Girard-Perregaux Revives the Iconic Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges

A brief backstory: Chaux-de-Fonds, a city synonymous with watchmaking since the 18th century, has always been a beacon for the industry. After a devastating fire in the 18th century, the city was meticulously rebuilt with wide streets and tall buildings featuring large windows designed to capture as much light as possible. This abundance of natural light has become a hallmark of the region’s watchmaking, influencing the design ethos of its most celebrated watches. Girard-Perregaux’s Manufacture, located on Rue Numa Droz, is no exception, where light plays a pivotal role in crafting its timepieces.

The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges leverages this legacy of light. Its skeletonized structure creates a sense of transparency and depth, allowing light to permeate through its case and illuminate its inner workings. This design highlights the intricate details of the movement and enhances the ethereal quality of the three gold bridges, which appear to float within the case, suspended in a state of weightlessness.

The story of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges dates back to the 1860s when Constant Girard began conceptualizing a new design for a pocket watch featuring three bridges. These bridges were not merely functional components; they were transformed into aesthetic elements, redefining the conventional design codes of watchmaking. In 1867, he presented a pocket tourbillon watch with three parallel nickel-silver bridges, introducing a new philosophy that embraced both form and function.

The 1889 release of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges further elevated the concept by utilizing noble metals, solidifying it as one of the most enduring mechanical signatures in horological history. Fast forward to 2021, and Girard-Perregaux revisited this iconic design with the avant-garde Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges, a contemporary interpretation that continues to draw inspiration from the past while embracing modern innovations.

The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges eschews a traditional mainplate, using the three bridges to support the geartrain, barrel, and tourbillon and provide the necessary structural integrity for the movement. These bridges, which seem to hover mid-air, are anchored by meticulously crafted openworked plinths extending from the case’s interior wall. The absence of a conventional dial further enhances the watch’s airy aesthetic, with indexes affixed directly to the case.

The 2024 update to the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges introduces several refinements that enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The new design includes twin baton indexes at noon, adding a subtle yet significant visual balance. The sapphire crystals on the front and back retain their box shape but are now more curved, creating a more symmetrical appearance when viewed from the side. A larger, rounder crown has been introduced, providing easier manipulation, while the overall contours of the watch have been smoothed to improve wearer comfort, especially for those with slimmer wrists.

The lugs have been shortened, and the middle of the case has been rounded, enhancing the watch’s ergonomics. These subtle adjustments demonstrate Girard-Perregaux’s commitment to continuous improvement, even when it comes to its most celebrated designs.

While the latest iteration of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges introduces numerous refinements, certain elements remain steadfast. The three gold bridges, central to the watch’s design, continue to be presented in a contemporary format, their upper and lower surfaces coated in black PVD. The chamfered edges, however, are left uncoated, revealing a delicate band of gleaming pink gold. This contrast of finishes adds depth to the design and showcases the extraordinary level of craftsmanship involved in creating each bridge. Achieving the perfect polish on each beveled edge requires two days of meticulous hand-finishing using a small piece of boxwood, underscoring Maison’s dedication to perfection.

The hour and minute hands have been given a satin finish and additional Super-LumiNova, enhancing readability in low-light conditions. The watch is also offered with two strap options: a new fabric-effect strap, first seen on the Neo Constant Escapement, and a classic black alligator strap with a gold effect, providing versatility for different occasions.

The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges remains a masterpiece that exemplifies Girard-Perregaux’s approach to watchmaking—a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. By revisiting this iconic model and making subtle yet impactful improvements, the manufacturer continues to honor its heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.