Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart Watch Review
The Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart will undoubtedly appeal to romantics with its name and passionate red dial tones. However, this sublime expression of Haute Horlogerie may well seduce horophiles with its beautifully executed self-winding movement. Meehna Goldsmith proffers several reasons why this watch will elicit words of undying love.
Girard-Perregaux Watch Review
The colour of the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart immediately calls to mind Valentine’s Day. And, in fact, the Manufacture designed this watch for the very occasion. It was released in February this year on the day that coincides with Cupid’s arrows.
Girard-Perregaux Three Gold Bridges
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, explained this particular rendition of the iconic Three Gold Bridges model was inspired by the love affair between the founders, Constant Girard and Marie Perregaux. Together their brand created the famed tourbillon with three bridges in 1860, the first time a structural element of a movement also functioned as an aesthetic one.
The three bridges concept culminated in the presentation of ‘La Esmeralda’ at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889. A decadent, highly decorated tourbillon pocket watch, it had bridges shaped in gold, which became another Girard-Perregaux trademark. Moreover, it secured a gold medal.
Girard-Perregaux Ruby Heart
The ‘Ruby Heart’ is equally decadent in construction. What first draws the eye is the rich hue of the textured red dial made from ruby zoisite. I had never heard of this stone, so I poked around a bit. Zoisite is a mineral that includes tanzanite and thulite. Now, ruby zoisite is an interesting and clever relation. Crack open one, which is mostly green on the outside, and you’ll find that juicy red material hidden within, which can then be cut into thin plates. Another compelling characteristic of zoisite is its spiritual properties. If you’re into that kind of thing, it’s said to increase life force, inner and outer development and awaken one’s true self.
Girard-Perregaux calibre GP09600-1620
The ruby zoisite is the perfect supporting player to the star of this show: the three gold bridges. In a nice bespoke touch, the three bridges have been subtly reshaped specifically for the ‘Ruby Heart’. As you can see, the finishing on the bridges, including mirror and satin polish, is excellent, the product of time-served craftsmanship. At the heart of this timepiece, Girard-Perregaux uses its manufacture calibre GP09600-1620, delivering a useful power reserve of at least 50 hours. A micro-rotor, positioned beneath the barrel, provides a convenient means of energising the mainspring.
Dauphine-style hands, presented in warm, pink gold tones, match the hue of the eponymous bridges. The lyre-shaped tourbillon whirls away at 6 o’clock secured by a golden bridge. A blued hand attached to the tourbillon ticks off the seconds. Not to be outdone, the winding barrel at 12 o’clock gets dressed up with hand engraving that flashes and reflects like snow.
Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart – closing thoughts
The 38 mm 18k pink gold case gets equally lavish treatment. The lugs shoot off sparks with brilliant-cut diamonds accented by brilliant-cut rubies. An eye-catching detail is the ruby zoisite cabochon set in the winding crown. The package comes complete with a red alligator strap paired with a diamond bejewelled buckle. It’s obvious to see that the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart was a labour of love. The model is limited to just three pieces and is available through authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Ruby Heart
- Reference: 99242B52CH01-CKHA
- Case: Steel; diameter 38 mm; height 11.35 mm; water resistance 3 ATM (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front; exhibition case back.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds on the tourbillon
- Movement: GP09600-1620; self-winding movement; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); 31 jewels; power reserve min. 50 hours; 283 components.
- Bracelet: Red alligator strap with pink gold folding buckle set with 18 diamonds (0.20ct)
- Price: $202,000 USD excluding taxes (RRP as of 4.11.2023)
- Limited Edition: 3 pieces