Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges “Earth to Sky” Edition

Blue as the Earth. Black as the cosmos. In 2019, Girard-Perregaux is instating a symbolic dialogue with the universe and presenting a series of exceptional timepieces whose nature – thanks to a play of blue and black tones – is gliding towards an astronomical dimension.

Earth to Sky, 2019 theme of the year

An estimated 13.8 billion years after the expansion of the universe, Girard-Perregaux raises its eyes to infinity with all its light, shadow and mystery. As part of a new approach, the brand is engaging in a dialogue between earth and sky, between matter and space. It explores the boundaries of its expertise, unveils the invisible and reveals that which was previously hidden. Its science of finishing and materials is shown in a new light, including by leveraging the light of blackness. Science and art, photons and matter: Girard-Perregaux's search for beauty is entering an astrophysical and metaphorical dimension.

Contemporary reinterpretation of a great brand classic

At the exact confluence of two worlds, where tradition meets innovation, the Neo Bridges automatic watch first and foremost embodies an approach dramatising the architecture of a movement that dates back more than 150 years*. This mechanism has constantly evolved with the times and is now rightfully considered the historical signature of the Manufacture Girard-Perregaux.

This year, as part of the "Earth to Sky" theme, it appears once again in titanium, but in an even more distinguished and assertive version thanks to the black DLC coating of its 45 mm-diameter case. It is fitted with a rubber-patterned genuine alligator leather strap secured by a triple titanium folding clasp adding a new touch.

The dynamics of balance

In keeping with its longstanding tradition, Manufacture Girard-Perregaux has equipped this model with the tried and trusted mechanical movement GP08400-0002. Perfectly symmetrical thanks to the judicious alignment of the micro-rotor with the barrel drum ensuring a minimum 54-hour reserve, this movement instantly draws the gaze.

The architectural nature of the structure is reinforced by contemporary finishing including a blue PVD coating on the barrel cover and micro-rotor, as well as a black PVD treatment adorning the delicately curved bridges and plate bridges. This sophisticated graphic design exercises an almost mesmerising effect due to the presence at 6 o'clock, of a large 10.15 mm diameter variable-inertia balance wheel oscillating at 3 Hertz (21,600 vibrations per hour). Due to its size, the latter is less subject to disturbances and therefore more accurate.

The absence of a dial fully reveals the captivating construction, while a ring with suspended hour- markers sets the perfect finishing touch. The box-type sapphire crystal specially developed for this model – requiring nearly ten times more material than usual – makes it possible to capture the light and direct it towards the heart of the movement. Finally, the transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals the inner workings of the fascinating 208-component mechanism.

About DLC treatment

DLC treatment is a surface coating that consists of the deposition of carbon and diamond particles by a physical and chemical process. In addition to the black colour and its subtle anthracite grey reflections provided by the treatment, the multiple layers applied to the titanium ensure better protection of the case against corrosion.

*The Neo Bridges Automatic Titanium "Earth to Sky" Edition is based on the architectural construction codes dear to Constant Girard, creator of the Esmeralda pocket watch that won first prize at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889. It also reflects the theatrical nature of the creations by Jean-François Bautte – who in the late 18th century designed watchmaking instruments that adopted a playful approach to time display, demystified the passage of time and transformed watches into pure works of kinetic art.