Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement 2023

amanico · 2024-01-21T11:15:16Z

Explore Girard Perregaux's Constant Escapement, from its 2013 debut to the 2023 Neo model. Discover how its silicium blade ensures constant amplitude and its design evolution.

amanico

WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum

36 replies7023 views8 photos

Amanico's insightful post delves into the evolution of Girard Perregaux's Constant Escapement, a horological innovation designed to deliver linear energy to the balance wheel. He traces its development from early concepts to the 2023 Neo Constant Escapement, highlighting the technical ingenuity behind its 14-micron silicium blade. This article explores why this groundbreaking mechanism, which ensures constant amplitude throughout the power reserve, remains a significant topic for collectors and enthusiasts.

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In 2013, Girard Perregaux released the Constant Escapement which offers linear energy to the balance wheel thanks to an ultra thick ( 14 microns ) silicium blade buckling back and forth. The interest being that the amplitude is never the same all along its power reserve. At the beginning, the amplitude is good, and decreases at the end of its power reserve. With this concept, the amplitude is constant.

The approach in 2008:

2011:

And the concept in 2013

The 14 microns silicium blade:

To be more precise, I think that Girard Perregaux took their inspiration from a Rolex project born in the late 90's, called ELF Project, to make their Constant Escapement:

( Credit unknown: I will happily credit on request ).

Nevertheless, in 2013, this watch was quite revolutionary. It first came in a 48 mm case. Then, in 2015, in a 46 mm case, in white gold or in Black Carbon Titanium ( 2017, if my memory serves me well ).

The first Constant Escapement, from 2013.

Then, the " smaller " ones:

The three altogether:

So, this year, Girard Perregaux totally revisited the Constant Escapement, more aesthetically than mechanically. Mechanically, you have one more day of power reserve 7 Days, now ) and 14 components have been removed ( 266, now ). Another important detail, it is a Chronometer, now.

Aesthetically, the case has the good taste to be smaller ( 1 mm smaller, to be precise ) with a diameter of 45 mm. But it is not thinner... 14, 2 mm for the original, 14, 8 mm for the new one. The good thing is that it is made of titanium, which will be excellent for comfort, compared to the former ones in precious metal.

The dial has been totally revisited. Ok, you see the typical Constant Escapement design and you are not disoriented, but now, the legibility is better with time being displayed in a more classic way rather than in a small sub dial. And, last but not least, you will find with pleasure the superb and very modern " Neo Bridges " which I like a lot.

To give you a better idea, a comparative photo of the former and the current Neo Constant Escapement:

I think that here, Girard Perregaux goes farther by associating the aesthetics of the Neo and the concept of Constant Escapement. Simpler said, this association makes this watch look even more " conceptual ".

Now, there are two things I regret: The price increase, which is consequent, even more when you compare this one in titanium to the former ones in gold... And the fact that I would have loved to see a tad smaller version, in 44 or even better, 43 mm, which is possible due to the movement dimensions ( 39, 5 mm ). While we are at it, a tad thinner, too. 13 mm would be perfect, due to the fact that the movement is 7, 40 mm high.

But, as it is, despite these small reserves, I love this Neo Constant Escapement and would dream to own one, one day.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Constant Escapement's underlying technology was developed by CSEM, a Swiss consortium originally focused on microelectronics and responsible for the first quartz movement. CSEM later expanded into nanotechnologies and micromechatronics, licensing this innovation to GP with the expectation that it would be widely adopted.
While acknowledging the impressive design lineage from a Rolex project, a key question remains regarding the mechanism's real-world performance and long-term reliability. A detailed technical review, similar to those done for other innovative escapements, would be valuable to assess its proficiency.
Despite the technical brilliance, some collectors question the practicality of the Constant Escapement due to its size. The ultimate achievement would be to miniaturize the escapement to fit into more wearable dimensions, making the watch both a technical marvel and a comfortable timepiece.
The visual appeal of the Constant Escapement in motion is undeniable, with YouTube videos showcasing its mesmerizing operation. The consensus is that a smaller form factor would enhance its desirability, a development many anticipate will come with future iterations.
The Neo Constant Escapement, particularly the latest version, stands out as a favorite among GP's offerings, alongside the Neo Bridges. Experiencing the watch firsthand is crucial for a complete appreciation of its aesthetic and technical advancements.
The Constant Escapement represents the pinnacle of scientific ingenuity within traditional watchmaking, pushing the boundaries of what is mechanically possible. This pursuit of innovation, even within an 'outdated' technology, is what captivates enthusiasts.

The Discussion

indignantdenial

Jan 21, 2024

Very fascinating watch, to be sure.

The size is daunting, but I am very interested in it. I like seeing the design lineage from the Rolex project; that is very cool. What I do wonder is just how well the mechanism performs and is designed. I read somewhere that someone on the forum had an issue with their Constant Escapement, so I wonder what a watchmaker might think about its design and approach. For example, there was a very good technical review of the Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force that aimed at seeing whether Armin Strom rea

amanico

Jan 21, 2024

That would be interesting to measure the accuracy in a long term perspective. Oh yes, Girard Perregaux, can you send me a watch for three months? ;)

andrea~

Jan 21, 2024

Great timepice, of course.

But I don't get the point of mechanical innovation when it isn't implemented in a way that makes the watch wearable. Even as an engineer and a tech enthusiast I can say that watches first have to be wearable and beautiful, then comes the rest, at least for me. This is a mechanical tour de force, I can't deny that, but the highest possible achievement would be to shrink the case down to wearable dimensions while still maintaining the exotic escapement. THAT would be worth every cent of its huge p

amanico

Jan 21, 2024

It is big but not unwearable. I tried the 46 mm version, the former one, and yes, big on my 17 cm wrist, but not that big and unwearable at all...

agyzace

Jan 21, 2024

I know the people who developed this at CSEM.

Very fascinating project and a pity it did not spread more. At the time they thought every manufacturer would rush to license it

amanico

Jan 21, 2024

Oh yes, really? Please tell us more!

Available on the marketplace

Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement Titanium Skeleton

89,499 USD

Pre-owned - Excellent · US

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Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement 2023

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