Newsflash! New Girard Perregaux Esmeralda à Secret, Eternity Edition. Some thoughts.

amanico

If you regularly follow our Girard Perregaux Forum, you know that in 2016, the Blue House introduced in the catalog the Esmeralda, but in a wrist watch, not like the ancestor which was one of the most delicious pocket watch ever made.

Then, in 2018 we had a second edition, which was called " A secret " with a decorated case and a hinged case back.

In 2019 we had a less sophisticated ( cleaner? ) version, in white gold. A photo of the three, side by side:

And here is the link to my review, posted in 2019:

www.watchprosite.com

Today, we just received the first press files photos allowing us to discover the new one, the Esmeralda à Secret, Eternity Edition, limited to 18 pieces.

You got it, the 2021 edition is close to the 2018 version, by the concept ( decorated-engraved- case / hinged case back / Tourbillon with three gold bridges ) and by name as the 2021 and the 2018 editions share the same name: " A Secret ".

But there is much more to say, as there are some clear differences:

- The presence of a horse, at 1 and 7 o'clock.

- Guilloché blue enamel on the dial and outside the hinged case back, but also on the case side.

- A different decoration / engraving of the bezel and the top of the lugs.

- A more subtle difference is the case proportions... The former ones were 44 mm big, and, without the hinged case back, 14, 55 mm high. With the hinged case back, it is 15, 25 mm high.

With the 2021 edition, the case is one millimeter smaller ( 43 mm ) and 15, 10 mm high. Of course, I am impatient to judge by myself the proportions in the real world. I guess it won't be a spectacular change, though.

- A word on the movement, just one word, as I have to check that, but on the press files, it is said that the movement of this new Esmeralda is the Cal GP 9600, automatic, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and with a power reserve of 50 hours. While the former Esmeralda had the Cal 9400, which is very close, but with a power reserve of... 90 hours. Once again, to be checked.

But one thing is sure, this is one of the most delicious and refined automatic movement and tourbillon I know.

While I admire the concept and the execution, I must confess I feel closer to the 2019 version, which I find cleaner, more " pure " . The best of the best, for me, would be to have the hinged case back on the 2019 version, because I find this idea sublime, even if it costs a bit in terms of height.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Comments:

lm6 November 24th, 2021-11:21

Not my cup of tea, but the craftmanship is definitly very impressive!

amanico November 24th, 2021-11:38

Same here, my friend. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

enjoythemusic November 24th, 2021-13:11

Agree, Lovely Craftsmanship Should display this timepiece in Ocala FL @ the World Equestrian Center. It'll sell fast!

amanico November 24th, 2021-15:45

That would be an interesting idea, indeed.

BigFatPauli November 24th, 2021-13:20

Thank you for posting this, Nicolas! As always, and interesting read. One question (not that I am a customer for this watch) but it says it is automatic. I do not see a winding rotor, centrally mounted, micro, peripheral or otherwise... Pardon my ignorance, but where is the self-winding mech...

gadalex November 24th, 2021-15:11

The rotor is mounted coaxially with the barrel under the top bridge out of sight. See the link below for a deconstruction of the movement and a view of the rotor. www.thenakedwatchmaker.com Regards, Baruch

amanico November 24th, 2021-15:43

You were faster than me. ;)

amanico November 24th, 2021-15:42

At 12 o clock. Dial side, my friend. Pretty astute, isn't it?

montres1 November 24th, 2021-14:21

I don't see the Geneva Seal on the movement, is it outdated/out of fashion now ? I know PP have abandoned it, but what about the other manufacturers ? I am not saying finishing are bad, just wondering...

amanico November 24th, 2021-15:44

Here, the finishing is just exquisite. Over what we see with movements submitted to the Geneva Seal, in my opinion.

0-10-10

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amanico

Some Girard Perregaux novelties.

amanico

Here are some of the novelties. One you know, but in a new ( to me ) case and dial combination. 1/ The Vintage 1945 Earth to Sky Edition: The case is in DLC Titanium, 36, 10 x 35, 25 mm big, with a sapphire case back and a polycristalline blue dial. The movement is automatic, the well known Cal GP 3300, beating at 28, 800 vibrations per hour, and offering a power reserve of 46 hours.

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