In horology there has been a long tradition of musical timepieces, and with their Opera series Girard Perregaux reintroduced the concept with a modern flare. Three series were executed, number One featured a minute repeating watch with four gong Westminster chime, series Two added a perpetual calendar function. The final series, like the present watch, Opera Three featured a musical pin barrel playing music on demand and at the hour.

This wonderful example, numbered 1, has an impressive look with its oversized case and clean simple dial, enhanced by the wonderful sound of the music box. The watch plays two melodies A. W. A. Mozart’s A Little Nightmusic, or B .P. J. Tchaikovsky’s No Great Love. Through the music selector in the band, one can choose what to listen to on demand, or as each hour passes ‘au passage’, the melody will play. In excellent overall condition this timepiece makes for both a whimsical and complicated addition and is sure to bring enjoyment to the wearer.