Aston Martin revealed the first timepiece, made in collaboration with Girard-Perregaux, only 18 pieces available. The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition is the latest model celebrates the iconic Three Bridges pocket watch from the 19th century in a decidedly contemporary way, down to the smallest details, including the strap.
The 44 millimeter case of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition is formed of Grade 5 titanium, a strong, hypoallergenic alloy selected by Aston Martin for its lightweight properties. It is suffused with black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). A sapphire crystal ‘box’ is positioned front of house, as well as to the rear, coaxing light to illuminate the case interior. The movement eschews a mainplate, sitting between both panes of sapphire crystal. Three bridges, an iconic signature of Girard-Perregaux, span the dial and are formed of titanium with black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) treatment and polished angles.
The cage of the tourbillon, positioned in the lower portion of the dial, is ‘lyre-shaped’, a characteristic found on all the company’s tourbillons dating back to the 19th century. A blued hand affixed to the cage imparts the running seconds. The tourbillon cage, measuring a mere 10mm in diameter, is composed of 79 components which collectively weigh only 0.25 grams. The barrel, positioned at 12 o’clock, is openworked, affording partial views of the mainspring.
A white gold micro-rotor, positioned beneath the barrel, energises the mainspring and, unlike most automatic watches, it grants unobstructed views of the movement. The car company’s name is engraved on the vertical flank of the micro-rotor and is filled with white luminescent treatment which appears blue in restricted light. The indexes and hands are also treated with white luminescent treatment and, once again, emit a blue glow in dim light.
The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition, a limited edition of 18 pieces, is available worldwide in all authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers.