SUPER RARE AUTHENTIC GIRARD PERREGAUX CASQUETTE LED WATCH

Girard Perregaux Casquette LED Watch 9931 

1970s Super Rare

Limited Production Only about 2200 or 4000.

It is Highly Collectible Item For Collectors.

Calibre Module No. 396. Swiss Assembled.

The same new watch costs between $3000-$5000. 

Functions: Hour, Minute, Second

Approximate Manufacture Year ~ 1960s

Overall Condition: Extra Fine, Normal Wear

Accessories: no box, no paper

Personal collection but willing to letgo for USD3000 negotiable

Development of the "Casquette" how Girard Perregaux named this model internally began in 1974 in GP's own electronic department. Based on a high precision so called elecronic mother clock with nixie tube display to control subordinated clock units the next step was a small desktop clock where already macrolon was used for the housing. Finally the Casquette could be launched for sale in January 1976 and was produced until November 1978. Being even that innovative and courageous to invest in the development of a special module like for some of the other LED watch manufacturers to do so the production of this watch might not have been very profitable in the end. But today we owe them a spacy seventies LED watch design

Three Versions were available:

Ref. Number	Version	Historical price	Units produced
9934	18k rolled gold	SFr 775,-	2.200
9931	Stainless steel	SFr 680,-	4.000
9939	Macrolon	SFr 555,-	2.000

All versions were available with matching leather straps and several styles of braceletts, the width of the front and rear lugs being different. The grey macrolon (an especially strong and light glass-fibre strengthened polymer the first time to be used in wrist watch manufacturing) model with a different style macrolon bracelett - featuring a tricky construction which holds the band links together by two nylon strings inside. All versions have solid steel case backs, slightly curved for handsome fit on the wrist.

AUTHENTIC GIRRARD PERREGAUX FERRARI LTD EDITION CHRONOGRAPH GENTS WRISTWATCH

We bring you this rare bird, the iconic Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Chronograph ref. 8020. This watch is the result of the defunct collaboration between the manufacture and the sports auto maker between 1994 and 2004. This watch fitted with a 38 mm stainless steel case, a carbon fiber dial, is in my opinion the best example of the long gone true to the essence 'Ferrari Watches'. Other iterations of this watch include aluminum and titanium cases. The limited edition F1-047 or F1-048 models feature aluminum cases made out of the monobloc of Ferrari F1s. The Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Chronographs fitted with titanium cases present the engraving 'Ti No. XXXX' on the case back while the stainless steel cases usually don't have any preceding letters before the case numbers or in certain instances as in this one the prefix 'MA' before the case number.

BRAND: GAUTHENTIC GIRARD PERREGAUX 3 REGISTERS CHRONOGRAPHGENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN: SWISS

CIRCA: 2004

MODEL: 8220

CRYSTAL: SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL - CLEAN

MOVEMENT: SWISS GIRARD PERREGAUX MILITARY 25 JEWELS AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: BLACK CARBON FIBRE

FUNCTIONS: HOUR, MINUTE & CENTER SECOND, 3 REGISTERS CHRONOGRAPH FOR HOUR AND MINUTE

HANDS: GOLD LUMINOUS SWORD HANDS

MARKERS: LUMINOUS ARABIC MILITARY 

CASING: SOLID MATTE SANDBLASTED STAINLESS STEEL CASING

LUGS: 20mm

MEASUREMENT: 38mm DIAMETER w/o CROWN and 42mm LUG TO LUG

BACK CASE MARKING: n FERRARI LOGO, GIRARD-PERREGAUX, A No9735, REF.8020, Manufacturé Spécialement pour FERRARI

CROWN: ORIGINAL FERRARI LOGO CROWN

STRAP: GENUINE NEW OLD STOCK BLACK TEXTILE MILITARY STRAP

STRAP SIZE: 8.5"

DISCONTINUED MODEL, FULLY WORKING CHRONOGRAPH, KEEPING TIME.  NO BOX NO PAPER BUT GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC 

PRICE: USD4,850 (NEGOTIABLE)

BRIEF INFORMATION ON GIRRARD PERREAGSUX FERRARI WATCHES
Back in the late ’90s and early ’00s, Girard-Perregaux produced a line of watches with official Scuderia Ferrari branding. Unlike the most recent incarnations of Ferrari watches, these were subtle and very tasteful – so subtle that some of them do not even in fact carry any Ferrari branding anywhere on the watch.

