Complications
AnthonyTsai introduces the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial Tantalum and Sapphire, a limited edition of 12 pieces that reinvents an iconic 1860s pocket watch design with high-tech materials. His post highlights the watch's sophisticated bi-axial tourbillon mechanism, its use of durable tantalum, and the striking aesthetic of its three sapphire bridges. This article delves into the technical precision and modern appeal of this haute horlogerie masterpiece.
A Tourbillon Bi-Axial with high-tech materials: an iconic design inspired by a Tourbillon pocket watch from the 1860s, a style that has nevertheless maintained its modern appeal. The new tantalum Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial with three sapphire bridges imposes a vision of time where precision, both technical and esthetic, is the watchword. A new limited edition of 12 pieces has been released.
GIRARD-PERREGAUX TOURBILLON BI-AXIAL
TANTALUM AND SAPPHIRE
HISTORY REINVENTED
This time, the Tourbillon Bi-Axial has chosen tantalum because of its durable, malleable and corrosion-resistant gray-blue metal, which is usually used in the chemical, electronic and aerospace industries. In addition to its many technological assets, it also lends a masculine and contemporary style to the watch.
The pure design and strong character of the timepiece are conveyed by the style of the three bridges cut in sapphire. Both imaginative and imposing, they have a metallic black finish that accentuates their volume for a striking visual effect. Gold, steel, glucydur and grade-five titanium contribute in their own way to optimize the tourbillon bi-axial mechanism and highlight its components. It offers surprising delicacy: the two cages, featuring more than 110 parts, only weigh 0.8 grams. The platinum is decorated by a traditional circular guilloche motif, counterbalanced by its galvanic gray finishing, while the barrel bears the characteristic elliptic pattern of the famous nickel and silver three parallel bridge pocket watch made by Constant Girard in the 1860s.
Visible from both sides of the case, the bi-axial rotation of the tourbillon is hypnotic. Oscillating with the strict precision, the system is fitted with two concentric cages enabling the regulating part to make multi-dimensional rotations, thus compensating for power variations caused by gravity. The internal cage bearing the balance, balance spring and escapement completes one turn on its axis in forty-five seconds. The external cage completes one revolution in one minute and fifteen seconds on a second axis. These different positions guarantee excellent precision.
Inspired by its 19th Century origins, this new edition of the Tourbillon Bi-Axial forms a link between these time periods. Benefiting from cutting-edge technology, it calls on rare manufacturing expertise. In its day, Constant Girard's pocket watch brought in a new vision of Fine Watchmaking, crowned by a first class prize at the Neuchâtel Observatory and a distinction at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1867.
Today, the new Girard-Perregaux design hallmarks a vibrant tribute to this heritage through this reinterpretation. It is proof that the brand's watchmakers and designers have the talent needed to reinvent it without deviating from its rich history.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Case in tantalum and sapphire bridges
Diameter: 45.00 mm
Crystal: glare-proof sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal, secured by 6 screws
Water resistance: 30 meters.
Girard-Perregaux GPE07-0002 movement
Manually-wound mechanical watches
Caliber: 15 '''
Frequency: 21.600 A/h (3Hz)
Power reserve: min. 70 hours
Stones: 28 rubies
Functions: Tourbillon Bi-Axial, hour, minute
Black alligator strap
Folding buckle in microbead blasted steel
Reference: 99810-81-000-BA6A
12-piece limited edition
Press Release
The outcome seems to be superb with the black sapphire bridges. Best, Nicolas
and heavy too, being 45mm and in tantalum. The third sapphire bridge on the tourbillon is a nice touch. As Nico said it must be seen in the metal first before forming an opinion. GP is wise to push the envelope of its iconic 3 bridge tourbillon. A grail piece for many I believe. :) cheers fernando
Just for our biggest pleasure... Or nightmare? I should try to take the time to visit them.... You come with me? ;) Best, Nicolas
In RG it looks special, old, nearly ancient but with top notch technicality. Unfortunately I will never be able to see it, not to think of owning one. Moritz
For the watch lovers, it is a Dream! Best, Nicolas
... a layman must be able to notice that this is a special watch, without knowing anything about it. In a simple watch of course, nothing too bombastic. The watch as a whole to understand is then left for the expert to enjoy and ... pay for :-/. What a watch... Moritz
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