Girard-Perregaux, the luxury watchmaker, has announced the availability of its iconic La Esmeralda watch in the Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition, crafted from 18k white gold and dressed in blue. This version of the watch will be displayed at the 2023 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition.
La Esmeralda has its roots in 1889, when Constant Girard, a renowned watchmaker, revealed a remarkable pocket watch at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Girard dedicated his life to creating superior chronometric performances and won several prizes for his timepieces. However, he was also an aesthete, and in 1867, he produced a tourbillon chronometer featuring three nickel silver bridges, which he transformed into an aesthetic component of the watch’s movement. He refined the design of the three bridges over time, and when La Esmeralda was introduced in 1889, the three bridges were made of gold and adorned with numerous facets, eventually winning a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle for its exceptional beauty and accuracy.
The Exposition Universelle of 1889 was held during a period of optimism when design and ambition were interwoven. The construction of the Eiffel Tower, an example of breathtaking engineering and artistic flair, was completed in time for the exposition, exemplifying the combination of functionality and beauty that characterized the era.
The Bridges collection pays tribute to Constant Girard’s innovative decision to reimagine the bridge’s role in watchmaking, which remains a crucial aspect of Girard-Perregaux’s designs today. The La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition honors the 1889 design but with modern enhancements to suit contemporary tastes. It comes in an 18K white gold case, a first for La Esmeralda, enriched with grand feu enamel and hand-engraving. The watch is available in blue, green, and grey colors, with a limited run of 18 pieces per color.
La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition is equipped with the self-winding GP09600-2083 movement and features a tourbillon, reflecting the tradition of Haute Horlogerie. The movement is adorned with refined finishes, respecting Constant Girard’s legacy and his understanding of the importance of mechanical excellence and masterful design.
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