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF GIRARD PERREGAUX WATCH

The history of this prestigious Swiss manufacturer can be traced back to Jean-Francois Bautte, the famous Geneva watchmaker. Though orphaned at a very young age, the young man confronted life with determination. In 1791, by the time he was nineteen, Jean-Francois Bautte had learnt several trades, acquired the education which his modest background had denied him, and begun making his first watches. It would not be long before his name became familiar to the royal courts of Europe. A master watchmaker of rare talent, Jean-Francois Bautte was also an astute "industrialist" and businessman with a brilliant, imaginative and generous character. He is credited with creating the first genuine ultra-thin watches and the truly visionary concept of the Manufactory as a producer of high-quality timepieces.

Unfortunately, Jean-Francois Bautte did not have a successor or heir to take over his company when he retired. The problem of what to do with the company was quickly solved when a merger was arranged with another watch manufacturer. In 1854, Constantin Girard married Marie Perregaux. As both came from watchmaking backgrounds, it seemed perfectly natural to use both names when they formed their own company. So it was that the Girard-Perregaux brand was born, in 1856.

More than just a famous watchmaker, Constantin Girard was also a patriot committed to the republican cause and always ready to devote time and energy to his beloved town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Only a few years were needed to establish a reputation that spread as far as the New World. His technical and aesthetic masterpiece, the "Tourbillon Sous Trois Points d'Or" (translation: Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges), was unquestionably the greatest achievement of a life largely devoted to the research and development of the art of watchmaking. This amazing pocket watch won Girard-Perregaux two gold medals at the Paris Universal Exhibitions in 1867 and 1889, and is considered one of the most desirable mechanical watches ever made.

The tradition of innovation initiated by Jean Francois Bautte has been perpetuated to the present day by Girard-Perregaux. Throughout its long history, the Manufactory has made a number of exciting and innovative contributions to the world of watchmaking. Foremost among these is the concept of the wristwatch. Although a few pocket watches had already been modified to be worn on the wrist, Girard-Perregaux was the first watchmaker to produce this kind of timepiece in a series, around 1880.

In addition, Girard-Perregaux has developed several revolutionary movements, the most notable of which have been the Gyromatic, the high-frequency mechanical movement that has become collectible in their own right, as well as the quartz movement, whose frequency of 32,768 Hertz has become the universally accepted standard. In fact, it was Girard-Perregaux's innovations in the realm of quartz timekeeping that allowed it to survive the Swiss watch industry's economic crisis during the 1970's and 1980's.

Although Girard-Perregaux did not thrive during the 1970's and early 1980's, unlike other Swiss watch companies, Girard-Perregaux not only survived fully intact, but emerged even stronger than before and fiercely determined to continue producing high-quality mechanical timepieces using in-house movements. At a time when many prestigious Swiss companies were looking to outside suppliers for their raw movements, Girard-Perregaux simply would not compromise quality to improve the bottom line.

The company's massive efforts to upgrade their factory, while training a new generation of master watchmakers to produce the highest quality wristwatches, was clearly a gamble but one which paid off handsomely when consumers re-discovered the pleasures of wearing traditionally hand-finished mechanical timepieces.

Girard-Perregaux's master watchmakers continued their efforts in the early 1980's. After extensively studying an original model acquired at auction, the watchmakers revived the expertise, which had originally created the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges pocket watch. To make a replica of this marvel, however, they had to think in modern terms and re-design all the components. Although computers would prove helpful in the design phase, the watchmakers nonetheless had to re-learn all the traditional crafts and skills that had died along with the masters.

