Girard-Perregaux Minute Repeater Flying Bridges

Source: monochrome-watches.com

A Large Rose Gold Case Designed for Acoustics

The watch is housed in a rose gold case measuring 46 mm in diameter and 17.90 mm thick. Box shaped sapphire crystals are fitted on both sides of the case.

These crystals serve a dual function. On one hand they help act as acoustic chambers that amplify and disperse the sound produced by the striking mechanism. On the other they provide an unobstructed view of the movement, which appears to float within the open architecture of the watch.

The case features a carefully engineered integrated sliding mechanism used to activate the minute repeater. Unlike traditional repeaters where the external slide creates an opening in the case flank, this construction forms part of a monobloc structure. This design helps improve sealing and allows the watch to achieve a water resistance rating of 30 metres.

Signature Flying Bridges and Tourbillon

The open dial is dominated by two horizontal bridges in rose gold, with a third bridge positioned on the reverse side of the watch. These bridges form part of Girard-Perregaux’s well known Flying Bridges architecture.

At 6 o’clock sits the tourbillon, housed within the brand’s characteristic lyre shaped cage. The tourbillon also performs the role of a seconds indicator, with a discreet seconds hand mounted directly on the rotating carriage.

The display is completed by skeletonised rose gold hands treated with blue emitting luminescent material. Applied hour markers positioned along the inner bezel feature the same luminous treatment.

Manufacture Calibre GP9530

Powering the watch is the Girard-Perregaux calibre GP9530, a manufacture automatic movement developed specifically for this model.

Key specifications include:

• dimensions of 43.55 mm x 10.75 mm

• 475 components including 47 jewels

• balance frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour

• power reserve of at least 60 hours

Automatic winding is rarely used in minute repeater movements due to both space constraints and the risk of additional mechanical noise. In this calibre, Girard-Perregaux uses a white gold micro-rotor mounted on a jewel rather than a ball bearing. This configuration allows the rotor to operate quietly without interfering with the sound of the striking mechanism.

Acoustic Engineering

Particular attention has been given to the acoustic performance of the repeater. The hammers are positioned on the dial side of the movement, allowing the sound produced by the gongs to travel more freely.

To improve vibration transmission, both the mainplate and bridges are made from titanium. The mainplate is screwed directly to the case, enabling vibrations from the gongs to pass efficiently through the movement and into the case itself.

The gongs and their supporting block are manufactured from a single piece of metal. This construction eliminates joints that could otherwise dampen vibrations and reduce sound clarity. Meanwhile, the centrifugal regulator that controls the tempo of the striking mechanism is positioned on the back of the movement to prevent mechanical noise from interfering with the sound.

Finishing and Assembly

Because the movement is fully visible, particular care has been devoted to finishing. Assembly and decoration of the calibre require more than 440 hours, with approximately 240 hours dedicated solely to finishing work.

As a final detail, the movement carries an engraved signature of the watchmaker responsible for its assembly. The engraving can be found beneath the bridge bearing the jewel count and the “Swiss Made” marking.

Strap and Price

The watch is paired with a black rubber strap featuring a textile like texture and secured with a triple folding clasp in rose gold.

The Girard-Perregaux Minute Repeater Flying Bridges is presented as a non-limited production model, with an approximate price of CHF 564,000 including taxes.