By Kristen Shirley
This story originally appeared in the May/June 2017 issue of Elite Traveler.
The venerable Swiss watch brand based in La Chaux-de-Fonds recently celebrated its 225th anniversary and today produces some of the industry’s most exciting timepieces, some using antiques as inspiration. While it works with the latest technology in developing movements, it continues to use traditional methods when decorating, assembling and adjusting the timepieces by hand.
Available at Westime in West Hollywood, contact Eric Hoopingarner, +1 310 289 0808, girard-perregaux.com
Neo-Bridges Automatic Titanium
The bridges on this piece take inspiration from a 19th century movement in the famous Esmeralda pocket watch and have become a hallmark of the manufacture. The symmetry in the piece is captivating and at six o’clock there is a visible 10.15mm balance wheel.
$24,000
1966 WW.TC
A valuable asset for the globe-trotting elite traveler, a World Time allows the wearer to tell the time anywhere around the world with just a glance at the wrist. The 1966 WW.TC has a clean and legible dial with day and night indicator, and the movement can be set in both directions, which is unusual for a world timer.
$23,800
Laureato Tourbillon
This year, Girard-Perregaux introduces a full Laureato collection, which is loved for its sporty but elegant look and Clous de Paris hobnail dial. Our pick has an in-house self-winding movement in a case of titanium and pink gold and a tourbillon with matching pink gold bridge.
$93,700