In 1991, on the occasion of its 200th anniversary, the company achieved the amazing feat of adapting the technology of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges to a wristwatch version. Several variations have been produced since then. These watches, which are completely handmade in Girard-Perregaux's workshops, are amazing works of mechanical art, and the Three Bridges, which are cast in solid gold, are stunningly beautiful to behold. Some six to eight months of continuous work are needed to produce such a watch, with the House's most talented senior watchmakers meticulously crafting each component by hand, assembling the movement, testing the complicated mechanism and finally casing up the completed movement in a massive gold or platinum case. As of this writing, only 20 such Tourbillon wristwatches have been produced to date.

Needless to say, watch lovers around the world quickly took notice of the company's amazing comeback, and the company capitalized even further on its newfound success by obsessively dedicating itself to the production of wristwatches of the highest quality at extremely competitive prices. Moreover, in 1993, Girard-Perregaux signed a co-branding arrangement with the celebrated Italian car manufacturer, Ferrari, which has yielded a remarkable line of sporty chronographs.

Along with the Ferrari chronographs, the company's other popular models include the Vintage Men's automatic, which features an in-house Girard-Perregaux 3000 self-winding calibre; the Chronograph 9000, featuring a refined self-winding movement which can be viewed through a sapphire-crystal back; and the Olympic Chrono 1992, which boasts an in-house Girard-Perregaux chronograph movement.

In summary, Girard-Perregaux offers one of the highest quality wristwatches available in the contemporary watch marketplace. Best of all, these watches can be obtained at very favorable prices for collectors.

VINTAGE HIGLY COLLECTIBLE GIRARD PERREGAUX MILITARY BROAD ARROW GENTS WRISTWATCH

BRAND: VINTAGE GIRARD PERREGAUX MILITARY BROAD ARROW GENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN: SWISS

CIRCA: 1940's

MODEL: T MILITARY BROAD ARROW

CRYSTAL: ACRYLIC CLEAN

MOVEMENT: SWISS A.SHIELD 17 JEWELS MANUAL MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: BLACK

FUNCTIONS: -HOUR, MINUTE & SUB SECOND

HANDS: GOLD TONE DAUPHINE HANDS

MARKERS: LUMINOUS ARABIC MILITARY (RE-LUMED)

CASING : ROSE GOLD FILLED & STAINLESS STEEL BACK 

LUGS: 19mm

MEASUREMENT: 35mm DIAMETER w/o CROWN and 42mm LUG TO LUG

BACK CASE MARKING: none

CROWN: GOLD PLATED

STRAP: GENUINE NEW OLD STOCK BLACK TEXTILE MILITARY STRAP MADE IN WEST GERMANY

STRAP SIZE: 8.5"

DISCONTINUED MODEL & HARD TO FIND

PRICE: RM3,500 (NEGOTIABLE)

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF GIRARD PERREGAUX WATCH

The history of this prestigious Swiss manufacturer can be traced back to Jean-Francois Bautte, the famous Geneva watchmaker. Though orphaned at a very young age, the young man confronted life with determination. In 1791, by the time he was nineteen, Jean-Francois Bautte had learnt several trades, acquired the education which his modest background had denied him, and begun making his first watches. It would not be long before his name became familiar to the royal courts of Europe. A master watchmaker of rare talent, Jean-Francois Bautte was also an astute "industrialist" and businessman with a brilliant, imaginative and generous character. He is credited with creating the first genuine ultra-thin watches and the truly visionary concept of the Manufactory as a producer of high-quality timepieces.

Unfortunately, Jean-Francois Bautte did not have a successor or heir to take over his company when he retired. The problem of what to do with the company was quickly solved when a merger was arranged with another watch manufacturer. In 1854, Constantin Girard married Marie Perregaux. As both came from watchmaking backgrounds, it seemed perfectly natural to use both names when they formed their own company. So it was that the Girard-Perregaux brand was born, in 1856.

More than just a famous watchmaker, Constantin Girard was also a patriot committed to the republican cause and always ready to devote time and energy to his beloved town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Only a few years were needed to establish a reputation that spread as far as the New World. His technical and aesthetic masterpiece, the "Tourbillon Sous Trois Points d'Or" (translation: Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges), was unquestionably the greatest achievement of a life largely devoted to the research and development of the art of watchmaking. This amazing pocket watch won Girard-Perregaux two gold medals at the Paris Universal Exhibitions in 1867 and 1889, and is considered one of the most desirable mechanical watches ever made.

