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News May 2007
Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon
Precision of the greatest watchmaking complications
and uncertainty of games of chance
The Watch Quote™ - May 4th, 2007
More than original, the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon shakes up accepted traditions. Who thought that the precision of the greatest watchmaking complications could never harmonize with the uncertainty of games of chance? Girard-Perregaux merges these two worlds in one exclusive Haute Horlogerie model of unexpected complexity. For the first time, a watch combines a Tourbillon and a slot machine equipped with a striking mechanism in perfect proportion with the Vintage 1945 case.
On the dial, a window at 12 o’clock reveals a row of three symbols, while a cut-out at 6 o’clock lets one admire the gold Bridge and the Tourbillon cage. The magic of the game is set in motion by pulling the handle on the right side of the case. The three reels spin and then stop randomly on one of the possible five symbols, while a hammer strikes a gong, producing the happy chime reminiscent of the gaming machines in a casino. Out of the 125 combinations, only one represents the jackpot: the three bells in a row.
The technology that breathes life into this unique wonder has nothing to do with chance. To attain this prowess, the challenges were numerous: associating the art of watchmaking with a gaming machine and succeeding in miniaturizing and integrating all the functions. Far from simply adding a game extension to an existing movement, Girard-Perregaux decided to embark upon a completely new design. Months of development were needed to conceive the new and entirely integrated calibre, GPFAY08 Jackpot Tourbillon. The whole gaming machine is operating by a rack, which starts and stops the reels and activates the chimes.
For this exceptional watch, destined to be worn on the wrists of a privileged few, the concentration on detail involved an intricate choice of the symbols. These are reproductions of those found in the first mechanical slot machine, the famous “Liberty Bell”, invented at the end of the 19th century and so named with reference to the independence of the United States of America. On the gold reels, hollowed out and then delicately lacquered, the suits of spades, hearts, diamonds, horseshoes and the famous bells, appear at random.
Fitted with a crystal back revealing the movement, the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon illustrates Girard Perregaux’s complete mastery in matters of rare and precious timekeepers. In this example, the Manufacture combines its art with the pleasure of an exclusive object of amusement. Dare we wager that lovers of games of chance will not be the only people to fall under its spell? 
Slot machine mechanism
The handle on the side of the case is connected to a rack. By pulling the handle, the rack slides up. When the rack reaches its highest point, and only then (a so called “all or nothing mechanism”), it starts the reels spinning and slowly slides back down. When it has returned approximately two thirds of the way, it activates stoppers, which stop the reels one by one, and synchronically activates the striking mechanism.
Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon
Technical specifications
Pink gold case | ||
| Dimensions | : | 43.00 x 43.95 mm |
| Height | : | 17.30 mm |
| Antireflective sapphire crystal | ||
| See-through case back, fastened with 4 screws | ||
| Water-resistant to 30 metres | ||
Movement | ||
| GIRARD-PERREGAUX GPFAY08 Jackpot Tourbillon under gold Bridge | ||
| Mechanical | : | manual winding |
| Calibre | : | 38.60 x 32.60 mm |
| Frequency | : | 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz) |
| Power reserve | : | min. 96 hours (4 days) |
| Functions | : | hour, minute, small seconds on the Tourbillon, slot machine and striking mechanism |
| Alligator strap with folding clasp | ||
to the Cosmograph Daytona
