he Maison’s pioneering spirit laid the foundations for a brand that would go on to redefine Haute Horlogerie. From the outset, Girard-Perregaux has combined technical mastery with a deep and unwavering pursuit of beauty. Constant Girard’s iconic Tourbillon with Three Bridges, created in 1867, transformed functional components into architectural masterpieces, serving as a bold affirmation that form and function are not mutually exclusive.

From that moment, Girard-Perregaux has consistently distinguished itself through its multifaceted expertise; creating strong and architectural visual signatures and leading the path in horological innovation. But, more than this, courtesy of its rich heritage, the Manufacture has established itself as a brand firmly rooted in the landscape of Haute Horlogerie.

Over time, the Manufacture has never ceased in its pursuit of innovation. In 1965, it unveiled the first High Frequency Movement. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, this breakthrough represented a major leap in precision and reliability, perfectly embodying Girard-Perregaux’s mechanical ingenuity. This achievement was formally recognized in 1966 when the Neuchâtel Observatory, on the occasion of its centenary, awarded Girard- Perregaux a special prize celebrating the brand’s exceptional contributions to chronometric precision.

More recently, in 2013, it unveiled the Constant Escapement L.M., powered by a flexible silicon blade — a timepiece awarded the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the very same year.

Each milestone in the brand’s history was conceived and engineered entirely in La Chaux-de-Fonds by a Manufacture that has spent 234 years shaping time, inside and out. Today, with over 30 active calibres, 80 patents, and a team of watchmakers united by a shared passion for tradition and innovation, Girard-Perregaux continues to master form and function. In September, the manufacturer is unveiling its brand new movement, the calibre GP4800. Entirely developed in-house, it represents a clean-slate approach, free of technical constraints and creative compromise. A movement that encapsulates the enduring ethos of the brand: design and performance, innovation and heritage, all united in perfect harmony.

The Calibre GP4800 has been developed by Girard-Perregaux with a number of advanced technical attributes designed to meet the expectations of clients both now and in the future.

Recognising the growing interest for smaller case sizes, the Maison has sought to create a compact movement. The Calibre GP4800 measures 25.60 mm (111/2’’’) in diameter with a thickness of 4.28 mm. Furthermore, its design allows the Manufacture to potentially combine the base movement with additional complications in the future. However, despite being compact, the Calibre GP4800 plays host to an array of technical refinements that collectively deliver precision, reliability and beauty.

The GP4800 is fitted with a silicium escapement, featuring an escape wheel, pallet lever and roller, all crafted from the lightweight material. Silicium is exceptionally Silicium is exceptionally smooth, non-magnetic and highly resistant

The GP4800 features a superior variable- inertia balance. With most watches, the rate is adjusted using a ‘raquette’. This device alters the effective length of the balance spring, making the watch run faster or slower. With the new variable-inertia balance, the length of the balance spring is fixed and the rate is altered by adjusting four white gold timing screws mounted on the rim of the balance wheel, ensuring that the rate can be set more precisely.

A powerful barrel plays host to the mainspring that delivers significant torque. The balance wheel has an inertia of 8 mg per cm which, smooth, non-magnetic and highly resistant to wear, attributes that make it ideal for precision watchmaking. Moreover, the hardness of silicium, its low coefficient of friction and its resistance to wear significantly enhance the reliability and longevity of the mechanism. These components are also optimally shaped to maximise efficiency and chronometric performance. In addition, the GP4800 is equipped with a stop-seconds function allowing the wearer to set the time precisely.

The GP4800 features a superior variable- inertia balance. With most watches, the rate is adjusted using a ‘raquette’. This device alters the effective length of the balance spring, making the watch run faster or slower. With the new variable-inertia balance, the length of the balance spring is fixed and the rate is altered by adjusting four white gold timing screws mounted on the rim of the balance wheel, ensuring that the rate can be set more precisely.