The tradition of innovation initiated by Jean Francois Bautte has been perpetuated to the present day by Girard-Perregaux. Throughout its long history, the Manufactory has made a number of exciting and innovative contributions to the world of watchmaking. Foremost among these is the concept of the wristwatch. Although a few pocket watches had already been modified to be worn on the wrist, Girard-Perregaux was the first watchmaker to produce this kind of timepiece in a series, around 1880.

In addition, Girard-Perregaux has developed several revolutionary movements, the most notable of which have been the Gyromatic, the high-frequency mechanical movement that has become collectible in their own right, as well as the quartz movement, whose frequency of 32,768 Hertz has become the universally accepted standard. In fact, it was Girard-Perregaux's innovations in the realm of quartz timekeeping that allowed it to survive the Swiss watch industry's economic crisis during the 1970's and 1980's.

Although Girard-Perregaux did not thrive during the 1970's and early 1980's, unlike other Swiss watch companies, Girard-Perregaux not only survived fully intact, but emerged even stronger than before and fiercely determined to continue producing high-quality mechanical timepieces using in-house movements. At a time when many prestigious Swiss companies were looking to outside suppliers for their raw movements, Girard-Perregaux simply would not compromise quality to improve the bottom line.

The company's massive efforts to upgrade their factory, while training a new generation of master watchmakers to produce the highest quality wristwatches, was clearly a gamble but one which paid off handsomely when consumers re-discovered the pleasures of wearing traditionally hand-finished mechanical timepieces.

Girard-Perregaux's master watchmakers continued their efforts in the early 1980's. After extensively studying an original model acquired at auction, the watchmakers revived the expertise, which had originally created the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges pocket watch. To make a replica of this marvel, however, they had to think in modern terms and re-design all the components. Although computers would prove helpful in the design phase, the watchmakers nonetheless had to re-learn all the traditional crafts and skills that had died along with the masters.

In 1991, on the occasion of its 200th anniversary, the company achieved the amazing feat of adapting the technology of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges to a wristwatch version. Several variations have been produced since then. These watches, which are completely handmade in Girard-Perregaux's workshops, are amazing works of mechanical art, and the Three Bridges, which are cast in solid gold, are stunningly beautiful to behold. Some six to eight months of continuous work are needed to produce such a watch, with the House's most talented senior watchmakers meticulously crafting each component by hand, assembling the movement, testing the complicated mechanism and finally casing up the completed movement in a massive gold or platinum case. As of this writing, only 20 such Tourbillon wristwatches have been produced to date.

Needless to say, watch lovers around the world quickly took notice of the company's amazing comeback, and the company capitalized even further on its newfound success by obsessively dedicating itself to the production of wristwatches of the highest quality at extremely competitive prices. Moreover, in 1993, Girard-Perregaux signed a co-branding arrangement with the celebrated Italian car manufacturer, Ferrari, which has yielded a remarkable line of sporty chronographs.

Along with the Ferrari chronographs, the company's other popular models include the Vintage Men's automatic, which features an in-house Girard-Perregaux 3000 self-winding calibre; the Chronograph 9000, featuring a refined self-winding movement which can be viewed through a sapphire-crystal back; and the Olympic Chrono 1992, which boasts an in-house Girard-Perregaux chronograph movement.

In summary, Girard-Perregaux offers one of the highest quality wristwatches available in the contemporary watch marketplace. Best of all, these watches can be obtained at very favorable prices for collectors.

