Three Bridges Tourbillon Skeleton, Unique Piece, Titanium

A unique and strikingly red edition of the skeletonised Girard Perregaux Tourbillon*, featuring a titanium case unusual for the period it was created in. Each aspect of this watch has been beautifully finished and decorated, not only integrating a historical movement, but further elevating this into a work of art.

A unique piece commissioned in 1996 for Girard Perregaux's UK agent at the time, Marcus Margulies' Time Products Luxury Limited, this was one of three specialist watches exclusively designed for their commercial partner. A notable feature besides the highly acclaimed movement is the matte titanium case found on this piece. This is especially unusual, as few watches were made from this metal during this period. Furthermore, at 39mm in size, the watch belongs to a time of growing appetites for larger watches, though wears closer to 38mm on the wrist.

Initially created for pocket watches, the Three Bridges movement has a historic lineage that stretches back to the 19th century, when Constant Girard created a pocket watch with a tourbillon and three parallel bridges. The movement won first place in the 1867 and 1889 Paris World Exhibitions as well as the Neuchâtel Observatory Prize in 1911 – one of the most prestigious competitions to determine the accuracy of certain timepieces. As a testament to the movement’s accuracy, it was even rejected from several competitions because it was considered too perfect, to prevent the watch from winning repeatedly. Later on, in 1883, the bridges were styled with arrow-like tips that because a patented design. The movement was miniaturised to wristwatch size in 1986 and presented at Baselworld five years later.

This example features a particularly striking shade of red across each of the three rose-gold bridges, achieved through the application of cloisonné enamel over the topmost surface. The sharply bevelled edges of each bridge are also visible, outlining each of the arrow-tips and shafts while also providing a remarkable sense of depth. The bridges themselves appear to be suspended in mid-air, over the tourbillon and other components, symmetrically placed in a vertical arrangement. A brushed time-telling chapter ring encircles the main dial, providing a tasteful yet unobtrusive border.

The skeletonised dial also allows for a glimpse of an “oeil-de-perdrix” (overlapping circular patterns) decoration in the upper-right section of the dial, a motif that is carried on to the reverse of the watch, where the movement is visible through a sapphire caseback. There is intricate engraving throughout, as well as beautiful finishing in the form of anglage and brushed surfaces. The movement also bears the engraving "Girard Perregaux" as well as the year the watch is likely to have been delivered, "1997".

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Girard Perregaux Tourbillion Skeleton Titanium will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Girard Perregaux Tourbillion Skeleton is in very good overall condition. The brushed titanium case and lugs show light superficial marks throughout, consistent with minor wear over time. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. All engravings on the caseback and buckle are crisp and well defined.

Whilst the movement is in excellent cosmetic condition, a service is recommended. This can be arranged with Girard Perregaux at the buyer's expense.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.