Girard-Perregaux is excited to announce that the iconic La Esmeralda watch is now available in 18k white gold in the Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition, marking the first time this version has been made in white gold. The latest iteration of this renowned watch is adorned in blue and will be showcased at the 2023 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition.

The origin of La Esmeralda dates back to 1889 when Constant Girard presented an exceptional pocket watch at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Constant was not only an accomplished watchmaker, but also a lover of art and beauty. In 1867, he created a tourbillon chronometer with three nickel silver bridges, reimagining the bridge’s role as an aesthetic part of the watch movement. Over time, he refined the appearance of the bridges, ultimately creating the gold three bridges in La Esmeralda. The watch’s exceptional accuracy and beauty earned it a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle.

The 1889 Exposition Universelle was held during a time of optimism, where ambition and aesthetics were intertwined. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the event, a testament to both engineering and art. This era of creativity and design is exemplified by the Bridges collection, which pays tribute to Constant’s innovative design philosophy.

The modern interpretation of La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition retains the design of the original 1889 watch but is designed to be worn on the wrist, in line with contemporary preferences. The watch features an 18k white gold case with hand-engraving and grand feu enamel, with blue, green, and grey color options available upon request, limited to 18 pieces per color.

The self-winding GP09600-2083 movement, equipped with a tourbillon, powers the La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition. The movement is adorned with exquisite finishes, applied with great care and attention to detail, in honor of Constant Girard’s legacy of masterful design and mechanical excellence.