Girard-Perregaux Esmeralda Tourbillon Watch – Full Review
The Girard-Perregaux Esmeralda Tourbillon Watch is a modern reinterpretation of the historic 1884 Three Bridges Tourbillon designed by Constant Girard. First unveiled at Baselworld 2016, this exceptional timepiece won the Best Tourbillon award at the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), highlighting its technical and aesthetic brilliance.
Design Inspired by the Original La Esmeralda
Unlike traditional pocket-watch layouts that conceal the movement, the modern Esmeralda Tourbillon showcases the entire mechanism on the dial. The three distinctive gold bridges—each secured at both ends with the signature dual-arrow motif—highlight key functional components: the first bridge holds the barrel, the second spans the wheel train, and the third supports the tourbillon cage. This transparent approach emphasizes both engineering ingenuity and visual appeal.
Movement – GP09400-0004 Self-Winding Tourbillon
The Esmeralda is equipped with the in-house GP09400-0004 self-winding mechanical movement. Although it appears manual-winding at first glance, a hidden miniature oscillating weight behind the barrel at 12 o’clock provides automatic winding, allowing a comfortable 60-hour power reserve. This clever engineering ensures consistent performance while preserving the visual purity of the three-bridge architecture.
Case, Materials & Wearing Experience
The 44 mm rose-gold case has a thickness of 14.55 mm, featuring a sapphire crystal caseback to admire the intricate movement. Needle-shaped hands indicate the hours and minutes with classic elegance. A black alligator leather strap with a rose-gold triple-fold clasp completes the luxurious wrist presence. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, emphasizing its combination of elegance and practicality.
Specifications
Girard-Perregaux Esmeralda Tourbillon Watch
Rose gold case, 44 mm diameter, 14.55 mm thickness, sapphire crystal caseback, needle-shaped hands, GP09400-0004 self-winding mechanical movement, 27 jewels, 21,600 vph, 60-hour power reserve, black alligator leather strap, rose-gold triple-fold clasp, water resistant 30 meters.
Complication: Tourbillon
Official Reference:
Girard-Perregaux Official Website
