ROAD TO GLORY
British automotive manufacturer Aston Martin and Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux reveal the first limited-edition timepiece of their newly announced partnership
Aston Martin and Girard- Perregaux may hail from different countries and specialise in two very different products, but both companies were founded by visionaries who would go on to become pioneers in their respective industries. Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford created the Aston Martin DBR1, a car made for competitive racing whose distinctive side air vent remains a key characteristic of the company’s road- going sports cars today. Constant Girard and Marie Perregaux likewise transformed watch design in 1867 by making once-invisible components visible aesthetic features with its Tourbillon “With Three Gold Bridges”.
Now, some three months after GirardPerregaux was announced as the official watch partner of Aston Martin, the two brands have revealed their first collaboration. The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition celebrates the 19th- century original in a decidedly contemporary way, down to the world-premiere black calf leather and rubber alloy strap that recalls the British automaker’s racing cars of the past.
“We are delighted to partner with Aston Martin, entrusting their team with arguably our most iconic timepiece, delivering a fresh perspective on haute horlogerie,” says Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux. “Rarely do we work with others to reinterpret the Three Bridges, however, on this occasion, we have made an exception, mindful of Aston Martin’s prowess for design.”
Indeed, this new model – limited to just 18 pieces – plays with proportions, shapes and materials that showcase the passions of the two brands. The 44mm case is made of lightweight grade 5 titanium suffused with black diamondlike carbon while the pared-back movement appears to float between two sapphire crystal boxes. Among many other minute details, Aston Martin’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 greatest of the challenges we faced with the design of this new timepiece were those of scale, as you can imagine. We had to consider lines and proportion on a far smaller scale than we are used to in the realm of automotive design. That said, good design is good design, whether it is a watch or a car, the principles remain the same,” says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s executive vice president and chief creative officer. “I’m delighted with the finished watch and congratulate everyone who worked on this project as this collaboration has produced a timepiece of great beauty.”