A new era in white gold
Girard-Perregaux is pleased to announce that its legendary watch, La Esmeralda, is now available, for the first time, in 18k white gold in the Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition. This latest interpretation of the famous watch is dressed in blue and will be on display at the 2023 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition.
A period of optimism
La Esmeralda can trace its origins to 1889 when Constant Girard unveiled an exceptional pocket watch at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. The brilliant watchmaker spent much of his life in the pursuit of superior chronometric performance, winning numerous prizes over the years for his timepieces. However, Constant’s talents were not limited to mechanical excellence alone, he was also an aesthete.
Indeed, some years earlier, in 1867, Constant released a tourbillon chronometer equipped with three nickel silver bridges. With the advent of this piece, he reimagined the role of the bridge, an essential component of the movement, making it an aesthetic part of the watch. With the passage of time, Constant refined the appearance of his beloved three bridges. In 1889, with the advent of La Esmeralda, the three bridges were formed of gold, became more stylised and ennobled with numerous facets. Ultimately, La Esmeralda, presented in its intricately engraved case, was awarded a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle, suitable recognition for its exceptional accuracy and beauty.
To provide some historical context, the Exposition Universelle of 1889 was staged during an era of optimism when ambition and aesthetics were inseparable bedfellows. The construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed in time for the Exposition Universelle. Originally intended to be a temporary structure, the Tower continues to serve as an example of breathtaking engineering, enriched with artistic flair. Indeed, it is the ubiquitous pairing of functionality and beauty that distinguishes this as a remarkable period of creativity, especially in terms of design.
The Bridges collection
Today, the Bridges collection honours the work of Constant Girard and his decision to reimagine the role of the bridge, a design philosophy that lives on, manifest with several Girard-Perregaux models. The present-day interpretation of La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition respects the design of the 1889 watch, but is worn on the wrist, subscribing to modern tastes.
Presented in an 18K white gold case, a first for La Esmeralda Tourbillon“A Secret” Eternity Edition, the housing has been enriched with hand-engraving and grand feu enamel. Clients can choose from blue, green and grey colourways, available on request and limited to 18 pieces per colour.
La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition is equipped with a self-winding movement, the GP09600-2083, and features a tourbillon. Consistent with Haute Horlogerie, the movement is endued with numerous refined finishes, often applied by deft use of hand and always respecting the legacy of Constant Girard, a man who understood the importance of mechanical virtue and masterful design.
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