A lot of people ask me the question about the retail prices of high-end watches. Essentially what they are alluding to is whether these amazing timepieces offer good value for money. My answer has always been that the cost is relative and down to personal preference. This argument could be applied to all luxury goods including cars, jewelry, fine art etc. When I established this website my primary objective was to concentrate on good design rather than the political aspects of the industry.
A few months ago I wrote a couple of articles featuring the sensational Constant Force and the more rugged Hawk Diver. Both are fantastic watches that display completely different characteristics. They also illustrate how versatile Girard Perregaux is as a watchmaker. Recently the brand has released a superb limited edition (based on the Hawk Diver) called ‘Mission of Mermaids’. This sensational timepiece was designed in collaboration with documentary maker Susan Rockefeller. In contrast to this robust watch, the exquisite Three Bridge Tourbillon is a much more opulent offering from the company.
The origin of the Three Bridge Tourbillon dates back over 125 years to 1894. In 1889 this innovation won a gold medal at the Paris International Exhibition. The current version is encapsulated in a modest 41mm diameter (white or pink) gold case. These classical dimensions will definitely appeal to the serious collector. I have reviewed quite a few watches of this size and have found them easy to wear. On that basis I suspect this beautiful timepiece would sit comfortably on the wrist. Realistically a watch of this caliber would only be worn for very special occasions. I think this timepiece would look wonderful with a formal dinner suit.
Aesthetically the Three Bridge Tourbillon is absolutely mind blowing. The dial perfectly displays the three highly polished gold bridges and intricate mechanics of the watch. All the detailing has been meticulously hand finished. Apparently only a few master craftsmen can achieve this level of perfection. Other stunning features include delicate gold hands and the sensational tourbillon visible through a large aperture positioned at 6 o’clock. I love the multi-layered façade that gives the timepiece a superb three-dimensional appearance. Overall this watch really is a master class in brilliant design.
The engine that powers this sensational timepiece is the phenomenal Calibre GP09600. This automatic movement comprises 31 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). Each of the mechanisms 256 components has been painstakingly assembled and decorated by hand at the company’s workshops in Switzerland. Amazingly the tourbillon is composed of 80 parts weighing a mere 0.3 grams. The Three Bridge Tourbillon features hours, minutes and small seconds on the tourbillon. It also has a power reserve of 48 hours and is water resistant to a depth of thirty metres.
The divine Three Bridge Tourbillon is limited to only 50 pieces and has a hand stitched black alligator leather with matching gold buckle. Priced for the connoisseur at: $244,640.
