Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon With Three Flying Bridges Bucherer BLUE
A majestic movement floating in between blued flying Neo bridges
Bucherer is one of the world’s largest watch retailers. If this venerable company was founded in 1888, Bucherer keeps an eye on the future as can be seen with several of their initiatives, among which is the creation of the Bucherer BLUE concept. Presented in 2016, it consists of gathering different brands under the same creative platform with a shared DNA, and the will to present innovative, creative collaborations. Part of the 2022 Bucherer BLUE editions is a striking take on the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon With Three Flying Bridges.
The Girard-Perregaux Three Bridge Tourbillon is among the most emblematic tourbillon watches (and movements) in watchmaking, with roots going back to the second half of the 19th century. Back then, Constant Girard-Perregaux was among the first watchmakers to envision the movement of its pocket watches not solely as a technical element but as a design element in its own right. The tourbillon with three gold bridges known as La Esmeralda, crowned by a gold medal at the 1889 Paris Universal exhibition, is regarded as the most accomplished and characteristic embodiment of his work. The distinctive architecture of its majestic movement (patented in 1884), with three parallel arrow-shaped bridges, is an absolute horological icon.
Fast forward 200 years, Girard-Perregaux reinterpreted this signature design into wristwatches with multiple iterations. Among these, the Neo was presented in 2014. This version of the three-bridge tourbillon stands out with the modernized shape of its bridges. Instead of being flat (or rounded), these are arched and openworked, further enhancing the architectural character of the movement.
It is specifically this modern version, Tourbillon With Three Flying Bridges, that was elected by Bucherer to create a BLUE limited edition with Girard-Perregaux. The result of this collaboration is probably one of the most modern, dynamic interpretations of this horological icon.
The first thing to catch the eye is naturally the transparency and the skeletonization work. Called Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges, the movement seems to be literally floating inside the transparent case. Its parts are held in place by two sets of 3 bridges. Made out of titanium, these have been blued for the occasion. The colour was obtained thanks to an ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) treatment. And on the front, you can see contrasting anglages. Its micro-rotor is hidden underneath the skeletonized barrel. This smart technical solution patented by GP in the 1990s offers the comfort of automatic winding while keeping the emblematic architecture of the movement intact. Another signature feature, the grade 5 titanium cage of the one-minute tourbillon, has a lyre shape and can be used to read seconds. The power reserve is of 60 hours and the movement runs at 21,600 vibrations/hour. Last, as always with Girard-Perregaux tourbillon watches, the finishes are top-notch. Noblesse oblige.
The 44mm case is made out of titanium. The lugs are polished top and bottom, while the sides are brushed. It features two domed sapphire crystals offering a breathtaking view of the mechanical microcosm inside. The movement is framed by a titanium ring with titanium indexes with Super-LumiNova inserts. The dauphine-style hands are in white gold with Super-LumiNova.
The Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon With Three Flying Bridges Bucherer BLUE is worn on a grey, hand-stitched calf strap. Released in a limited edition of only 18 pieces, it retails for CHF 159,000 or EUR 167,000.
For more information, please visit www.girard-perregaux.com and www.bucherer.com.
