Girard-Perregaux Bi-Axial Tourbillon Watch Announced For SIHH 2008

The Girard-Perregaux Bi-Axial Tourbillon watch will carry on the legend of the tourbillon with three gold bridges, long an achievement of pride for this venerable Swiss manufacturer.  Within a stately 45mm brushed rose gold case, this limited edition Girard-Perregaux watch shows off an innovative bi-axial tourbillon, which compensates for errors in multiple positions rather than just the vertical position, which traditional toubillon watches do.

Comprising 130 individual components, the tourbillon features two concentric cages, which weigh just 0.80 grams.  The inner cage, complete with the balance, balance spring, and escapement rotates on its axis once every 45 seconds, while the external cage revolves over the course of one minute and 15 seconds.  Two co-axial spring barrels ensure a power reserve of 72 hours, with a constant energy flow.

The design of the Girard-Perregaux Bi-Axial Tourbillon watch features a unique satin-finished dial which highlights the striking beveled profile of the gold bridges.  The inspiration for the bridge design is a pocket watch created by Constant Girard which won a first-class prize from the Neuchâtel Observatory in the 1860's.  Completed by an alligator strap and a pink gold folding clasp, the Bi-Axial Tourbillon watch will be limited to an edition of 33 pieces.