Girard-Perregaux: Constant Escapement L.M.

One of the most important challenges in the watchmaking world has always been to counter energy dissipation. The right isochronous timing of a movement’s oscillating weight depends on different aspects, such as the stability of the balance wheel or the motion of the escapement. The right distribution of energy is essential for a movement to be accurate.

In 2008 Girard-Perregaux addressed that problem like nobody ever did before with the Constant Escapement. By using silicon, and thanks to the element’s particular characteristics allowing to create innovative architectures, the Constant Escapement’s mechanism gives the balance wheel a constant impulse, never decreasing whatever the amount of energy available.

Awarded the “Aiguille d’Or” at the 2013 GPHG in Geneva, the Constant Escapement – besides being one step forward in the Haute Horologerie world – inspired the Swiss Maison’s newest watch: the Constant Escapement L.M.

Available in 3 versions, pink gold, white gold, and a carbon and titanium composite (as featured in the picture), the new Constant Escapement L.M. is a real Masterpiece owning four different invention patents.

A modern and contemporary design strickes the eye right away thanks to the case’s large dimensions –46 mm diameter– and the matte black dial, strap and case.

The dial, divided in two parts, highlights the main functions and characteristics making the Constant Escapement L.M. unique. In the upper part, the hours and minutes counters is positioned at 12 o’clock,; at 9 o’clock, the 6-hours power reserve indication; in the middle, the long hand indicating the seconds.

Just a little below, in the lower part, this masterpiece’s true attraction… the so-called “butterfly”! Placed right between the anchor escapement and the mainspring: a frame recalling the wings of a butterfly. That intermediate device supports a 14-micron blade (6 times thinner than hair) made of silicon, which seems to be fluctuating into the void. The blade can store a certain quantity of energy before it passes it on all at once, oscillating between two different steady states. This innovative constant-force escapement ensures regular impulses, whatever the consumption state of the barrel, guaranteeing unprecedented precision.

Through the sapphire crystal it is possible to admire, on the back, the beating heart of the Constant Escapement L.M.: the hand-wound mechanical calibre GP09100-0004, made of 280 components and two double barrels with their 3-meter long springs.

Even though it might seem like it, the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. isn’t produced in a limited edition collection; it is available for €103.000.