With the movements in our watches, we’re often reduced to simply knowing what movement is inside the case, or perhaps seeing a view of it through an exhibition caseback. And then you have designs where the movement is not only fully on display, the artistry elevates the overall look of the watch. Such is the case with the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement.
Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement: Evolution
The Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is an evolution and perfection of the technology that was introduced a decade ago, which itself was a move-to-production of a concept from 2008, that in turn built on a design from Constant Girard from 1867. So, to say this was a long time coming would be an understatement.
Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement: Innovation
What the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is attempting to address is a common problem in a mechanical watch. Namely, the amount of force that is being applied from the spring barrel into the movement is strongest when fully wound, and necessarily becomes less and less as the spring unwinds. How do you address that? By working with silicium to create a “blade” that allows for a constant supply of force into the gear train, thereby creating a consistent accuracy within the mechanics.
This piece of silicium, which is thinner than a human hair, regulates the energy being dispersed, and is prominently visible in the design. It’s a testament to the engineering that something so fine can be so prominently displayed, as well as being robust enough to live life on your wrist. Past that, I just enjoy the overall look, and that so much of the movement design is on display from both sides of the case.
Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement
Price
With the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement, this shows how to properly put a movement on display without negatively impacting the primary job of a watch – to tell the time. In other words, it’s a delight, particularly for those of us who are fans of these miniature machines on our wrists. To put this beauty onto yours, you’re looking at $99,600. So, yeah, this is definitely in the realm of “not in this lifetime” for most of us, but ah, perchance to dream. girard-perregaux.com
Tech Specs from Girard-Perregaux
- Case
- Material: titanium
- Diameter: 45.00 mm
- Height: 14.80 mm
- Glass: sapphire anti-reflective ‘box’
- Case-back: sapphire crystal
- Dial: ring displaying suspended indexes with luminescent material (blue emission)
- Hands: skeletonized, rhodium-plated, ’dauphine’ type with luminescent material (blue emission)
- Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
- Movement
- Reference: GP09200-1153
- Hand-wound mechanical movement
- COSC-certified Chronometer
- Diameter: 39.50 mm (171/2’’’)
- Height: 7.40 mm
- Frequency: 21,600 Vib/h – (3 Hz)
- Number of components: 266
- Number of jewels: 29
- Power reserve: min. 7 days
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, power reserve indicator
- Strap
- Material: black rubber strap with fabric effect
- Buckle: titanium triple folding buckle with micro-adjustment system
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Author Expertise / Author Experience
Patrick Kansa
A big data developer and leader with a penchant for gadgets, books, watches and beverages. You can find my work on WristWatchReview. If you’re on Twitter and/or Instagram, you’ll find me there as @PatrickWatches.
