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Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon Honours an Icon
Swiss luxury watch brand Girard-Perregaux has created a one-off model in tribute to an iconic pocket chronometer from the late 19th century called “La Esmeralda”.
Honouring the masterpiece that was first unveiled at the 1889 Universal Exhibition in Paris by La Chaux-de-Fonds, the one-off La Esmeralda Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges is the latest addition to Girard-Perregaux’s Historical collection.
Created in wrist watch form, it displays the same level of decoration as its forbearer qualifying it as a prime example of fine watchmaking.
The finish of the case, the bridge arrows and movement is all done by hand, while the upper mainplate is hand-engraved to highlight the radiant guilloché motif. The barrel, meanwhile, is satin-brushed, chamfered and also engraved with a spiral motif.
The ornate lower mainplate is adorned with a Côtes de Genève motif and concentric circular graining and the entirely hand-engraved pink gold case measuring 44mm exhibits the same motifs adorning the 1889 model.
For the first time, the new La Esmeralda also features a cover protecting the back of the model, which is fitted with a triple sapphire crystal that gives a panoramic view of the movement.
Other notable features include a black hand-sewn alligator leather strap secured by a pink gold folding clasp.
Founded in Switzerland in 1791, Girard-Perregaux has grown to become one of the world’s most famous watch brands.