Girard Perregaux

G'day,

i thought these might be interesting; the first picture was subject of an earlier post, but the other two are unseen before. Which includes any other place

At Girard-Perregaux, a lot of ongoing developments will lead to some surprises in 2007 and later.
This not only refers to new calibers and new models, but what and how t is done in the same degree. In some way, it is about taking things to a higher level, which is quite a task for a likewise small and independant family-owned brand like Girard-Perregaux.
We´ve seen earlier work and insights of the finishing department; that´s where the decorative finishing like Geneva Stripes and Perlage comes from since some month ago. But of course this isn´t limited to GP´s more "conventional" pieces - actually the Haute Horlogerie department prepares for some surprises either

True luxury in this regard is a fine finish and that´s a field never over-emphasized at Girard-Perregaux before. Of course GP timepieces are finely made and nicely decorated, but design and wearability, as well as practical features, always hold up with this. It´s not about making beautiful "artwork" that looks nice, but can´t be worn
Yet the global demand for special finish and unusual decoration is not overseen and that´s where the "Special Forces" department at GP comes to play.

Some of the current projects refer to finish and decoration, with a glimpse at possible results to be seen here. These are unique pieces and one might say they are exploring the future, in that rarely seen methods of decoration are applied.

The first piece is a matté gold-plating. Traditionally matté or "frosted gold" finishing involves high portions of mercury to prepare the plates and bridges, which in the old days accounted for high health risks and actually a lot of lethal accidents. Thus "frosted gold" finish is a different method today, not the least as the use of mercury isn´t allowed in the old way anymore.
I find this to be a very traditional, beautiful look. It´s craftmanship par excellance, which is continued in the steel works. Such as the "wolf´s teeth" wheels, which are mirror-polished or get a fine brushed finish. The flanks are polished either, as are the anglage and flanks of the bridges.






The same caliber can appear completely different and literally in a different light if applying a different decoration!
This time, a "sunrail"-style Geneva Stripe decoration for the bridges, which again are gold-plated. And just see the most lovely anglaged and polished bridges, as well as the different and fine finish of the wheels!



I´d say this is quite promising to make some (less than 5, i might add) future owners very happy guys. All is hand-made and the fact it´s not a simple movement is suggesting there´s some true eye candy ahead


Greetings from Germany,

Peter

And that finishing is par excellence... very eager to see more....

nt

HI Peter,

Now you really has reached the absolute top quality! Absolute fantastic photos, I'm stunned! Congrats to these masterpieces :-)

Cheers

Doc

... these to be made on a watchmaker´s bench, with no fancy light or hardware.
To be exact, this bench:

(GP "special projects" department)

So it´s not really a photo studio :-)
Aside the fact it´s hard to compete with Steve, so i wouldn´t even wish to try!

The pieces under work are real stunners; here´s the "sunray" pattern piece, a close-up of the escapement and regulation:



I do find the steel parts to be very nicely finished. If you look at the "swan´s neck" regulating index, you can see why it´s called a mirror-polishing :-)
I found these beautiful and the fact it´s hand-made makes it even more special. Sure you need tools like burnishers or files, but then i think it´s apparent it´s not a machine-made finish.
It´s not yet completed, but i hope it´s somewhat visible how much work goes into these.

Still nothing like having a look at them in nature!
Which is a good chance to recall the GP visit by a group of enthusiasts in late May, so GP fans interested in joining the group shouldn´t hesitate!

Glad you like the pics and thank you for your kind comments!

Cheers,

Peter

that I forgot to comment the utmost art of watchmaking:-)

It's really Geneva Seal class, with the anglage and the modern frosted parts, which I just love!

This is an old pocket watch, frosted the dangerous way...

Cheers

Doc

Thanks for sharing Peter and Doc. Cheers.



Regards

 

I have NO idea; this due to the fact they are not completed and not encased (which makes a difference).
So i believe we´ll have to wait a bit :-)

Cheers,

Peter