The creation of a constant force mechanism is always big news for true die hards of horology. For many years, critics of mechanical watches have talked about the increased variances when the power reserve reached critical levels. The Girard Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. strives to eliminate these problems.
Though this watch was released in 2013, Girard Perregaux has deemed it fit to release a new version in 18kt pink gold. This striking timepiece has won numerous awards including the Aiguille D’Or of the Grand Prix D’Horlogerie de Genéve. Still not impressed? Well, this particular model uses 3 different patents to maintain the constant force to the balance wheel for a precision that is currently unrivalled.
A constant force mechanism maintains the torque of the mainspring, which results in a uniform release of energy to the balance wheel, equating to a more precise rate. To this end, GP has made the barrel spring a total of 3 meters long when measured end to end over the double twin barrel system. With its multiple barrels, this innovative mechanism achieves 6 days of power reserve.
Another revolutionary feature of this movement is the buckled blade, which is made of silicon just 14 microns wide. To put that statistic into perspective, the buckled blade is 6 times thinner than a human hair. The Girard Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. uses the manual wound Caliber GP09100-0002, which has a diameter of 39.2mm or 17 ½ ‘’’ (ligne). If you think this is big, it fits really easily into the oversized 48mm case. The movement is comprised of 271 components, of which just 28 are jewels. The balance wheel consistently oscillates at 21,600 alternations per hour. This award winning movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back made from sapphire crystal.
The dial features an off-centered hours and minutes subdial at 12 that uses pink gold dauphine hands, and a central seconds hand. On the lower half, this GP model showcases the constant force mechanism. At the 9 position is a linear power reserve indicator. Covering these elements is a supremely scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Completing this watch from Girard Perregaux is a black alligator leather strap, secured using an 18kt pink gold folding clasp. Water resistance on this model is 30 meters.
TAGS: Constant Escapement, Exhibition Case Back, Girard Perregaux, Haute Horlogerie, Leather, Manual Watches, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Power Reserve, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Swiss Made