Girard-Perregaux Bi-axial Tourbillon

A spectacular watchmaking phenomenon, the Girard-Perregaux Bi-axial Tourbillon has driven devotees of rare mechanisms and sophisticated designs in a marvellous history, full of technical feats and aesthetic innovations.

Following directly on from this heritage, Girard-Perregaux has now presented another spectacular creation. The Bi-axial Tourbillon, combining two concentric cages, enables the regulating part to make multi-dimensional rotations. An internal cage bearing the balance, balance spring and escapement completes one complete turn on its axis in forty-five seconds. An external cage completes one revolution in one minute and fifteen seconds, enabling a rotation on its second axis. Hence a full revolution is completed in three minutes and forty-five seconds. This genuine aerial ballet offers an extraordinary spectacle, while the alternation of positions enables excellent rate precision. Visible both via the dial and the case-back, the complex mechanism has an astounding delicacy: the two cages weigh just 0.80 grams, yet comprise a total of over one hundred and ten components. A combination of gold, steel and titanium, the cage materials were chosen to provide the best balance and greatest performance. The use of two coaxial barrels, each equipped with two springs, provides a power reserve of seventy-two hours and a constant energy flow.

This fascinating construction is enhanced by an aesthetic that instantly evokes the Girard-Perregaux tradition. The architecture of the perfectly aligned bridges is in the image of Constant Girard’s creations, of his succession of research and proposals which gave rise to the Tourbillon with three gold Bridges. This straight and finely hollowed bridge version was inspired in particular by a pocket watch created in the 1860s, which won a first class prize from the Neuchâtel Observatory. This astonishingly modern piece was a forerunner to a completely innovative outlook: the movement was no longer a technical and functional element, but had become a design element in its own right. The tribute to the master watchmaker can be found in every detail of the Bi-axial Tourbillon finishes: the elliptical decoration on the barrel reproduces the pattern on Constant Girard’s pocket watch. The bridges are satin-finished, and their bevels are carefully hand polished, to achieve a flawless finish and a completely clean bevel on this tiny precious metal element. After lavish attentions, the majestic forty-five millimetre diameter pink gold case is ready to receive the Tourbillon mechanism.

Technical specifications

Pink gold case
Diameter: 45 mm
Height: 18.50 mm
Sapphire crystal
Sapphire case-back secured by 6 screws
Water resistance: 30 metres

Girard-Perregaux movement GPE0201
mechanical with manual winding
Calibre: 15 1/3 ’’’
Fitting diameter: 34 mm
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
Tourbillon: 113 components, 0.80 grams, one complete revolution in 3 minutes and 45 seconds
Variable inertia balance fitted with gold adjustment screws
Balance spring: Philipps curve; Geneva Stud
Jewels: 28
Nickel silver main plate
Pink gold barrel bridges and central bridge
Power reserve: min. 72 hours, two quick-turning coaxial barrels
Functions: Bi-axial Tourbillon, hour, minute

Alligator strap with pink gold folding buckle

Limited edition of 33 pieces ■

© 2008 All rights reserved

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