The allure of these watches lies in the engraved gold, the mechanism with three iconic arrow-shaped bridges, and the 'fiery' enamel dial.
Yesterday in China, celebrations began for the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. On this occasion, we published a selection of the most interesting models featuring the proud and beautiful symbol of 2026. One of the most striking models in this selection is the Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon 'A Secret' Eternity Edition. Here's what makes this new release so fascinating.
The model is based on one of the brand Girard-Perregaux's most iconic designs - the pocket watch Esmeralda with three parallel bridges, patented by Constant Girard in 1884. Since 2021, these watches have been offered with cases made from various materials and different enamel colors. This year's version for the first time combines pink gold with red enamel, which clearly references the Fire Horse.
As in previous versions, the case measures 43 by 15.1 mm. The entire perimeter of the case, including the lugs and bezel, is hand-engraved with leaf patterns. The central part of the case, echoing the dial, is covered with red enamel. The hinged case back is also decorated with hand engraving (combined with guilloché) and covered with red enamel using the Grand Feu technique. Underneath the cover is a sapphire crystal that reveals the in-house movement inside the watch.
In memory of the La Esmeralda pocket watches released in 1889, the dial's composition is built around three horizontal gold bridges with mirror polishing. Engraved horse figures are situated on two of them, at the top and bottom. The area under the bridges around the vertical mechanism structure is adorned with circular guilloché and covered with Grand Feu red enamel.
The tourbillon in the mechanism is traditionally located at the '6 o'clock' position. It rotates within a beautifully decorated lyre-shaped cage. The cage, with a rotation period of one turn per minute, is assembled from 78 components and weighs only 0.3 grams. Time on the dial is indicated by hour and minute dauphine-style hands made of pink gold. A blued steel hand is mounted on the tourbillon for second indication.
The model is powered by the in-house caliber GP09600. This is an automatic movement wound by a white gold micro-rotor. The balance frequency is 21,600 vibrations per hour. When fully wound, the movement provides a 50-hour power reserve. The movement's finishing is traditionally done by hand. The watch comes with a red alligator leather strap, equipped with a pink gold clasp. The engraving on the clasp echoes the pattern on the case.
The release of the Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon 'A Secret' Eternity Edition for the Year of the Fire Horse is limited to a series of 18 pieces. The estimated price of the watch is €483,000.