RARE - GIRARD PERREGAUX WHITE PORCELAIN GYROMATIC GENTS WRISTWATCH

BRAND/JENAMA: VINTAGE GIRARD PERREGAUX GYROMATIC GENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS

CIRCA/TAHUN: 1960's

MODEL: GYROMATIC

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: ACRYLIC CLEAN / ACRYLIC BERSIH

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: SWISS GIRARD PERREGAUX 17 JEWELS AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: WHITE PORCELAIN, VERY CLEAN WITH NO CRACK

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: DRESS WATCH

HANDS/JARUM: GOLD/BLACK TONE

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: GOLD/BLACK TONE BATON MARKERS

CASING : 10K GOLD FILLED

LUGS SIZE: 18mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 36mm DIAMETER WITH CROWN and 39mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING: -

CROWN: GENUINE GIRARD PERREGAUX GOLD FILLED

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE BROWN LIZARD LEATHER

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION, VERY RARE, DISCONTINUED MODEL & HARD TO FIND PORCELAIN DIAL

NO BOX AND NO PAPER

PRICE/HARGA: RM1500 (NEGOTIABLE)

RM2300

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF GIRARD PERREGAUX WATCH

The history of this prestigious Swiss manufacturer can be traced back to Jean-Francois Bautte, the famous Geneva watchmaker. Though orphaned at a very young age, the young man confronted life with determination. In 1791, by the time he was nineteen, Jean-Francois Bautte had learnt several trades, acquired the education which his modest background had denied him, and begun making his first watches. It would not be long before his name became familiar to the royal courts of Europe. A master watchmaker of rare talent, Jean-Francois Bautte was also an astute "industrialist" and businessman with a brilliant, imaginative and generous character. He is credited with creating the first genuine ultra-thin watches and the truly visionary concept of the Manufactory as a producer of high-quality timepieces.

Unfortunately, Jean-Francois Bautte did not have a successor or heir to take over his company when he retired. The problem of what to do with the company was quickly solved when a merger was arranged with another watch manufacturer. In 1854, Constantin Girard married Marie Perregaux. As both came from watchmaking backgrounds, it seemed perfectly natural to use both names when they formed their own company. So it was that the Girard-Perregaux brand was born, in 1856.

More than just a famous watchmaker, Constantin Girard was also a patriot committed to the republican cause and always ready to devote time and energy to his beloved town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Only a few years were needed to establish a reputation that spread as far as the New World. His technical and aesthetic masterpiece, the "Tourbillon Sous Trois Points d'Or" (translation: Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges), was unquestionably the greatest achievement of a life largely devoted to the research and development of the art of watchmaking. This amazing pocket watch won Girard-Perregaux two gold medals at the Paris Universal Exhibitions in 1867 and 1889, and is considered one of the most desirable mechanical watches ever made.

The tradition of innovation initiated by Jean Francois Bautte has been perpetuated to the present day by Girard-Perregaux. Throughout its long history, the Manufactory has made a number of exciting and innovative contributions to the world of watchmaking. Foremost among these is the concept of the wristwatch. Although a few pocket watches had already been modified to be worn on the wrist, Girard-Perregaux was the first watchmaker to produce this kind of timepiece in a series, around 1880.

In addition, Girard-Perregaux has developed several revolutionary movements, the most notable of which have been the Gyromatic, the high-frequency mechanical movement that has become collectible in their own right, as well as the quartz movement, whose frequency of 32,768 Hertz has become the universally accepted standard. In fact, it was Girard-Perregaux's innovations in the realm of quartz timekeeping that allowed it to survive the Swiss watch industry's economic crisis during the 1970's and 1980's.

Although Girard-Perregaux did not thrive during the 1970's and early 1980's, unlike other Swiss watch companies, Girard-Perregaux not only survived fully intact, but emerged even stronger than before and fiercely determined to continue producing high-quality mechanical timepieces using in-house movements. At a time when many prestigious Swiss companies were looking to outside suppliers for their raw movements, Girard-Perregaux simply would not compromise quality to improve the bottom line.

The company's massive efforts to upgrade their factory, while training a new generation of master watchmakers to produce the highest quality wristwatches, was clearly a gamble but one which paid off handsomely when consumers re-discovered the pleasures of wearing traditionally hand-finished mechanical timepieces.

