Girard Perregaux has been in the business of making superlative timepieces since 1791. This year, the Swiss watch brand has gone into its archives to produce the Tourbillon Bi-Axial, which takes much of its inspiration from a pocket watch that GP produced in 1860. This new model has been given a major facelift due to the high tech materials that GP uses. This highly attractive timepiece is produced in a limited numbered series of just 12 pieces. These watches will probably be only available in Girard Perregauxโs boutiques across the world.
The Girard Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial is sculpted from tantalum, which is unique in that it carries a grey-blue hue. Tantalum is corrosion resistant and durable, which lends the metal as a prime choice for use in watchmaking where those qualities are important. The tantalum case is brushed, giving this watch an understated appeal. The main crown is ridged allowing for the effortless and uncomplicated winding of the watch. The lugs curve nicely on the wrist ensuring a completely comfortable fit. The lugs also hold the large square scaled, shiny black alligator leather strap, fitted with a deployant clasp made from tantalum.
The dial matches the color of the case and it boasts the famous three bridges that GP has made famous since the early 1800โs. The bridges are made from sapphire and occupy three positions โ 10-2, 9-3, and horizontally across the Bi-Axial tourbillon. The color of the sapphire is changed to have a metallic black finish, simultaneously giving it volume and matching the color scheme of the rest of the watch. The hands are polished, rhodium toned, and are dauphine shaped giving this watch a very dressy look. Below the sapphire bridge across 10 and 3 is the atomic symbol with a Girard Perregaux inscription.
The Bi-Axial tourbillon is visible through an aperture at 6 oโclock, and again through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. The tourbillon uses a myriad of metals, including stainless, steel, grade 5 titanium, 18kt yellow gold, and Glucydur to create this technical masterpiece. Amazingly the tourbillon only weighs 0.8 grams. There are two cages which rotate independently. The outer cage rotates once every minute and 15 seconds, while the inner cage rotates every 45 seconds. Between the two varying rotational speeds, an exceptional degree of accuracy is guaranteed.
