with platinum micro-rotor mounted on the barrel arbor, Girard-Perregaux patent
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds on the Tourbillon
Dimensions 28.60 mm x 30.30 mm
Total thickness: 6.25 mm
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
Jewels: 31
Power reserve: minimum 48 hours
Details of components
Total number: 257
Balance wheel: variable inertia with gold regulating screws (diameter 8.35 mm)
Balance spring: Breguet, Philips terminal curve
Plate: rhodium-plated, vertical guilloche above, circular-grained below, hand-polished bevelling
Barrel: cover with engraving and circular guilloche, circular-grained below
Gold Bridge:
– barrel, centre and tourbillon bridges rhodium-plated gold, hand-polished bevelling, satin-finish top and rim
– 6 countersunk screws per bridge, hand-polished finish with bevelled rim and slot
– 4 dome-headed cylindrical pins per bridge, hand-polished finish
Gear-train bridge: hand-polished chamfering and recesses, vertical guilloche
Identity plates:
– pink gold, rhodium-plated
– drawn-out finish, hand-bevelled and engraved with the movement's number and reference
Tourbillon:
– 72 components, total weight 0.3 grams
– one rotation per minute
– upper and lower carriages bevelled and polished by hand
– carriage balanced with gold regulating screws
– escapement and anchor bridges bevelled and polished by hand
Black, Hand-Sewn Alligator-Skin Strap Folding clasp in white gold
Limited edition of 50 numbered pieces