A powerful barrel plays host to the mainspring that delivers significant torque. The balance wheel has an inertia of 8 mg per cm which, smooth, non-magnetic and highly resistant to wear, attributes that make it ideal for precision watchmaking. Moreover, the hardness of silicium, its low coefficient of friction and its resistance to wear significantly enhance the reliability and longevity of the mechanism. These components are also optimally shaped to maximise efficiency and chronometric performance. In addition, the GP4800 is equipped with a stop-seconds function allowing the wearer to set the time precisely.

The GP4800 features a superior variable-inertia balance together with the variable-inertia balance, mitigates the influence of shocks. Moreover, the increased torque confers better stability, thereby enhancing precision.

Collectively, these enhancements ensure the GP4800 delivers a minimum power reserve of 55 hours. This level of autonomy represents a significant improvement and reflects the Manufacture’s commitment to both technical progress and user convenience. From the barrel to the regulating organ, all parts of the movement have been optimised to deliver performance.

The Calibre GP4800 incorporates an upgraded winding system and features an oscillating mass mounted on a ball bearing.

The ball bearing is set with ceramic balls and equipped with a shock absorber system that reduces winding noise and counters shocks, delivering long-term durability. The motion of the rotor is transmitted to a ball-bearing clutch system, which winds the mainspring barrel in a unidirectional manner.

The design of the movement is contemporary but includes details inspired by the Maison’s rich heritage. Beneath the skeletonised 18K gold oscillating mass sit three bridges, inspired by the pocket watch of 1867, one of the oldest brand signatures in watchmaking. Comprising the balance bridge, gear train bridge and barrel bridge, these metal plates are not only functional but also beautiful. Symmetry was the guiding principle behind the creation of this movement — a philosophy beloved by Constant Girard.

The skeletonised balance bridge is affixed at two points, making it more stable. Furthermore, its openworked design allows a view of the balance wheel rotating back and forth, the balance spring beating with life and the silicium escapement in motion.

With no fewer than ten distinct types of finishing visible on the Calibre GP4800, Girard-Perregaux reaffirms its unwavering commitment to excellence. Craftsmanship encompasses not only what is seen, but also what remains hidden. This meticulous approach reflects a deep respect for traditional Haute Horlogerie, while embracing a contemporary aesthetic.

The rhodium-plated bridges are engraved with golden inscriptions, including the eagle emblem. They are adorned with straight Côtes de Genève engraving, feature diamond-bevelled edges and incorporate mirror-polished screw heads. The visible areas of the mainplate feature a refined sandblasted texture, complemented by the words ‘SILICIUM ESCAPEMENT’ positioned near the balance. Even the hidden surfaces are not overlooked with circular graining adorning the underside of the mainplate, exemplifying the Maison’s dedication to detail. The oscillating weight incorporates polished arrow-shaped motifs, a tribute to the original bridges of 1867, while a combination of sandblasting, snailing, and traits tirés grace its flanks. Additional elements, such as the sunray-finished ball-bearing clutch, snailed barrel drum and circular satin- finished wheels, further underscore the blend of innovation and heritage.

This harmonious interplay of traditional and modern decoration techniques makes the Calibre GP4800 not only a mechanical achievement, but also a visual and emotional expression of the brand’s DNA.

Throughout its long and storied history, Girard-Perregaux has earned a reputation as a true watchmaker’s Manufacture — not only crafting exceptional movements for its own timepieces, but also quietly sharing its expertise with some of the industry’s most prestigious names. This discreet but respected role within the ecosystem of Haute Horlogerie has solidified the brand’s standing as a benchmark in movement design and execution.

Drawing on the combined knowledge of its master watchmakers and artisans, the Manufacture has consistently created calibres that embody the highest standards of aesthetics, precision, reliability and longevity. This profound expertise is distilled into its latest creation, the Calibre GP4800, a new-generation movement that reflects both the Maison’s heritage and its forward- looking spirit, and will power several exciting new creations in the years to come.