Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition
La Esmeralda Tourbillon ‘A Secret’ Eternity Edition Honey is a limited-edition watch featuring a pink gold case, honey-toned Grand Feu enamel, and a tourbillon with three gold bridges. Share
Girard-Perregaux has unveiled a new version of its La Esmeralda Tourbillon ‘A Secret’ Eternity Edition, this time in a warm honey tone. This latest release from the Bridges collection, originating from the watchmaking city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, continues Maison’s tradition of blending rich historical craftsmanship with modern luxury. The honey-hued timepiece, crafted predominantly from pink gold, showcases the brand’s renowned ability to play with light, reflecting the warm golden tones of the surrounding landscapes that inspire it.
The history of Girard-Perregaux is deeply intertwined with La Chaux-de-Fonds, where the watchmaking tradition has thrived for centuries. It was here that Constant Girard, the visionary watchmaker, was born and later married Marie Perregaux, forming a partnership that would become iconic in the world of Haute Horlogerie.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, a city designed to optimize natural light for watchmaking, continues to influence the creations of Girard-Perregaux. The city’s distinctive architecture, with its tall buildings and carefully arranged streets, allows light to flood into the workshops, where artisans meticulously craft each watch.
The watch draws inspiration from the verdant landscapes that surround La Chaux-de-Fonds, where the summer evenings are bathed in a golden light that has been captured in the honey tones of this new edition. The warm hues of the watch’s pink gold case and Grand Feu enamel dial reflect this natural beauty.
Girard-Perregaux has long been known for its collaboration with local artisans, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. This new edition of La Esmeralda has 99% of its components sourced from La Chaux-de-Fonds. The Eternity Edition has a rich history, rooted in the legacy of Constant Girard, who was committed to achieving chronometric excellence. His dedication led to the creation of several highly precise pocket watches, culminating in the unveiling of La Esmeralda at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889, where it was awarded a gold medal. This exceptional pocket watch featured three gold bridges and an elaborately engraved case, setting a new standard for luxury timepieces.
Today, the legend of La Esmeralda lives on in this exquisite wristwatch. The latest edition is housed in a 43mm pink gold case with intricately engraved details that pay tribute to the original 1889 pocket watch. The honey-toned Grand Feu enamel dial is enlivened with sunray and circular guilloché patterns, created using a traditional rose engine lathe, a technique that adds depth and texture to the dial.
At the heart of the watch is the Manufacture calibre GP09600, a movement that embodies the technical excellence and artistry for which Girard-Perregaux is known. This automatic movement is equipped with a discreet white gold micro-rotor, located beneath the barrel, and features golden engravings that reference the 1884 patent for the Tourbillon with Three Bridges movement. The movement is meticulously finished with a variety of techniques, ensuring that every detail is crafted to perfection.
The case of the watch is also adorned with honey-toned Grand Feu enamel, created using the Champlevé technique, which ensures the surface retains its allure over time. The back of the case features an intricately engraved fluted pattern and three galloping horses, a secretive nod to the historic pocket watch that inspired this design. This limited edition of 18 pieces is a celebration of the Maison’s history and the rich hues that colour the landscape of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where the art of Haute Horlogerie continues to thrive. This latest edition is available on request through all Girard-Perregaux authorized retailers worldwide.
