GIRARD PERREGAUX | In-depth Report from the Geneva Watch Days!

GIRARD PERREGAUX

A New Collection for the Connoisseur, Distilling Unique Style & Technology

A prestigious maison that pursues the future of Swiss mechanical watches, rooted in tradition and unwavering in its direction. Following last year's 220th-anniversary collection, they have once again unveiled new models that weave innovation into their traditional style. Among these, particularly noteworthy are a minute repeater with a simple face and a sportytourbillonmodel.

Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito

Last year, to celebrate its 220th anniversary, Girard-Perregaux presented a captivating collection of timepieces befitting its grand heritage, including highly sought-after complications for watch collectors and timelessly classic simple models. Officially becoming part of the PPR Group, one of the world's leading luxury brand groups (which includesGucci, Boucheron, etc.), the company has since been able to operate with a more stable structure.

However, even with this change in structure, their commitment to product creation, born from traditional techniques and their own distinct style, and the composition of their new collections remain unchanged, without succumbing to market trends. "Vintage 1966," "Vintage 1945," and "Laureato." Each collection, masterfully crafted and brought to life from the archives by the late Luigi Macaluso—a pivotal figure in Girard-Perregaux's revival, an outstanding executive, and design director—features meticulously developed models.

Among these, the "Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater," which inherits the fundamental design of the "Vintage 1966" collection, renowned for its ultimate simple elegance in round watches, and the "Laureato Three-Bridges Tourbillon," which merges the traditional technique of the Three-Bridges Tourbillon with the style of 1970s sports watches, are models that subtly yet clearly showcase the brand's taste and prowess.

Furthermore, at this year's SIHH, it was announced that Dominique Loiseau, a master watchmaker at the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, will be responsible for the development of complex timepieces. What new chapter will he write in Girard-Perregaux's history, having already delivered numerous masterpieces to the world? The anticipation is immense.

"Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater"
Latest Technology Condensed within a Simple Design
Girard-Perregaux's latest entry into the field of minute repeaters, the pinnacle of complex watches where development competition continues with the introduction of new materials and acoustic analysis technology. While the mechanism's structure and component layout are traditional, the ratio of the caliber (movement) diameter to the inner case diameter, as well as the case shape and finishing, have been optimized based on acoustic research. New technologies are incorporated, such as curving the back of the pink gold case to amplify sound volume in the space between the movement and the case, diamond polishing on the inner case back for a gentle resonance, and silencing the governor (speed regulator) that controls the hammers. The elegantly simple small seconds style, reminiscent of the "Vintage 1966" models, is truly captivating.

Hand-wound, pink gold case, alligator strap, case diameter 42mm. ¥26,250,000, availability TBD.

"Laureato Three-Bridges Tourbillon"
A "Work of Art in Time" Born from the Fusion of Two Elegances
The "Three Gold Bridges Tourbillon," a mechanism from a pocket watch that won a gold medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition, is the brand's ultimate icon, born from the work of co-founder and watchmaker Constant Girard-Perregaux. This is a new tourbillon watch that merges this with the style of 1970s sports watches. The bridges supporting the tourbillon escapement are not made of gold, but of beautiful transparent blue spinel. Housed in a sporty case, it asserts its status as a special tourbillon unique to Girard-Perregaux.

Automatic winding, titanium case and bracelet, platinum bezel, case diameter 42.6mm, blue spinel bridges, exhibition case back, limited to 10 pieces worldwide. ¥20,475,000 (estimated price), made to order.

"Vintage 1945 Large Date Moon Phases XXL"
Adding Presence to Beauty with a Larger Case and Enhanced Functionality
The latest model in Girard-Perregaux's iconic Art Deco-style masterpiece, the "Vintage 1945" tonneau watch. Its generously sized case, as indicated by the model name, houses the fully in-house developed GP3300 movement with large date and moon phase displays. While retaining the esteemed taste of the classic simple small seconds model, its functionality and presence are further enhanced, making it a superb piece highly praised by watch professionals.

Automatic winding, stainless steel case, alligator strap, case dimensions 36.1 x 35.25mm, exhibition case back, 3 ATM water resistance. ¥1,260,000, scheduled for release in November.

Girard-Perregaux / Sowind Japan
Tel. 03-5211-1791
http://www.gp-japan.co.jp/