In 1867, Girard-Perregaux presented the 'Tourbillon with Three Bridges', which was to become a veritable watchmaking icon over the years. The bridges, functional components generally hidden from view, here became an aesthetic element. With the Tourbillon Three Flying Bridges, the Maison remains true to its design philosophy while adding some fascinating touches. The latest version of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges, which is part of the models celebrating the 230th anniversary of the founding of Girard-Perregaux and which was unveiled during the Geneva Watch Days 2021, is equipped with three Neo Bridges in pink gold: this is the first time that all three Neo Bridges have been crafted in this precious metal. The three bridges not only support the gear train, barrel and tourbillon, but also serve as the mainplate. In particular, the bridges themselves seem to float in the air, as if gravity had no effect on them. This unusual construction made it necessary to attach the indices to the flange, which, in turn, is fixed to the case. The upper and lower surfaces of the rose gold bridges are coated with black PVD. Each bridge is then meticulously chamfered by hand using a piece of boxwood, a technique used for hundreds of years. Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, said, "We wanted to create a watch that would build a bridge to our past but also demonstrate our vision of the future. It harnesses the talent of our craftsmen and watchmakers, who combine traditional methods with innovative techniques. 
The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges has a three-dimensional architecture that allows the wearer to see many components that are usually hidden. Since its inception, Girard-Perregaux has made the invisible visible and I expect it will continue to do so for the next 230 years. However, our team chose a slightly different approach, making the bridges in gold and then hiding them in black PVD, except for the sides. A fascinating idea, a touch synonymous with luxury that will remain a secret to all but connoisseurs'. The watch is distinguished above all by the dial elements placed at different heights, which create a three-dimensional effect, a feature shared with some of the world's most emblematic architectural structures. The barrel, positioned at the top of the dial, rests on a white gold micro-rotor and is powered by the movement of the wrist. The one-minute tourbillon, with its lyre-shaped cage, is located at the base of the dial. Its cage is in the shape of a lyre, a historic design dating back to the 19th century, but in this case made of the most modern grade 5 titanium. The tourbillon cage consists of 79 components and weighs only 0.25 grams. The 44 mm case in 18-carat rose gold houses the GP09400-1273 calibre (42 mm diameter, 9.45 mm thick, 21,600 vibrations per hour, 260 components, 27 jewels, power reserve of at least 60 hours), a self-winding mechanical movement. The black alligator strap with rubber effect is combined with a folding clasp. The watch is delivered with an additional black alligator strap with gold effect.
Price: 138,300 euro.
