Girard-Perregaux: Neo-Bridges

Girard-Perregaux defines it as “retro-futuristic:” a forward-looking watch remaining loyal to the history of the Maison. This is the Neo-Bridges Automatic Titanium.

We already wrote about this model last year right after its launch on the market, but how can we avoid returning on the subject when the opportunity to get our hands on it for a couple of days arises?…

Since it doesn’t feature a traditional dial, it’s easy to get lost among the 208 components of the automatic calibre GP08400 from the moment you lay eyes on the Neo-Bridges. Placed along the same axis, just like two eyes, the micro-rotor and mainspring barrel guarantee a 50-hour power reserve.

Just a little further below, Girard-Perregaux’s unique signature can be found: two bridges with black PVD coating. On the first one, the larger bridge, two skeletonized hands coated with luminescent material show the hours and minutes on the outside ring with suspended indices; on the second bridge, the smaller one, the great variable-inertia balance wheel is positioned, oscillating at 21,600 vibrations per hour.

Light, modern and endearing: our sensations when we first put the Neo-Bridges around our wrist. As it is made of titanium, the 45mm in diameter and 12,17mm-thick case could give the impression to be too large, but instead it fits perfectly on the wrist. Maybe for those like us who like to feel the weight of the watch, a few more grams would have been better, but fortunately this is absolutely not a flaw… actually quite the opposite!

The icing on the cake: the “Box” sapphire crystal gives the Neo-Bridges a classic touch which, combined with the dial’s minimal architecture, offers a unique contrast. A black alligator strap with a triple-folding titanium clasp completes the watch. And finally, the price: €25.500 – definitely interesting and in line with the product.

Girard-Perregaux Neo-Bridges is a breath of fresh air in the Haute Horlogerie world. A “simple” timepiece featuring hours and minutes, without any calendar or other futile complications, as the real star is its futuristic and revolutionary design.