GIRARD-PERREGAUX INTRODUCES THE MINUTE REPEATER FLYING BRIDGES

Girard-Perregaux presents a new chapter in its long exploration of chiming mechanisms with the Minute Repeater Flying Bridges, a creation that unites centuries of horological tradition with contemporary engineering. At the heart of GP's latest creation lies the newly developed GP9530 calibre, the third major movement unveiled by the Manufacture within six months. Entirely conceived, developed and assembled in-house at Rue des Crêtets along La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, the calibre brings together a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a newly devised self-winding system within an openworked architecture composed of 475 components. Its assembling and finishing alone demanded close to 440 hours of work to complete.

The minute repeater occupies a special place within the history of Girard-Perregaux. The tradition dates back to the early 19th century, when Jean-François Bautte began experimenting with mechanisms capable of sounding the hours and quarters on demand. Bautte was not only a watchmaker but also an engraver, jeweller, and goldsmith. He brought these disciplines together to create mechanical objects that captivated an international clientele. His decision to consolidate the various watchmaking trades under one roof also laid the foundations for the modern integrated Manufacture.

This heritage provides the backdrop for the GP9530. The calibre is designed to elevate both the acoustic and visual dimensions of the mechanism, highlighting each component within a symmetrical and carefully considered structure. By combining a minute repeater with a tourbillon and an automatic winding system driven by a micro-rotor, the movement represents a complex technical undertaking while remaining faithful to the brand’s established design language.

The development of the GP9530 places acoustic performance at the centre of its conception. Every structural and material decision has been made with the aim of achieving clarity and resonance when the mechanism is activated. The mainplate and bridges are crafted from titanium, a material chosen for its lightness and rigidity, which encourages the transmission of vibrations throughout the movement and into the case. Additional refinements further enhance the purity of the chime. The gongs and their stud are formed from a single piece of metal, reducing potential interference and preserving tonal clarity.

Meanwhile, the centrifugal regulator governing the striking sequence has been repositioned on the back of the movement, ensuring that its operation remains unobtrusive. The openworked design also contributes to the acoustic experience. By reducing structural barriers within the movement, sound waves are able to propagate freely within the case. Domed sapphire crystals on both sides of the case help amplify the melody produced as the hammers strike the gongs.

Visually, the Minute Repeater Flying Bridges revisits one of Girard-Perregaux’s most recognisable signatures. Since the nineteenth century, the Three Bridges architecture has served as a defining element of the Manufacture’s creations. In this contemporary interpretation, the bridges are openworked and appear to float within the movement, creating an impression of lightness while maintaining structural integrity.

Crafted in pink gold, the bridges feature arrow-shaped ends that echo motifs found throughout the movement, including the hammers and the oscillating weight of the winding system. The third bridge is positioned at the rear of the calibre, reinforcing the sense of depth within the construction while preserving visual balance. The automatic winding system itself employs a jewel-set white gold micro-rotor designed to operate in near silence. Its placement mirrors the barrel on the opposite side of the movement, creating symmetry when viewed through the caseback.

The movement measures 43.55 mm in diameter, beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and offering a power reserve of at least 60 hours. Comprising 475 components and 47 jewels, it carries a minute repeater, a tourbillon and indications for hours, minutes and small seconds displayed on the tourbillon cage. Each calibre is assembled by a single watchmaker whose initials appear discreetly within the movement. The finishing process is equally demanding, with more than 1,300 hand-polished chamfers including hundreds of interior angles, ensuring that light interacts with the structure from every perspective.

The movement is housed within a 46 mm pink gold case fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides. An arrow-shaped slide integrated into the case middle activates the chiming mechanism while maintaining water resistance to 30 metres. The design allows the acoustic properties of the movement to interact with the case, amplifying the sound produced by the repeater. Completing the composition is a black rubber strap with a fabric effect, secured by a pink gold folding clasp.

With the Minute Repeater Flying Bridges, Girard-Perregaux brings together multiple strands of its heritage: the pursuit of acoustic excellence, the visual identity of the Three Bridges, and a longstanding mastery of complex mechanical architecture. The GP9530 calibre reflects both the technical curiosity of the Manufacture’s earliest watchmakers and the possibilities offered by contemporary engineering. The result is a creation that invites the wearer not only to observe the passage of time but also to hear it.