Complications
Blomman Mr Blue's 2014 Baselworld report on the Girard-Perregaux Tri-Axial Tourbillon, reference 99815-52-251-BA6A, delves into the pinnacle of multi-axis tourbillon technology. This piece explores GP's interpretation of the 'Ultimate Tourbillon,' detailing its complex three-axis rotation and historical context. Blomman Mr Blue provides a comprehensive overview of this limited-edition complication.
The Tri-Axial Tourbillon, reference 99815-52-251-BA6A, Limited Edition of 10 pieces
“The purpose of a Tourbillon is to compensate for the effects of gravity”
“By housing the regulating mechanism in a cage rotating on its own axis, it takes a variety of vertical positions compensating for each other”
The first tourbillon was developed circa 1795 by Abraham-Louis Bréguet. The “normal”, one axis Tourbillon was developed to compensate for different vertical positions, which make perfect sense for a pocket watch.
In modern time when people wear wrist watches, watchmakers are challenged to compensate for different positions in all three dimensions.
In 1977 Anthony Randall invented the first double axis tourbillon. In the following year, 1978, the first working double axis tourbillon, a carriage clock, constructed by Richard Good.
Since then several of the major Manufacture has developed their own “3D” Tourbillon.
The Tri-Axial Tourbillon is Girard-Perregaux version of this, the “Ultimate Tourbillon”!
So, how does it work?
As the name imply there are three axis of which the Tourbillon cage rotates around.
First axis: The Tourbillon cage block makes one complete revolution in 2 minutes (left arrow).
Second axis: The cage block is simultaneous rotated around a second axis, one complete revolution in 30 seconds (middle arrow).
Third axis: The “traditional” Tourbillon case makes one revolution in 1 minute (right arrow).
This Tourbillon cage is made of 140 parts and weighs only 1.24 grams!
For me this watch is all about the Tourbillon and the movement.
To see the cage
revolve around the three axis is hypnotizing! 
Something that small and so light is able to “beat” in such a steady pace spinning around and around and around …
Here is a close up on the first “axis”.
The tourbillon diameter is 13.78 mm.
What can I say… No one can deny that it is a stunning movement!
And if we look at the back…
GP has reused the traditional shape of the golden bridge.
Even if the
Caliber GP09300-0001 is
quite sparse with decoration on the back plate… It is a beautiful movement! One
that makes you happy when you see it!
The dial is, IMO, the weak part of this watch.
(Photo shamelessly stolen from Forversta)
I like the applied numbers/index on the sub dial and the curved power reserve…
The detail I don’t understand why GP choose is the pattern on the sub dial, it doesn’t really align with anything else on this watch, personally I think a similar pattern as on the grey areas would have been better for the harmony.
One nice detail is the skeleton hands and the minute scale outside the sub dial. Then you have the three big grey surfaces in between, I would rather have seen something lighter in color or black.
I love the crystal bubble that allows you to really see and admire the tri-axis Tourbillon!
The pink gold 48 mm case follows the characteristic GP shape. 48 sound very big and is definitely outside my normal comfort zone, but as you can see on Forvesta’s wrist – not too big.
The lugs do not go outside his wrist. Here is another example, my GP contacts wrist, still the lugs do not go outside the wrist.
One reason
why I think this watch works on the wrist even if big is the fact that the lugs
are extremely curved. As you can see in the photo, it almost looks like the
case has legs!
One super cool detail is the “window” in the case side at 9 o’clock which gives you the opportunity to admire the Tourbillon even more!
Some additional facts:
Water
resistance: 3 ATM (30 meters)
Caliber GP09300-0001, mechanical with manual winding
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour - (3 Hz), Jewels: 34
Power reserve: min. 50 hours
Functions: Tri-Axial Tourbillon, off-centered hours and minutes, power reserve
indicator
Strap, black alligator leather, 22.00/20.00 mm
Buckle: pink gold, folding
Limited Edition of 10 pieces.
This is a watch that changes character depending on the light.
So, what did I think of this watch?
Technical this is 10 out of 10 for me! My GF would either kill me or smash the watch if I ever get one, because I would sit and admire the Tri-Axis Tourbillon all day…
The design, I am not thrilled of the dial but the case, the open case back and the “side window”, plus the stunning movement – I love it!
Would I buy one? Not sure (because there is another heavy GP itching my brain)… But the main reason why I never will get one is because; by the time I have been able to raise the money… The ten watches will be long gone!
Hope you enjoyed this closer look at the Tri-Axial Tourbillon!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-04-12 08:59:04The GP offer, in the high end category, these last years, is so huge that this Tri Axial tourbillon is not my favourite. Which means a lot! The 3 Axis Dance of the Tourbillon is fascinating. The concept is very interesting. BUT, when I thiknk multi axis tourbillons, my heart is already taken, with the Gyro One from JLC. AND, back to GP, I prefer the Constant Escapement ( that one stole my heart, a revelation ), the Minute Repeater and the Tourbillon 3 GB. Splendid review, great article, Blomman.
Last few years! :) The Constant Escapement is one, but I personally perfer yet another... Will return with a review on that one soon. Thank you for your kind words, my freind! Best Blomman
Once again, the key point of this watch is the speed of the slowest axis. This "detail" changes everything and the Tourbillon behaviour is by far the most impressive I've ever seen. Maybe not the most charming, the most beautiful but the most impressive. Thanks for your article. Fx
... skill of the watchmaker, then a multi-axis tourbillon is the ultimate canvas and visually I find it more exciting, more mesmerizing, than any other complication (or sophistication), even that of a Grand Sonnerie. I love this GP Tri-axial movement and I appreciate these wonderful photos showing it off. I hear your comments about the dial. I wonder what could be put in that lower right corner and perhaps a moonphase would compliment the astronomical tourbillon? Or even a subseconds display bec
Thank you for adding this video! I could look at the Tourbillon dance all day long.... :) Best Blomman
That is an interesting thought, Andrew! :) Agree about the size, very wearable indeed. Thank you for your input. Best Blomman
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