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News June 2010
Bi-axial Tourbillon white gold
A remarkable tribute to its heritage
The Watch Quote™ - June 4th, 2010
The origins of the Bi-axial Tourbillon stretch back to a centuries-old quest: the one for precision in time measurement. At the start of the 19th century, chronometry was marked by a decisive invention: the Tourbillon. This device could compensate for rate irregularities due to the Earth's gravity in upright positions, by means of a mobile cage bearing the regulating part of the watch. The La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaker Constant Girard-Perregaux incorporated this device into his watches and after years of research presented the famous Tourbillon with three gold Bridges, which was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889.
Directly inspired by this tradition, Girard-Perregaux has presented another spectacular creation: the Bi-axial Tourbillon, combining two concentric cages, enables the regulating part to make multi-dimensional rotations. Visible both via the dial and the case-back, the complex mechanism has an astounding delicacy. This genuine aerial ballet offers an extraordinary spectacle, while the alternation of positions enables excellent rate precision.
The construction of this astonishingly modern piece is enhanced by an aesthetic that instantly evokes the Girard-Perregaux tradition. This straight and finely hollowed bridge version was inspired in particular by a pocket watch created in the 1860s. The tribute to the master watchmaker can be found in every detail of the Bi-axial Tourbillon finishes: the elliptical decoration on the barrel reproduces the pattern on Constant Girard's pocket watch. The bridges are satin-finished, and their bevels are carefully hand polished, to achieve a flawless finish and a completely clean bevel on this tiny precious metal element. After lavish attentions, the majestic forty-five millimetre diameter white gold case is ready to receive the Tourbillon mechanism.
The history of Girard-Perregaux brought to life in both the aesthetics and technology of the Bi-axial Tourbillon. Everything comes together to make this Haute Horlogerie creation an exceptional model. Even the number of pieces, with just thirty-three to be released.
Focus on the Bi-axial Tourbillon
The Bi-axial Tourbillon combines two concentric cages and enables the regulating part to make multi-dimensional rotations. An internal cage bearing the balance, balance spring and escapement completes one turn on its axis in forty-five seconds. An external cage completes one revolution in one minute and fifteen seconds, enabling a rotation on its second axis. A full revolution is completed in three minutes and forty-five seconds. The two cages weigh just 0.80 grams, yet comprise a total of over one hundred and ten components. A combination of gold, steel and titanium, the cage materials were chosen to provide the best balance and greatest performance.
Girard-Perregaux Bi-axial Tourbillon white gold
Technical specifications
| Case | : | white gold |
| Diameter | : | 45 mm |
| Height | : | 18.50 mm |
| Ccrystal | : | sapphire |
| Case-back | : | sapphire secured by 6 screws |
| Water resistance | : | 30 metres |
| Movement | : | Girard-Perregaux GPE0201 mechanical with manual winding |
| Calibre | : | 15 1/3 ’’’ |
| Fitting diameter | : | 34 mm |
| Frequency | : | 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz) |
| Tourbillon | : | 113 components, 0.80 grams, one complete revolution in 3 minutes and 45 seconds |
| Variable inertia balance | : | fitted with gold adjustment screws |
| Balance spring | : | Phillips curve; Geneva Stud |
| Jewels | : | 28 |
| Main plate | : | nickel silver |
| Barrel bridges and central bridge | : | pink gold |
| Power reserve | : | min. 72 hours, two quick-turning coaxial barrels |
| Functions | : | Bi-axial Tourbillon, hour, minute |
| Strap | : | alligator with pink gold folding buckle |
| Limited edition | : | of 33 pieces |
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