La Esmeralda Tourbillon “À Secret” was created entirely by hand by a single master watchmaker in Girard-Perregaux’s manufacture. Naturally, its movement has the iconic three golden arrow bridges visible on the dial, with the tourbillon underneath, married to its characteristic lyre-shaped carriage. The upper mainplate, visible on the dial side, is hand-engraved with a floral motif, while other components are finished with an elegant combination of cotes de Genève and circular graining.

What makes the watch truly spectacular, however, is the intricate hand-engraving on the pink gold case, lugs and caseback, the last of which recalls the protective case of a pocket watch. It is the first time a new iteration of La Esmeralda has had such a feature—naturally, it is to protect the “secret” self‑winding manufacture movement housed within.

For those who love the architecture of Girard-Perregaux’s bridges but prefer a more understated and modern approach, there is also the brand’s new Classic Bridges in 40mm and 45mm.

The watch is a riff off last year’s Neo Bridges, which was constructed in titanium, with a similar look and movement construction—it is just that the Neo Bridges had a more contemporary monochromatic palette compared to the white and gold of the Classic Bridges. Both have two of the arrowhead bridges visible on the front, with symmetrical openwork at the top of the dial side offering a glimpse at the movement below.

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The self-winding movement’s micro‑rotor rests between 11 and 12 o’clock, and the barrel between one and two o’clock. Unlike the movements with three bridges, the bottom bridge in the Classic Bridges plays host to the movement’s balance wheel instead of a tourbillon—still appealing, and perhaps more palatable for daily wear. Both the Classic Bridges and the Neo Bridges are a more contemporary way of enjoying Girard‑Perregaux’s bridge movements, which are, naturally, made in-house.

The architecture of Girard-Perregaux’s bridges have captivated viewers for well over a century now, and it should continue to do so for many years to come.