Just a few years ago, a watch like the Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge might not have been released, as such products belong to a relatively new category of elite watches that is still forming. Priced under $20,000, the Free Bridge is by no means an inexpensive product, but it is designed to evoke the same emotions as watches costing $100,000 or $200,000 and above. Many of these watches feature complex designs, exotic mechanisms, and a focus on the visual presentation of the dial and animation.
However, they save on costs by using less complex mechanisms that are produced in a more industrial manner. These watches can be described as 'entry-level super watches,' in the same way one might describe an entry-level supercar. The Free Bridge is currently the most accessible model within the larger 'Bridges' family from Girard-Perregaux.
The Free Bridge is a sports watch intended for social and formal life. The watch has bold, modern lines, but at its core, it is a traditional watch meant for those who appreciate horological art. The dial may only display time, but the richly detailed three-dimensional case has a lot of individuality and is simultaneously more youthful than watches that would have been created for this segment just a few years ago.
Furthermore, Girard-Perregaux openly states that models like the Free Bridge are intended specifically for such consumers - young, perfection-seeking types who want an up-to-date design from classic names in luxury watches. I am not sure if there is one right way to do this, but Girard-Perregaux's response to this marketing prompt is actually very competent.
The 'Bridges' collection theme is generally based on the aesthetic of movement design, which has become synonymous with the brand. Back in the mid-19th century, Girard-Perregaux released a new pocket watch mechanism with three distinctive bridges with pointers on the mechanism. Since then, the 'three bridges' concept has been present in the architecture of many elite Girard-Perregaux mechanisms.
Recently, the company decided to 'unpack' the concept of three bridges and release several watches with one or two bridges. The Free Bridge model features one characteristic bridge (above the oscillator located at the '6 o'clock' position on the dial), but this is enough for an enthusiast to identify the watch as a Girard-Perregaux.
The in-house movement is based on the well-known Girard-Perregaux GP01800 caliber, known as the GP01800-1170 caliber. The automatic movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and is equipped with a special predominantly silicon balance and escapement. The movement has a power reserve of 54 hours and is made of 185 components.
The architecture of the movement is interesting in that it is intended for presentation from the start. For example, the mainspring barrel (skeletonized and located under the '12 o'clock' mark) and the regulation system were designed to be on the front of the watch, not the back, as in most mechanical movements. In this configuration, the mechanism shows only the hours and minutes (without seconds).
The value of the movement lies in its architecture and its deep, symmetrical design. These watches speak to the appeal of mechanical movements and the need to demonstrate as much of the mechanics as possible to fully appreciate them. Of course, it's a matter of taste and style, but this aesthetic is certainly more modern and relevant, as opposed to classic and traditional. The former approach is indeed wiser when trying to create a more relevant product that speaks to the visual experiences of people growing up in our instant time.
The Free Bridge reference 82000-11-631-FA6A is housed in a polished and matte steel case (the quality of which must be said is excellent) measuring 44 mm in width and about 12 mm in thickness (thanks to the generously AR-coated sapphire crystal). The case, however, is only water-resistant to 30 meters, but it has a beautiful refined design and an exhibition case back.
Returning to the watch's dial, I greatly appreciate the high level of legibility, depth, movement animation (thanks to the balance wheel), and the ability to attract the eye with pieces of polish and shine. The dial withstands criticism. Some might note the hands, which are slightly short (though this is related to the size and height of the hour markers), and some may simply dislike the modern skeletonized theme of the Free Bridge dial. Nonetheless, no one can accuse Girard-Perregaux of laziness, market disconnection, or graphic unoriginality.
The Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge comes with a strap equipped with a polished steel 'butterfly' style folding clasp. It is one of the few such folding straps I enjoy wearing, as most are uncomfortable on the wrist. The strap is lined with calfskin leather on the inside, while the outside appears to be fabric. Note the small colored detail on the strap: the first two stitches are done with white thread (to somewhat match the dial color), while the remaining stitches are black.
Where the Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge succeeds is in offering a taste of exotic watches in a package that is easy to wear daily and, while not cheap, is by no means in the traditional price range of exotic watches.
For example, other watches in the Girard-Perregaux Bridges collection often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Free Bridge is a practical way to enter the world of expressive watches with interesting mechanical details.
The watches are produced by a company with great experience in making watch movements, and their design does not give the impression that they were initially intended for someone who lived yesterday. Probably the most interesting element of the watch, which will appeal to serious enthusiasts, is the design of the new silicon balance wheel (which, unfortunately, does not stop when you pull out the crown), as this helps to reinforce the Free Bridge as a modern-looking and modern-designed luxury watch.
The price of the Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge reference 82000-11-631-FA6A is $18,300 USD. More information can be found on the Girard-Perregaux website.
Necessary Data
>Brand: Girard-Perregaux
>Model: Free Bridge Reference 82000-11-631-FA6A
>Price: $18,300 USD
>Dimensions: 44 mm wide, ~12 mm thick, and ~50 mm lug-to-lug.
>When to wear it: As convincingly technologically advanced mechanical watches for evening social events.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone who regularly wears a business suit and prefers to enjoy watches worth around $20,000 rather than aiming to show off with watches worth around $20,000.
>Best characteristic of watch: High-quality materials and construction. Attractive and easily readable dial. Comfortable to wear on the wrist. Overall concept, unaligned with the genre, brings intellectual satisfaction.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Interesting design but lacks a direct theme. Possibly still a bit pricey for some in the target demographic. Lack of time indication or seconds in the mechanism.