Girard-Perregaux's master watchmakers continued their efforts in the early 1980's. After extensively studying an original model acquired at auction, the watchmakers revived the expertise, which had originally created the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges pocket watch. To make a replica of this marvel, however, they had to think in modern terms and re-design all the components. Although computers would prove helpful in the design phase, the watchmakers nonetheless had to re-learn all the traditional crafts and skills that had died along with the masters.

In 1991, on the occasion of its 200th anniversary, the company achieved the amazing feat of adapting the technology of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges to a wristwatch version. Several variations have been produced since then. These watches, which are completely handmade in Girard-Perregaux's workshops, are amazing works of mechanical art, and the Three Bridges, which are cast in solid gold, are stunningly beautiful to behold. Some six to eight months of continuous work are needed to produce such a watch, with the House's most talented senior watchmakers meticulously crafting each component by hand, assembling the movement, testing the complicated mechanism and finally casing up the completed movement in a massive gold or platinum case. As of this writing, only 20 such Tourbillon wristwatches have been produced to date.

Needless to say, watch lovers around the world quickly took notice of the company's amazing comeback, and the company capitalized even further on its newfound success by obsessively dedicating itself to the production of wristwatches of the highest quality at extremely competitive prices. Moreover, in 1993, Girard-Perregaux signed a co-branding arrangement with the celebrated Italian car manufacturer, Ferrari, which has yielded a remarkable line of sporty chronographs.

Along with the Ferrari chronographs, the company's other popular models include the Vintage Men's automatic, which features an in-house Girard-Perregaux 3000 self-winding calibre; the Chronograph 9000, featuring a refined self-winding movement which can be viewed through a sapphire-crystal back; and the Olympic Chrono 1992, which boasts an in-house Girard-Perregaux chronograph movement.

In summary, Girard-Perregaux offers one of the highest quality wristwatches available in the contemporary watch marketplace. Best of all, these watches can be obtained at very favorable prices for collectors.

VERY RARE! AUTHENTIC GIRARD PERREGAUX REGULATEUR (REGULATOR) GENTS WRISTWATCH (SOLD)

BRAND/JENAMA: VINTAGE GIRARD PERREGAUX REGULATEUR GENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS

CIRCA/TAHUN: 1950's

MODEL: REGULATOR

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: ACRYLIC CLEAN / ACRYLIC BERSIH

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: SWISS GIRARD PERREGAUX 17 JEWELS MANUAL WITH REGALATEUR COMPLICATION MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: SILVER TONE WITH TWO LARGE REGULATEUR SUB-DIAL FOR HOUR AND MINUTE

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: REGULATEUR

HANDS/JARUM: GOLD TONE & RED CENTER

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: 60 AND 12

CASING : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL

LUGS SIZE: 18mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 32mm DIAMETER WITH CROWN and 36mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING: -

CROWN: GOLD PLATED/ SADUR EMAS

STRAP/TALI: NEW GENUINE BROWN LEATHER

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION, VERY RARE, DISCONTINUED MODEL & HARD TO FIND

PRICE/HARGA: (SOLD TO TN SHEIKH FROM PJ)

RM2300

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF GIRARD PERREGAUX WATCH

The history of this prestigious Swiss manufacturer can be traced back to Jean-Francois Bautte, the famous Geneva watchmaker. Though orphaned at a very young age, the young man confronted life with determination. In 1791, by the time he was nineteen, Jean-Francois Bautte had learnt several trades, acquired the education which his modest background had denied him, and begun making his first watches. It would not be long before his name became familiar to the royal courts of Europe. A master watchmaker of rare talent, Jean-Francois Bautte was also an astute "industrialist" and businessman with a brilliant, imaginative and generous character. He is credited with creating the first genuine ultra-thin watches and the truly visionary concept of the Manufactory as a producer of high-quality timepieces.

Unfortunately, Jean-Francois Bautte did not have a successor or heir to take over his company when he retired. The problem of what to do with the company was quickly solved when a merger was arranged with another watch manufacturer. In 1854, Constantin Girard married Marie Perregaux. As both came from watchmaking backgrounds, it seemed perfectly natural to use both names when they formed their own company. So it was that the Girard-Perregaux brand was born, in 1856.

