It was at the 1889 Universal Exhibition in Paris where a watch from La Chaux-de-Fonds created a stir amongst the visitors and went on win a gold medal at the expo. As a tribute to the iconic pocket chronometer which went by the “La Esmeralda,” Girard-Perregaux has created a one-off model with the same name which is an expression of admiration for a major horological work on both technical and artistic levels. Honoring the true masterpiece from the Girard-Perregaux Historical collections, the La Esmeralda Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges “À secret” is direct decedent of the original. Created in the wrist watch form, it displays the same level of decoration as its forbearer qualifying it to be a prime example of fine watchmaking.
The finish of the case, the bridge arrows and movement is all done by hand and is second to none. The upper mainplate is hand-engraved to highlight the radiant guilloché motif, while the barrel 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. The entirely hand-engraved pink gold case measuring 44mm exhibits the same motifs adorning the 1889 model. The watch carries a secret and hence the name. For the first time, the new La Esmeralda features a cover protecting the back of the model. The model is fitted with a triple sapphire crystal that gives a panoramic view of the movement. The one-of-a-kind watch has a black hand-sewn alligator leather strap secured by a pink gold folding clasp.
