When master timepiece-maker Girard-Perregaux buddies up with supercar-maker Aston Martin, you know something special will be made. The Tourbillion with Three Flying Bridges — Aston Martin Edition is the first timepiece from the partnership, and it is simply mesmerising to look at.
Your eyes will be drawn to the 44mm case, formed by Grade 5 titanium, selected by Aston Martin for its hypoallergenic and lightweight properties. The case is injected with black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) that gives it a super-sleek appearance.
A sapphire crystal ‘box’ is applied to the front and rear, which clearly displays the dial, its inner workings and your wrist; hairs and all. The movement’s mainplate has been significantly reduced to seemingly float in between the sapphire crystals. This led to the term ‘Flying Bridges’.
Everything hinges on the three bridges that span the dial, a Girard-Perregaux signature. Through the sapphire, you’ll see the tiny components moving in harmony just to tell you the time. A lyre-shaped tourbillon cage is placed at the lower portion of the dial, something you’ll find in Girard-Perregaux’s tourbillons from the 19th century. Down at the 6 o’clock position, a blue hand counts the seconds. The tourbillon cage measures only 10mm in diameter and is made from 79 components, weighing a ‘hefty’ 0.25 grams.
Up at the 12 o’clock, the openworked barrel lets you peek into the mainspring. A micro-rotor, made from white gold, is placed beneath the barrel to charge the mainspring. The name Aston Martin is engraved on the vertical flank of the micro-rotor and treated with white luminescent to appear blue in low light. The indexes and hands are also treated similarly to glow blue in the absence of light.
The timepiece is completed in black calf leather and Rubber Alloy. A world’s first, the Rubber Alloy is created by injecting rubber insert white golf. The strap’s design is made to reminisce Aston Martin’s racing heritage.
Only 18 of the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges — Aston Martin Edition will be made. It is priced above RM550,000, and if it costs you an arm, at least you have the other to wear the timepiece.
