It’s been a decade since Girard-Perregaux (GP) shattered the norms of traditional watchmaking with the introduction of the Constant Escapement. This groundbreaking timepiece showcased a novel design, marking one of the earliest examples of a true constant force escapement, and it earned GP the prestigious ‘Aiguille D’Or’ at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Now, GP is back with a refined version of this horological marvel—the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement.
The Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement boasts a more contemporary 45mm width and a 14.8mm thickness, a reduction from the original 48mm size, encased in lightweight titanium. The watch has undergone aesthetic improvements that enhance its legibility while maintaining its futuristic skeletonized appearance.
At the heart of the Neo Constant Escapement is its constant force escapement, a concept that addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent power delivery to the balance wheel over time. In traditional watches with lever escapements, as the mainspring unwinds, the amplitude drops, leading to decreased accuracy. GP’s innovative escapement, introduced in 2013, overcame this issue with a complex mechanism built into the escapement itself, ensuring a constant force.
Although the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement may look similar to its predecessor, it incorporates technical advancements, including an increased use of silicon components and a reduction in the number of parts, resulting in reduced friction and improved efficiency. The redesigned movement, Girard Perregaux GP09200-1153 — skeletonized in-house caliber, features a self-starting mechanism, and the placement of the hands at the center post enhances legibility.
Girard-Perregaux plans to produce only 50 to 60 of these intricate timepieces annually, starting in January 2024, due to the complexity of construction and the limited number of watchmakers qualified to work on the movement. With a price tag of $99,600, the Neo Constant Escapement appeals to those with a deep appreciation for high-end horology and serves as a gateway for others to explore the world of complex watches.
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