Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux and British car manufacturer Aston Martin joined venture in their shared passion for refined craftsmanship, and the first product of their partnership is a contemporary take on the former’s iconic Three Bridges pocket watch from 1884. Meet the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition.
Measuring at 44mm, the case of this new model is formed of Grade 5 titanium that’s specially selected by Aston Martin for its strong yet lightweight properties. Its arresting, stealthy appearance comes courtesy of the case being suffused with black DLC (Diamond-like Carbon). The use of titanium also recalls a piece of history – where its ore was first discovered in Great Britain – the home of Aston Martin – back in 1791 by an English clergyman named William Gregor, in the same year Girard-Perregaux was founded.
In order to illuminate the case’s interior as well as augment readability, a sapphire crystal “box” is positioned at the front and rear. The movement eschews a mainplate, and sits between both panes of sapphire crystal – giving it a levitating effect. Girard-Perregaux’s signature three bridges span the dial, and are formed of titanium with black PVD treatment and polished angles.
By paring back the movement, this causes the mainplate to seemingly disappear within the case, creating its “flying movement” effect – which led to the term “Flying Bridges”.This design also provides a clear view of movement components that would ordinarily be hidden from view.
In the lower portion of the dial, the cage of the tourbillon is lyre-shaped, which is characteristic of the watchmaker’s tourbillons dating back to the 19th century. A blued hand affixed to the cage imparts the running seconds. The tourbillon cage itself measures only 10mm in diameter and is composed of 79 components – resulting in a collective weight of 0.25 grams, which helps mitigate energy consumption.
At 12 o’clock, the open-worked barrel offers partial views of the mainspring. A white gold micro-rotor, positioned beneath the barrel, energises the mainspring and, unlike most automatic watches, it grants unobstructed views of the movement. The Aston Martin name can be found engraved on the vertical flank of the micro-rotor, and is filled with white luminescent treatment which emits a subtle blue glow in restricted light. The same treatment is also given to the indexes and hands.
Limited to only 18 pieces and retailing at RM583,800, the watch is presented in black calf leather, featuring Girard-Perregaux Rubber Alloy, an innovative rubber insert that’s injected with white gold. The strap design is meant to evoke thoughts of Aston Martin racing cars of the past.
More details of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition can be found on the Girard-Perregaux or The Hour Glass website.
Photos: Girard-Perregaux