Girard-Perregaux's New Engineering timekeeping masterpiece: Neo Constant Escapement

Girard-Perregaux has unveiled the Neo Constant Escapement watch, the latest iteration of its GPHG award-winning piece from 2013. The first-generation with the Constant Escapement feature was a technical spectacle already but the brand is now announcing the evolved version: the Neo Constant Escapement.

Back in July, the Swiss watchmaker debuted a pink gold version as its participating timepiece for this year’s Only Watch auction. Just like that one-off model, the new one embraces the same innovative open-worked dial, along with other updated technical and aesthetic improvements that we will be discussing here briefly.

Aesthetics

Their new watch showcases an evolved design that reflects both the brand's legacy as well as forward-thinking innovation. The skeletonised case reveals the mechanical complexities of the large silicon escapement spring and the mesmerising motions of its microscopic blade.

 

The symmetrical design echoes the modern members of the Bridges collection. Encased in a "more wearable" 45mm diameter (previous models were 47mm) made of grade 5 titanium, it boasts a box-shaped sapphire crystal that provides lateral views of both the dial and movement. Central time indications replace the previously offset ones. The overall look is complemented by a rubber strap with kind of a fabric texture.

Movement

The movement is driven by the hand-wound caliber GP09200, which retains its twin barrels and is adorned in black PVD and anthracite NAC, while the escapement bridges take on the brand’s contemporary “Neo” shape.

Without getting into many technicalities, the principle behind the Neo Constant Escapement is to provide constant impulses to the balance wheel, ensuring accurate timekeeping irrespective of the mainspring's force variations.

This innovation comes into production after the brand's R&D department works on several prototypes and files several patents.The result is a vast improvement of the escapement's efficiency, guaranteeing a minimum power reserve of 168 hours (wow!) or 7 days. Actually, this kind innovation is very useful in watches with a long power reserve like this one.The COSC certification further stands as a testament to the watch precision and reliability.

Availability & Price

This watch is not a limited edition but its production may be restricted due to its mechanical manufacturing complexity. Available from October 2023, this masterpiece is priced at €105,000. Potential buyers and enthusiasts can delve deeper into its features in the official Girard-Perregaux website.