More than just a famous watchmaker, Constantin Girard was also a patriot committed to the republican cause and always ready to devote time and energy to his beloved town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Only a few years were needed to establish a reputation that spread as far as the New World. His technical and aesthetic masterpiece, the "Tourbillon Sous Trois Points d'Or" (translation: Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges), was unquestionably the greatest achievement of a life largely devoted to the research and development of the art of watchmaking. This amazing pocket watch won Girard-Perregaux two gold medals at the Paris Universal Exhibitions in 1867 and 1889, and is considered one of the most desirable mechanical watches ever made.

The tradition of innovation initiated by Jean Francois Bautte has been perpetuated to the present day by Girard-Perregaux. Throughout its long history, the Manufactory has made a number of exciting and innovative contributions to the world of watchmaking. Foremost among these is the concept of the wristwatch. Although a few pocket watches had already been modified to be worn on the wrist, Girard-Perregaux was the first watchmaker to produce this kind of timepiece in a series, around 1880.

In addition, Girard-Perregaux has developed several revolutionary movements, the most notable of which have been the Gyromatic, the high-frequency mechanical movement that has become collectible in their own right, as well as the quartz movement, whose frequency of 32,768 Hertz has become the universally accepted standard. In fact, it was Girard-Perregaux's innovations in the realm of quartz timekeeping that allowed it to survive the Swiss watch industry's economic crisis during the 1970's and 1980's.

Although Girard-Perregaux did not thrive during the 1970's and early 1980's, unlike other Swiss watch companies, Girard-Perregaux not only survived fully intact, but emerged even stronger than before and fiercely determined to continue producing high-quality mechanical timepieces using in-house movements. At a time when many prestigious Swiss companies were looking to outside suppliers for their raw movements, Girard-Perregaux simply would not compromise quality to improve the bottom line.

The company's massive efforts to upgrade their factory, while training a new generation of master watchmakers to produce the highest quality wristwatches, was clearly a gamble but one which paid off handsomely when consumers re-discovered the pleasures of wearing traditionally hand-finished mechanical timepieces.

Girard-Perregaux's master watchmakers continued their efforts in the early 1980's. After extensively studying an original model acquired at auction, the watchmakers revived the expertise, which had originally created the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges pocket watch. To make a replica of this marvel, however, they had to think in modern terms and re-design all the components. Although computers would prove helpful in the design phase, the watchmakers nonetheless had to re-learn all the traditional crafts and skills that had died along with the masters.

In 1991, on the occasion of its 200th anniversary, the company achieved the amazing feat of adapting the technology of the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges to a wristwatch version. Several variations have been produced since then. These watches, which are completely handmade in Girard-Perregaux's workshops, are amazing works of mechanical art, and the Three Bridges, which are cast in solid gold, are stunningly beautiful to behold. Some six to eight months of continuous work are needed to produce such a watch, with the House's most talented senior watchmakers meticulously crafting each component by hand, assembling the movement, testing the complicated mechanism and finally casing up the completed movement in a massive gold or platinum case. As of this writing, only 20 such Tourbillon wristwatches have been produced to date.

Needless to say, watch lovers around the world quickly took notice of the company's amazing comeback, and the company capitalized even further on its newfound success by obsessively dedicating itself to the production of wristwatches of the highest quality at extremely competitive prices. Moreover, in 1993, Girard-Perregaux signed a co-branding arrangement with the celebrated Italian car manufacturer, Ferrari, which has yielded a remarkable line of sporty chronographs.

Along with the Ferrari chronographs, the company's other popular models include the Vintage Men's automatic, which features an in-house Girard-Perregaux 3000 self-winding calibre; the Chronograph 9000, featuring a refined self-winding movement which can be viewed through a sapphire-crystal back; and the Olympic Chrono 1992, which boasts an in-house Girard-Perregaux chronograph movement.

In summary, Girard-Perregaux offers one of the highest quality wristwatches available in the contemporary watch marketplace. Best of all, these watches can be obtained at very favorable prices for collectors.