Girard-Perregaux - Tri-Axial Tourbillon

A demonstration of watchmaking mastery, the Tri-Axial Tourbillon presented by Girard-Perregaux at BaselWorld 2014, optimizes the chronometric performance and showcases a captivating spectacle. The Tri-Axial Tourbillon features a regulator on three separate axes. Only 10 pieces of the Girard-Perregaux Tri-Axial Tourbillon (ref. 99815-52-251-BA6A) will be produced.

A demonstration of watchmaking mastery, the Tri-Axial Tourbillon presented by Girard-Perregaux at BaselWorld 2014 optimises the chronometric performance and showcases a captivating spectacle. 

The Tri-Axial Tourbillon features a regulator on three separate axes. The tourbillon cage, performing one rotation in one minute, is integrated within a structure positioned on a second axis which performs a complete rotation in 30 seconds. Finally, both are inserted into a third system placed on a third axis which performs one rotation in 2 minutes. The total diameter of the ensemble comes to 13.78 mm. 

The cage and the drive systems, weighing just 1.24 grams, are made of steel with the support pillars in titanium or in rose gold. The balance, integrating 16 rose gold adjustment micro-screws beats at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour. In order to provide the necessary interior volume for housing the tourbillon's triple cage, it was necessary to integrate a domed lens that rests against the sapphire crystal.

Hours and minutes are indicated by skeleton-shaped dauphine hands crafted from rose gold and displayed in the silver dial placed at half past one. The power reserve indicator starts at the centre of the watch to end at 6 o'clock. Designed graphically to form an array of circles and curves, the dial presents concentric, regular stripes in the empty areas.

Not just a technical masterpiece, the tri-axial tourbillon system is also finely decorated and finished by hand with mirror-polished surfaces and perfect chamfering even on inward angles. The gear train is circular-grained and the sides are satin-brushed. 

The 48 mm rose gold case is characterised by a large bevelled bezel in line with the design codes of Girard-Perregaux's Haute Horlogerie collection. A toric-shaped sapphire crystal is also integrated into the side of the case at 9 o'clock in order to show the rotation of the tourbillon  from another angle. 

The sapphire crystal case-back reveals the entire movement and, in particular, the satiny circular bridge engraved with the words "Tri-Axial" that supports the differential of the tourbillon system. A plaque in the arrow shape of the Tourbillon with Three Bridges' iconic bridges bears the individual number of each piece. This shape is also found on the gold bridges also visible on the back of the movement. 

The new GP09300 mechanical calibre with manual winding comprises 317 components and has a minimum power reserve of 52 hours. 

Only 10 pieces of the Girard-Perregaux Tri-Axial Tourbillon (ref. 99815-52-251-BA6A) will be produced.