Girard Perregaux’s Opera One is the first in a series of three complicated timepieces the brand produced between the late 1990s and early 2000s. Opera One featured a minute repeating carillon tourbillon movement, Opera Two added a perpetual calendar function, while Opera Three featured a perpetual calendar and musical movement. Each has a highly complicated and refined movement.
The present example is in lovely condition and is ‘Numero 1’ of the Opera One series. The case has a strong masculine presence, and stands out with its blue dial. The movement is one of a very few to feature a four gong Westminster carillon. Through open apertures one can see each of the four gongs striking when the repeat function is activated. Each of the four hammers is marked according to piano keys, Sol-Do-Ré and M (G-C-D-E). The watch is impressive and a delight to hear with the passing hours.