Manufacturer: Girard Perregaux Year: Circa 2012 Reference No: 99150 Movement No: No. 2 Model Name: Three Gold Bridges Tourbillon Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 9981, 46 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Girard Perregaux pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Girard Perregaux additional crocodile strap, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Girard-Perregaux's first tourbillon with three gold bridges, patented in 1884 by founder Constant Girard, represents a zenith of aesthetics, technical artistry, and symbolism in watchmaking history. At the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition, this peerless tourbillon garnered a gold medal, then was declared hors concours, as no other could match its mastery.
This refined 40mm platinum tourbillon chronograph model pays homage to the original design while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic for its dial. Through the sapphire caseback, the decorated movement takes center stage. The three bridges form the mainplate, supporting the tourbillon, barrel, and gear train in an architecturally elegant format. Circular graining adorns the bridges while the tourbillon cage is engraved by hand, showcasing Girard-Perregaux's mastery of fine finishing.
Preserved in excellent overall condition, the present tourbillon chronograph is a rare gem for the connoisseur who appreciates fine watchmaking without ostentatious display.
Celebrating its 225th anniversary in 2016, the company earned its fame as the first vertically integrated Swiss watchmaking company, manufacturing high-grade movements, cases and dials within its premises. Particularly noteworthy are the brand's three-gold-bridge tourbillon pocket watches built by Constant Girard beginning in 1867 — considered amongst the most beautiful movement architectures ever made. An active participant in Switzerland's observatory chronometry competitions, the brand won so many precision awards that they were excluded from competing in 1901.
Key models include nineteenth and twentieth century pocket watches with three gold bridges, modern tourbillon wristwatches with three gold bridges, minute repeating pocket and wristwatches, as well as sport watches such as the Laureato and Sea Hawk.