Swiss luxury watch makers Girard-Perregaux, renowned the world over for their stunning and classically designed timepieces have released what has been heralded as a technical revolution in the world of watch making.
Officially launched in Zurich at the end of March, the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement watch, as it is known, is the result of more than five years of research in the field of constant force – an area of watchmaking that has left the industry perplexed for generations.
The aim of a constant force escapement is that no matter what energy is supplied to the barrel, the escapement works to return a constant force (energy) to its regulator or balance wheel. In order to achieve constant force, the GP boffins had the brilliant idea of merging an immediate device into the escapement, which consists of an incredibly thin blade, measuring 14 microns – about 6 times thinner than a strand of human hair!
The new watch is part of the Girard-Perregaux Haute Horlogerie Constant Escapement Collection and features many of the classic design traits associated with a GP timepiece.
The movement itself is housed in a 48mm white gold case, complete with a curved case band. In order to offer maximum visibility and display the escapement in all its glory, the hours and minutes are displayed in a sub dial located just below 12 o’clock, with the movements unusual butterfly wing frame and vibrating blade of the central axis taking centre stage.
The hours and minutes sub dial is then flanked by two double barrels, which act as energy reservoirs, with the power reserve located at 9 o’clock.
The whole lower part of the timepiece is then reserved for the Constant Escapement, which beats at 21,600vph, with GP’s three emblematic bridges visible under its sapphire crystal.
The Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement will surely be one of the highlights of Baselworld 2013, where is due to be showcased later this month.
Specifications
Reference: 93500-53-131-BA6C
Case: 48mm white gold, with domed anti reflective sapphire crystal. The white gold crown is engraved with Girard-Perregaux logo. The sapphire glass caseback is secured with 6 screws and features hand engraved inscriptions. Water resistant to 30 metres.
Dial: Silvered dial has a grained finish with rhodium plated appliqués and Dauphine style hands. Displays hours, minutes, central seconds and a linear power reserve.
Movement: Hand wound mechanical MVT-009100-0007 mechanical movement, beats at 21,600vph and has a power reserve of approximately one week. The movement is made up of 271 components and features 28 jewels.
Strap: Black alligator strap fastened with a white gold folding clasp.
This video shows the Constant Escapement in action.
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