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Girard-Perregaux, Neo-Tourbillon with Three Bridges, Basel 2014

blomman Mr Blue
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The Neo-Tourbillon with three bridges, reference: 99270-52-000-BA6A


Girard-Perregaux calls this “a radical reissue”.

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Me, I would rather say – A classic goes high-tech!

GP has taken the by now classic Three Bridges model and reworked it from the ground.

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Gone are the traditional Golden Bridges and instead you will find three titanium skeletonized bridges.
The shape and construction is more in line with an actual bridge than we are used to.
Very delicate curved and shaped they still accentuates the strength and power of this watch!

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The surfaces of the bridges are not diamond polished anymore, instead sandblasted with black PVD treatment which enhance the masculinity of this watch.

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The contoured mainplate helps to bring out the three dimensional look and feel.
Again a non-classic material, anthracite ruthenium with a sandblasted finish.
The combination of black and grey gives a strong contrast and a modern look!

On top of the black and grey you have the pink gold skeletonized leaf hands.
Brilliant move to make all gold details follow the same rounded forms as the gold case.

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The slightly doomed sapphire glass is anti-reflective treated, which you may see in my photos of the prototype.

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The big crystal goes out into the bezel which makes the watch look a bit smaller, for me that is a good thing.
With a diameter of 45 mm and 14.45 mm in height, the Neo-Tourbillon is on the upper border of my comfort zone. But for this one I would make an exception…

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The round brushed pink gold case gives a warm luster to the watch in contrast to the black and grey “hi-tech”.

Redesigned movement, the GP09400 is a new 27 jewels caliber.
Aligned gear-train and the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. 12 o’clock you have the barrel and underneath is the micro-rotor providing the automatic movement with force (21,600 vph / 3 hz, 72 hours power reserve).
One new detail is that the micro-rotor is located under the barrel instead of around it.

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The drum has also been reworked, but that is over my technical understanding to explain, sorry…
The movement contains 245 parts, diameter 36.60mm and height 8.21mm. Functions: Tourbillon, hour, minute, small second on the tourbillon.none

I love the fact that GP has kept the trinity also on the back of the watch. As you can see there are three (or at least two and a half) black titanium bridges on the back as well.

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Speaking of titanium, the bridges are not the only thing made of titanium.
For the first time Girard-Perregaux has made the lyre-shaped cage in titanium!

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The quite large tourbillon (14.44 mm) completes a full rotation in 1 minute. 80 components – 0.25 grams!


So, what did I think of the watch?

For me, this is a stunning watch! I love the combination of heritage, tradition and know how put in today's context. This is both a daring and natural move by GP.
Daring in the way that they put their chin out and take a chance by leaving the known path of golden and hi-polished bridges…
But also natural to go beyond the known and use the latest technology and material of this era.
As I mentioned the watch is somewhat large for my personal taste, but that would not stop me strapping this beauty on my wrist if I had the chance…!

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Oh, I almost forgot – the watch comes with a black alligator leather strap and pink gold folding buckle.

Unfortunately, the prototype I had the chance to see in the metal did not have any strap, so I can’t give you a wrist shot…


Hope you enjoyed this closer look at the Neo-Tourbillon!


Best

Blomman


This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-03-27 12:35:28 This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-04-03 04:18:09

Comments:
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amanico March 27th, 2014-14:12
A sublime surprise, in my opinion. I love the way GP revisited the 3 Bridges. Modern and classic, at the same time. The plate of the dial, too, with its unusual shape, with these 2 angular parts at 3 and 9 o' clock; complete the masterpiece. It has fully convinced me. Luckily, it is not in... 
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moc March 27th, 2014-15:04
So…what do you think?still prefer the white gold classic one? I have serious doubts now…..what if it will be delivered in white metal? 2014 not a good year at all for my sanity… Mo
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amanico March 27th, 2014-15:05
In white metal, I would be in big trouble. I love this one! These curves are so sensual, modern and retro! Love it! You? Best, Nicolas
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moc March 27th, 2014-15:07
I am in trouble for sure…. 45mm?1 or 2 mm above my limit …but…. maybe it wears 1 or 2mm smaller? I don t know what to say..I am in trouble everyday these days…my wish list is enormous… Mo
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amanico March 27th, 2014-15:09
Much smaller on the wrist... Don't thank me! :)))  
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moc March 27th, 2014-15:12
Off to Basel tomorrow…. lets see…..this is rather special… Mo
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amanico March 27th, 2014-15:13
Ask Xavier. I am pretty sure he will become your next best friend. He's so passionate about watches! Best, Nicolas
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moc March 27th, 2014-15:15
:)... Why?
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amanico March 27th, 2014-15:17
He works at GP, you will meet him at the booth. The first time I met him at the SIHH, some 4 years ago, my improvised meeting had to last 30 minutes, we spent two hours together... ;) Since we became friends. ;) Best, Nicolas
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moc March 27th, 2014-15:18
Cool…i will ask for him... I thought you meant…….F xavier… Mo
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blomman Mr Blue
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The Girard-Perregaux Basel 2014 Collection

blomman Mr Blue
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As we all know Girard-Perregaux has always been one of the innovative Manufactures from La Chaux-de-Fonds and this year is no exception. Girard-Perregaux shows a variety of Haute Horlogerie at its finest! We will of course get more into details about all the different watches, but here is a brief overview of the collection that will be presented this week in Basel by GP. Neo-Tourbillon with three bridges – A classic goes high-tech! Bridges in modern design, inspired by framework of real bridges, PVD treated ... .


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