A spectacular novelty where sound, tourbillon, symmetry, and Girard-Perregaux's signature bridges come together in a very organic picture.
The company Girard-Perregaux has introduced a novelty that combines a minute repeater, tourbillon, and an automatic movement. This bouquet of complications is complemented by elegant arrow-shaped bridges, which have long become a brand signature.
The watch features a rose gold case measuring 46 x 17.90 mm. Both sides of the watch are fitted with box-shaped sapphire crystals. On one side, the crystals act as miniature sound chambers, enhancing and dispersing the sounds from the hammers striking the gongs. On the other side, they provide an unobstructed view of the mechanism, which appears to float in the air.
The case is equipped with a thoughtfully designed sliding mechanism for activating the repeater. While a traditional pusher leaves a hole in the case, making the watch vulnerable to dust and moisture, this model features a monobloc construction. The minute repeater activator is integrated into the case, allowing the developers to provide the watch with symbolic water resistance of 30 meters.
The open dial composition is dominated by two horizontal bridges in rose gold - a third such bridge is placed on the reverse side of the watch. At the '6 o'clock' position, a tourbillon is traditionally located, enclosed in the brand's signature lyre-shaped carriage. Here, the tourbillon also functions as a seconds counter, as a barely noticeable seconds hand is attached to the carriage.
The dial is complemented by skeletonized rose gold hands treated with luminescent material that glows blue. Accompanying them are applique hour markers on the inner bezel with the same lume.
The watch is powered by the caliber GP9530 - a manufacture automatic movement created specifically for this model. The movement measures 43.55 x 10.75 mm and consists of 475 components, including 47 jewels. With a balance frequency of 21,600 vph, the power reserve is a minimum of 60 hours.
It is worth noting that automatic winding systems are rarely used in minute repeaters due to limited space inside the movement and the additional noise these systems create. Here, a white gold micro-rotor is used. Since it is mounted on a jewel rather than a ball bearing, it rotates silently, not interfering with the chime sound. This allows the owner to be active with their hands during the repeater's operation.
The movement is designed with acoustics in mind. The repeater hammers are located on the dial side, allowing the sound to spread more freely. To effectively transmit vibrations, the plate and bridges are made of titanium. The plate is screwed to the case, so vibrations from the gongs are transmitted unhindered through the mechanism and into the case. The gongs, like the supporting block, are made from a single piece of metal, eliminating connections that could dampen vibrations. A centrifugal regulator, which controls the chime speed, is located on the back of the movement to prevent interference from its mechanical noise.
Since the movement is open for viewing, special attention is paid to the finishing. In total, assembling and finishing the movement takes over 440 hours, 240 of which are devoted to finishing. A pleasant touch in the finishing is the engraving with the initials of the watchmaker who assembled the movement. It is suggested to look for it under the bridge, where the number of jewels and the inscription 'Swiss made' are indicated.
The watch is meant to be worn on a black rubber strap with a texture that mimics fabric. The strap fastens with a triple-folding clasp in rose gold. The series is declared as not limited. The approximate cost of the model (including taxes) is CHF 564,000.
