While we might think of the finished designs that Girard-Perregaux produces (such as the Laureato or Bridges), there’s no denying that there is a lot of clever design (and engineering) that goes into the movements (aka calibres) that the maison produces. That’s why the announcement of the new Girard-Perregaux GP4800 is worth being aware of.
Girard-Perregaux GP4800: what it is
Well, it’s a new watch movement, of course. What’s interesting here is that the movement was designed to answer the demand that people have now for smaller case sizes. The movement is just 25.6mm in diameter, with a thickness of 4.28mm. Being this compact will allow for some clever usage within three-hander automatics. Past that, the movement is ready to accept further complications in the future, which again should allow for more technically complex watches to be realized in a thinner-than-you-might-expect case.
The technical stuff
To help the new Girard-Perregaux GP4800 be resistant to magnetic influences (and longer-wearing), it’s relying on silicium for the escape wheel, pallet lever, and roller (aka the components that make up the escapement). On the balance, they’ve included timing screws, so they can adjust the beat rate for more accurate timing. Combine this with a barrel delivering higher torque, they’re estimating a power reserve of at least 55 hours.
Of course, with the rotor being mounted on ceramic bearings (the bearing also has it’s own shock absorber), you’re unlikely to have this running out of kinetic energy as long as you’re wearing the watch the movement is within.
The aesthetics
Of course, a movement can’t just be a solitary, industrial-looking engine. I mean, it can, but when you’re in the company of designs that G-P produces, the movement needs to look the part as well. The rotor of the Girard-Perregaux GP4800 is 18k gold, skeletonized so you can see the three separate bridges holding the components in place. Those plates are finished (there are 10 different finishing techniques used on the movement), of course, and the balance bridge is skeletonized as well, so you have a clear view of the balance wheel whirring away.
Wrapping things up
Now, unlike our normal watch posts, we’re not going to tell you a price for the movement - because this is not something you can simply buy on it’s own. However, it will be taking up residence in a new watch soon, and we’ll tell you all about that when the time is ready. For now, just know that the new movement is about to land, and feast on the photos and info we’ve got for you here. girard-perregaux.com