Girard-Perregaux releases two new watches, the Free Bridge and Free Bridge Infinity. These new models pay respect to GP’s legendary Three Bridges of 1867. The Free Bridge is the base model, and the Free Bridge Infinity is limited to 88 pieces. Both are in stainless steel with the Infinity Edition with black DLC.
Girard-Perregaux Free Bridge & Free Bridge Infinity Edition
“Girard-Perregaux is known for Swiss-made excellence and innovative horology. With these models, our master watchmakers have reimagined the company’s famous Bridges, first seen in the 1860s. The designs of the Free Bridge and the Free Bridge Infinity Edition have been refined for today and beyond. Furthermore, the styling of each model proves stunning and, despite the execution of both references, these watches remain comparatively accessible.”
Girard-Perregaux’s CEO, Patrick Pruniaux.
The Free Bridge and its close sibling, the Free Bridge Infinity Edition are endowed with a distinctive arrow-shaped, Neo Bridge that spans the base of the mainplate. Its shape upholds the Maison’s iconic arrow-shaped bridge design, but simultaneously reinterprets the contemporary structures often seen in architecture. Despite Girard-Perregaux being duly proud of its past, it has not let this impair creativity or progress.
In contrast to a conventional sapphire crystal, both models are fitted with a newly designed sapphire crystal box, featuring a distinctive dome shape. It requires four to five times more material in order to create the domed shape and necessitates incredible skill to polish the crystal to a blemish-free conclusion. The movement opening, between 6 o’clock and noon, bathes the exposed movement components with an abundance of light. The inverted movement affords stunning dial-side views of various components, often hidden from view, including the balance, the escapement and the barrel positioned at the top of the dial.
The self-winding GP01800-1170 perpetuates the company’s reputation for fine watchmaking. The movement is embellished with Côtes de Genève motif, bevelling, sandblasting and snailing. The specification of the Infinity Edition also includes an 18-carat pink gold oscillating weight. The Maison’s Eagle symbol adorns the calibre, testifying that it is a Manufacture movement.
Both the Free Bridge and the Free Bridge Infinity Edition feature an hour bridge which draws the onlookers gaze to the barrel and the oscillating balance wheel. On the Free Bridge, this hour bridge is satin-finished and hand-bevelled, while the hour bridge on the Free Bridge Infinity Edition is formed of onyx, a material which exhibits the darkest shade of intense black. The hour bridge encompasses straight lines which sit in contrast with the arcing lines of the case. The Free Bridge is housed in a 44mm steel case, while its counterpart, the Free Bridge Infinity Edition, assumes a stealthy appearance courtesy of its DLC treatment.
The Free Bridge features skeletonised Dauphine-style hands that collaborate with suspended indexes to impart the prevailing time. The suspended indexes reinforce the model’s three-dimensional design language.
The Free Bridge Infinity Edition employs golden hues to deliver an alternative persona. The colour-coordinated strap on both models is enriched with two prominent stitches adjacent to each lug, presented in a contrasting shade. Moving forward, this design element will become a recurring GP signature design element.
The Free Bridge is a new pillar of the Bridges collection and is available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers from October 2020.
The Free Bridge Infinity Edition is limited to 88 pieces and is available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers from October 2020.
FREE BRIDGE
Reference: 82000-11-631-FA6A
World price: CHF 16,250
Case Material: steel Diameter: 44.00 mm Height: 12.20 mm Glass: anti-reflective sapphire crystal “box” Case-back: anti-reflective sapphire crystal Dial: ring displaying suspended indexes with luminescent material Hands: ‘Dauphine’ type, skeletonized, rhodium-plated with luminescent material Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Movement Reference: GP01800-1170 Self-winding mechanical movement Diameter: 36.20 mm (16’’’) Height: 5.94 mm Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz) Number of components: 185 Number of jewels: 23 Power reserve: min. 54 hours Functions: Hours, minutes
Strap Material: black calf leather with a fabric effect Buckle: triple folding, steel
FREE BRIDGE INFINITY EDITION
Reference: 82000-11-632-FA6A
Limited edition of 88 pieces
World Price: CHF 19,410
Case Material: steel with DLC treatment Diameter: 44.00 mm Height: 12.20 mm Glass: anti-reflective sapphire crystal “box” Case-back: anti-reflective sapphire crystal Dial: ring displaying pink gold suspended indexes with luminescent material Hands: ‘Dauphine’ type, skeletonized, rhodium-plated with luminescent material Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Movement Reference: GP01800-1170 Self-winding mechanical movement with pink gold oscillating weight Diameter: 36.20 mm (16’’’) Height: 5.94 mm Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz) Number of components: 185 Number of jewels: 23 Power reserve: min. 54 hours Functions: Hours, minutes
Strap Material: black alligator with black and pink gold-coloured stitching, glossy effect between the scales Buckle: triple folding, titanium blades, ceramic cover
