Girard Perregaux

This is the first Girard-Perregaux mega-watch of 2013 and a piece that has been rumored for several years. Some of you will have seen the evolution of the prototype movements if you visited the secret GP Research and Development Laboratory in La Chaux-de-...  

Mechanically, I will have to read it again, to fully understand how it works. One regret, the size of this new creature: 48 mm is a challenge for most of the wrists. Best, and thanks for this nice write up, my friend. Nicolas

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very technically impressive. My only question is about the durability of the silicon strip. It is so small and thin that it makes me wonder how it holds up to the constant flexing back and forth. I am sure it has been tested extensively, but it just looks... 

... of the technical gurus in La Chaux-de-Fonds, but it is interesting that they have designed the escapement in a modular way. But I suspect the silicon wears very well. Andrew

Hi Stewart, Our man in Girard-Perregaux informs me that the silicon will not fatigue. The blade will maintain its elasticity over a long period of time. It is of course the reason that silicon was chosen, as no other material has the same properties. Rega... 

It seems that silicon is becoming the popular material to solve many horological problems in the most modern of watches being produced. I knew it was desirable for its low coeficient of friction, but I did not know it was considered a durable material tha... 

I will be able to figure out what is going on! It's a beautiful and mesmerizing image - does the actual watch convey the mystery and quirky movement of the spring ? Thanks Mike

Hi Mike, I saw the movement working at the Manufacture, but haven't handled the cased-up watch - looking forward to the comments of our Moderators at Basel when they get to see it this week. It is quite an open and large escapement so it is certainly easy... 

I'll be interested in learning more about this new escapement. Kudos to GP on the new design.

Definitely a very impressive amount of movement. Would like to see one in person sometime.