Special Features

As one of the first watchmaking companies, the Girard-Perregaux artisans have developed many "firsts" over the years.

Among the company's special features:

• The gold Lépine watch, ordered by Léopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany, was created by J.F. Bautte in 1826 and firmly established the house's reputation.
• In 1867, Constant Girard's presentation of his Tourbillon with three gold bridges won a gold medal at the universal exhibitions in Paris. (This honor was later removed when the watch was found to be unequalled.)
• In 1880, Girard developed one of the first wristwatches, upon order of Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany for naval officer use. The result was the first large-scale production of wristwatches in history. Not until 1930 would the sale of wristwatches surpass the sale of pocket watches.
• Girard-Perregaux developed and manufactured the first high frequency mechanical movement, making 36,000 vibrations per hour.

Notable Watches by Girard-Perregaux

Haute Horlogerie:
The Haute Horlogerie line includes watches whose movements have technological complications like the minute repeater, perpetual calendar, moon phase, split-seconds chronograph, and Tourbillons. Some movements in this collection have several of these complications. The Tourbillon version has a three gold bridges on the case featuring two sapphire crystals, through which the watch's movement can be seen. A hand-sewn crocodile strap provides the final touch.

Vintage 1945: GMT Chronograph
As the name implies, this line was introduced in 1945. It was reintroduced into the collection in 1995 with some upgrades in various versions. This model has a retro appeal and a curved ergonomic case. The GMT chronograph has a rectangular case and comes in an automatic column-wheel chronograph. It features a full-skin, hand-stitched crocodile strap with a gold buckle.

Richeville: Chronograph Lady
Launched in 1992, this tonneau shape is simply elegant. The watch is an automatic large date, moon phase indicator. The small seconds model comes in a yellow, pink, or white gold case. The mechanical movement with its bimetallic rotor can be viewed through the transparent case back and the date is visible in the large window at 12 o'clock.