Girard-Perregaux

• cal. GP9600S automatic nickel lever movement, one-minute tourbillon carriage, three engraved pink golden bridges • skeletonised dial, Roman numerals to the chapter ring, constant seconds hand attached to the tourbillon carriage • 18k pink gold case, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws • case and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Girard Perregaux buckle 

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing. It was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The dial and hands in very good condition. Case in very good condition with the inevitable minor scuffs and scratches throughout. Overall in very good condition. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping.***
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Constant Girard patented his first 'three bridge movement' in 1884.  In 1889, Girard's first three bridge tourbillon watch won the gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition. Between 1865 and 1911, Girard-Perregaux registered 57 tourbillon watches at the Observatory of Neuchâtel.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Girard-Perregaux researched and manufactured 20 golden bridge tourbillon pocket watches based on the 1889 original. In 1986, Girard-Perregaux’s Research and Development team were charged with designing and producing a wristwatch version of the three bridge tourbillon in time for the company's 1991 bicentenary. Their technological innovations lead to the miniaturisation of the movement to allow the three golden bridges to be visible from the dial side.

Today this design is arguably the most visibly iconic tourbillon wristwatch.