Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux Debut Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges

The first watch from the recently announced partnership between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin has arrived.

The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges — Aston Martin Edition merges Girard-Perregaux’s timepiece legacy with Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art approach to design.

“We are delighted to partner with Aston Martin, entrusting their team with arguably our most iconic timepiece, delivering a fresh perspective on Haute Horlogerie,” said Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, in a statement. “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.”

Made from Grade 5 titanium — a hypoallergenic alloy chosen for its lightweight properties — the 44-millimeter case is steeped in DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon),  providing the watch’s exterior with a sleek appearance. Inside the frame, three bridges span the dial, harkening back to Girard-Perregaux’s signature 19th-century pocket watch which first introduced the classic construction.

Delving into the mechanics, a sapphire crystal box collects light for readability inside the front and the back of the case, while the cage of the tourbillon — composed of 79 components — lives in the lower section of the dial where an attached blue hand counts the seconds.

The barrel, oriented to 12 o’clock, provides partial views of the mainspring with an open-worked silhouette. Meanwhile, a white-gold micro-rotor controls the mainspring and provides a clear view of the inner movements. Illuminating the time, the watch’s indexes and hands appear white luminescent, while also possessing a blue glow effect in low light.

“When viewing the design of an Aston Martin, you will note the firm’s distinctive front grille, first seen on the DB Mark III of the late 50s,” Pruniaux said. “Likewise, the scoops and side strakes found on the company’s modern-day models are functional elements, intended to improve airflow while enriching the overall appearance of each car.”

“At Girard-Perregaux we share a similar philosophy,” he continued. “For example, when the Maison released the now-legendary Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges in 1867, it transformed three functional elements into attractive aesthetic features and demonstrated an approach that we continue to employ today. Finally, this latest partnership provides a fascinating chapter in Girard-Perregaux’s 230-year history.”

In line with the partnership’s focus on maximal luxury, only 18 timepieces will be made and sold for $146,000 USD.

The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition is available to purchase across all authorized Girard-Perregaux retailers. Visit the brand’s website for more information.

Elsewhere in the watch world, Issey Miyake is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its watch line with a selection of Naoto Fukasaw-designed timepieces.