At week-before-last’s NYC Timecrafters show, the folks from
Girard-Perregaux (based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) lifted the
lid on a spectacular piece of haute horlogerie — a black DLC-finished
titanium bi-axial tourbillon, limited to just 8 pieces. The original
Girard-Perregaux Bi-Axial Tourbillon (I believe) debuted in 2008 in rose
gold case with rose gold bridges; it was subsequently released in a
white gold case with rose gold bridges — both pictured below. Both are
elegant pieces, but nothing quite like this, for sure. An “all black”
watch with such class! A great balance of tradition (respecting the
traditional and iconic “tourbillon with three gold bridges”) and a bit
of the avant-garde (black titanium DLC case). More looks, and video,
below…
The
watch is graceful, both front and back. For purposes of comparison,
here are the two previous Girard-Perregaux Bi-Axial Tourbillons,
released in 2008 and 2010 — limited to just 33 pieces each (more on the white gold mode here):
As you can see, the color contrast is simply wonderful — and a bit
more avant-garde than its predecessors. The black DLC-coated titanium
case sits quietly in the background while the brushed-finish 18k white
gold bridges and bi-axial tourbillon take role as stars of the show.
If you only see two bridges, look again and note that the third bridge
sits at the front of the tourbillon assembly (and thus is always in
motion).
On the back side, note not only the sweeping curves of the movement
plates, but also the screws which attach the sapphire-crystal caseback
to the case. A subtle, but appropriate and complementary touch.
Upon closer inspection, you can see that the dial has a nice circular
grained texture to it. Again, notice the contrast against the brushed
finished bridges. Also note the circular brushed finish of the barrel
cover along with GP logo and flowery pattern. And of course the
tourbillon…
The manual-wind caliber in this watch is known as the
Girard-Perregaux GPE0201. The bi-axial Tourbillon combines two
concentric cages that enable the regulating part to make multi-axis
rotations. This complex construction adds a multidimensional aspect to
the intended function of the tourbillon, which is to compensate for
rate irregularities due to the Earth’s gravity.
Extraordinary, eh?
The two cages weigh just 0.80 grams, yet comprise a total of over one
hundred and ten components. Variable inertia balance fitted with gold
adjustment screws. Balance spring: Phillips curve; Geneva Stud; Jewels:
28; 18k gold barrel bridges and central bridge; Power reserve: min. 72
hours, two coaxial barrels
Limited to just 8 pieces with a price that will reach into the
several hundred thousands, this is an absolutely exquisite timepiece
representing the best of fine watchmaking. Wish I could have seen this
one in the metal. Well done, Girard-Perregaux.
The internal cage bearing the balance wheel, balance spring and
escapement completes one full turn on its axis in forty-five seconds.
The external cage completes one revolution in one minute and fifteen
seconds, enabling a rotation on its second axis. Hence a complete
rotation 3 minutes, 45 seconds. You can see this “bi-axial” action in
this short video (sorry for low-res quality):
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