Girard-Perregaux Esmeralda à Secret Eternity Edition

amanico · 2021-11-24T10:48:04Z

Explore the Girard Perregaux Esmeralda à Secret, Eternity Edition. Amanico reviews the 2021 model, comparing it to previous versions and discussing design and movement changes.

amanico

WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum

26 replies3975 views5 photos

Amanico, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, offers an insightful first look at the Girard Perregaux Esmeralda à Secret, Eternity Edition. His detailed comparison of the 2021 model with its 2018 and 2019 predecessors provides crucial context for collectors interested in the evolution of this iconic reference. Amanico's analysis highlights key design and movement changes, making his initial impressions invaluable for understanding GP's high-horology direction.

If you regularly follow our Girard Perregaux Forum, you know that in 2016, the Blue House introduced in the catalog the Esmeralda, but in a wrist watch, not like the ancestor which was one of the most delicious pocket watch ever made.

Then, in 2018 we had a second edition, which was called " A secret " with a decorated case and a hinged case back.

In 2019 we had a less sophisticated ( cleaner? ) version, in white gold. A photo of the three, side by side:

And here is the link to my review, posted in 2019:

www.watchprosite.com

Today, we just received the first press files photos allowing us to discover the new one, the Esmeralda à Secret, Eternity Edition, limited to 18 pieces.

You got it, the 2021 edition is close to the 2018 version, by the concept ( decorated-engraved- case / hinged case back / Tourbillon with three gold bridges ) and by name as the 2021 and the 2018 editions share the same name: " A Secret ".

But there is much more to say, as there are some clear differences:

- The presence of a horse, at 1 and 7 o'clock.

- Guilloché blue enamel on the dial and outside the hinged case back, but also on the case side.

- A different decoration / engraving of the bezel and the top of the lugs.

- A more subtle difference is the case proportions... The former ones were 44 mm big, and, without the hinged case back, 14, 55 mm high. With the hinged case back, it is 15, 25 mm high.

With the 2021 edition, the case is one millimeter smaller ( 43 mm ) and 15, 10 mm high. Of course, I am impatient to judge by myself the proportions in the real world. I guess it won't be a spectacular change, though.

- A word on the movement, just one word, as I have to check that, but on the press files, it is said that the movement of this new Esmeralda is the Cal GP 9600, automatic, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and with a power reserve of 50 hours. While the former Esmeralda had the Cal 9400, which is very close, but with a power reserve of... 90 hours. Once again, to be checked.

But one thing is sure, this is one of the most delicious and refined automatic movement and tourbillon I know.

While I admire the concept and the execution, I must confess I feel closer to the 2019 version, which I find cleaner, more " pure " . The best of the best, for me, would be to have the hinged case back on the 2019 version, because I find this idea sublime, even if it costs a bit in terms of height.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The 2021 Esmeralda à Secret, Eternity Edition, while stunning, might appear 'overloaded' to some potential buyers, suggesting a strategic shift by Girard Perregaux towards increasingly high-end, ornate pieces.
A key question arose regarding the automatic winding mechanism, as no visible rotor is apparent. This prompted speculation about a hidden or unconventional winding system, such as one located under the movement.
The power reserve discrepancy across recent Esmeralda models (50 hours for 2021 'A Secret', 60 hours for 2021 Anniversary, and 90 hours for 2018 'A Secret') indicates variations in the Caliber GP 9600 and GP 9400 movements, warranting further investigation into their construction.
The self-winding mechanism for the Girard Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, including the rotor's placement, can be understood through detailed deconstruction analyses available from independent watchmakers.
The hinged 'officer's' case back on the Esmeralda à Secret is a highly appreciated feature, even if its ornate nature might be considered 'too much' by some, adding to the watch's artistic appeal.

The Discussion

enjoythemusic

Nov 24, 2021

Should display this timepiece in Ocala FL @ the World Equestrian Center. It'll sell fast!

BigFatPauli

Nov 24, 2021

As always, and interesting read. One question (not that I am a customer for this watch) but it says it is automatic. I do not see a winding rotor, centrally mounted, micro, peripheral or otherwise... Pardon my ignorance, but where is the self-winding mechanism? Is it perhaps under the movement like the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph?

gadalex

Nov 24, 2021

See the link below for a deconstruction of the movement and a view of the rotor. www.thenakedwatchmaker.com Regards, Baruch

MTR

Nov 24, 2021

For me as a potential buyer of a GP Tourbillon this version is a little bit too … overloaded, but it is a really stunning piece of art and it is interesting to see how GP develops and that they seem to focus more and more on high(est) end watches. Or is this just an impression due to their promotion work? That the PR should be 40h shorter I can just explain with the thoughts that the (smaller?) movement might be constructed in a different way. I am very curious to read more about it. Thanks for

MTR

Nov 24, 2021

By the way: the movement of the in summer announced 230th Anniversary version (GP09400-1273: self-winding movement with tourbillon, hours, minutes and small seconds) has a 60-hour power reserve. So we know now 3 “versions” of PR: 50 (2021 “A secret”, 60 (2021 Anniversary) and 90 hours (2018 “A secret”).

Credor

Nov 24, 2021

Too bad that it's unique and inaccessible. I do prefer it over the 2021 version but I am happy to see that there is a new version. I hope to see more versions in the future.

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