Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement: Reinventing Constant Force Watchmaking
At the end of 2025, Girard-Perregaux returned to one of its most intellectually ambitious modern watchmaking projects. The Neo Constant Escapement, first unveiled in 2023, has now been introduced in a rose gold case, alongside an ultra limited carbon fibre version that pushes the concept further into experimental territory.
Despite its striking contemporary appearance, the significance of this watch lies primarily in its mechanical architecture. The Neo Constant Escapement represents the latest evolution of a technical journey that began nearly two decades ago and resulted in one of the most original constant force solutions ever brought into serial production.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
A different approach to constant force
The origins of the Constant Escapement project date back to 2008, when Girard-Perregaux presented an experimental prototype developed by Nicolas Déhon. At the time, most constant force mechanisms relied on established solutions such as remontoirs or fusée and chain systems, typically positioned upstream from the escapement to regulate energy delivery.
Girard-Perregaux adopted a fundamentally different approach. Rather than stabilising torque before it reached the escapement, the manufacture integrated the constant force mechanism directly within the escapement itself. This architectural decision redefined how consistent energy delivery could be achieved precisely at the point where timekeeping accuracy is determined.
After years of development, the concept reached commercial maturity in 2013. The first production Constant Escapement was awarded the Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, confirming its status as a genuine technical breakthrough rather than an experimental curiosity.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
The silicon blade at the heart of the mechanism
At the core of the Neo Constant Escapement lies an ultra thin silicon blade measuring just 14 microns in thickness. Acting as a flexible energy regulator, the blade bends and returns to its neutral position, releasing a precisely controlled impulse to the escapement regardless of the remaining torque in the mainsprings.
Energy is supplied by twin barrels, which together provide a power reserve of seven days. Throughout this entire period, the silicon blade ensures a stable and consistent flow of energy. By comparison, the balance spring measures approximately 120 microns in thickness, underscoring the extraordinary delicacy of the constant force component.
This mechanism is housed within the manually wound calibre GP09200. The movement is COSC certified and protected by fifteen patents, with two additional applications still under review. The architecture places the constant force system in full view, transforming a functional necessity into a defining visual feature.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
Case, display and finishing
The rose gold version of the Neo Constant Escapement is presented in a 45 mm case with a thickness of 14.8 mm. A predominantly matte finish reinforces the technical character of the watch, while the polished bezel introduces a measured contrast. A box shaped sapphire crystal extends beyond the case, offering lateral views of the movement’s layered, three dimensional construction.
Time is displayed by skeletonised gold toned hands and applied gold hour markers positioned along the periphery. Both are treated with blue luminescent material. In the lower half of the dial, two gold bridges frame the balance wheel and draw attention to the violet tinted silicon blade, shaped like a stylised butterfly.
A linear power reserve indicator appears at nine o’clock, finished in gold to match the case, while a matching plaque at three o’clock bears the inscription Constant Escapement Chronometer. Above, the twin barrels are visible beneath NAC coated bridges, their black PVD finish adding further depth to the composition.
The reverse side reveals an equally elaborate display. A network of finely shaped bridges is secured by vivid pink jewels, reinforcing the impression of a movement designed to be appreciated from every angle.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
Carbon fibre and extreme rarity
Alongside the rose gold edition, Girard-Perregaux has announced an ultra limited carbon fibre version of the Neo Constant Escapement. Produced in just two examples, this interpretation features a slightly larger case measuring 45.35 mm in diameter.
The carbon version is distinguished visually by a green tinted silicon blade, offering a subtle but deliberate variation on the constant force element. The underlying movement architecture remains consistent with the GP09200 platform, while the presentation emphasises the experimental nature of this release.
Both versions are delivered on a black rubber strap styled to resemble textile and secured by a triple folding clasp in rose gold. Pricing for the rose gold edition is indicated at approximately CHF 128,000 including taxes. Pricing for the carbon version has not been publicly detailed, reflecting its extreme rarity.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
Engineering as expression
The Neo Constant Escapement occupies a rare position even within the sphere of high complication watchmaking. Rather than refining established solutions, Girard-Perregaux chose to rethink the fundamentals of constant force delivery by integrating precision control directly into the escapement.
In its latest interpretations, the watch balances architectural transparency with mechanical audacity. It stands not only as a demonstration of technical mastery, but also as a reminder that meaningful innovation in horology often emerges from questioning long held assumptions rather than refining familiar answers.
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