The history of Girard-Perregaux reaches back to 1791 when young watchmaker Jean-François Bautte signed his first watch. He became known for his thin watch movements and opened his Geneva atelier with the idea that all watchmaking trades should be housed under one roof, a concept the firm still strives for today. This comprehensive approach allows them to design, create, develop and produce all the components for their watches. In 1889, Girard-Perregaux won the gold medal at the Exposition Paris Universal Exhibition for their tourbillon with three golden bridges, it is synonymous with the brand.

Today, the brand has created many different variations, and the present watch is from the late 1990’s, featuring a tourbillon and minute repeating mechanism. The blue-grey guilloché with polished chapter ring with Roman numerals has a cool aesthetic and when one turns the watch over the sapphire crystal back reveals the heart of the watch, with three beautifully engraved gold bridges, and underneath one sights the one minute tourbillon cage. The repeat mechanism has a clear tone and quality and one can see the two hammers striking the gongs, one mark “H” for hour, the other “M” for minutes.

The Girard-Perregaux’s Three Bridge is a technical marvel, and a wonder to look at. The present watch is in lovely original condition, and a gem that is worth consideration.