Elite Traveler May-June 2016

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2016 29

Watches

The original La Esmeralda Tourbillon, which won the gold medal at The Universal Exhibition Paris of 1889

STILL A WINNER To mark its 225th anniversary, Girard-Perregaux is releasing a new watch inspired by one of its most important historical timepieces, La Esmeralda Tourbillon. A unique pocket watch with impeccable finishings, patented movement and distinctive good looks, La Esmeralda won the gold medal at The Universal Exhibition Paris of 1889. The three gold bridges and the then-unique decision to make the tourbillon a visual centerpiece, and not just as a part of the movement to regulate precision, marked a turning point in horology. In fact, after the competition in 1889, the watchmaker became a jury member in 1901. Today, the Esmeralda Tourbillon uses an updated version of the patented movement, which makes it one of the oldest watch movements still in production. The display draws direct inspiration from the distinctive double-headed arrow design with three 18K pink gold bridges and includes a 14.3mm tourbillon. The automatic timepiece has a 60-hour power reserve. While not a limited edition, each piece takes two months to assemble, so there is a limited

129 rue du Progès in La Chaux-de-Fonds is home of the new Girard-Perregaux museum

production of five watches each year. $192,000, girard-perregaux.com

Words: Kristen Shirley