Girard-Perregaux Unveils The Free Bridge Meteorite — And It’s Out Of This World

This week, Girard-Perregaux unveiled a brand-new timepiece in its Bridges Collection, the Free Bridge Meteorite.  The Bridges Collection, with its roots stretching back to the 1860s, has long been celebrated for its architectural beauty and mechanical prowess. Girard-Perregaux’s dedication to evolving the collection while retaining its iconic symmetry is evident in the Free Bridge Meteorite. This model draws inspiration from the legendary Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges of the 19th century, particularly noted for its inverted movement design, where essential components are showcased at the forefront rather than hidden away.

The Free Bridge Meteorite distinguishes itself with the inclusion of two meteorite plates, sourced from the famed Gibeon meteorite discovered in Namibia. These plates, adorned with the unique Widmanstätten pattern, imbue each timepiece with a distinct identity and cosmic allure. The intricate process of slicing, shaping, and treating the meteorite to highlight this natural pattern underscores the meticulous craftsmanship that Girard-Perregaux is renowned for. Encased within a 44 mm stainless steel body, the watch’s design seamlessly blends polished and satin-finished surfaces, with the crown featuring a mix of polished and sandblasted facets to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

At the heart of the Free Bridge Meteorite lies the caliber GP01800-2085, an evolution of the acclaimed GP01800 movement. This mechanism incorporates silicium technology in its escapement and balance wheel components, offering superior resistance to corrosion, wear, and magnetic fields. The use of silicium, known for its lightweight and durable properties, allows for the creation of components with optimized geometry, enhancing the watch’s precision and longevity.

The watch features traditional finishing techniques such as Côtes de Genève, bevelling, and snailing, alongside sandblasted finishes, embodying the finest in classical watchmaking. The inclusion of the Eagle emblem, engraved on all Girard-Perregaux movements, further ties this modern marvel to its distinguished lineage. By integrating materials from the cosmos with cutting-edge technology and dynamic design, Girard-Perregaux has once again set a new standard in the world of luxury timepieces with the Free Bridge Meteorite.