Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant (Force) Escapement: The Evolution of a Revolution

Credits: Article and images by Martin Green @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/10/16/girard-perregaux-neo-constant-force-escapement-the-evolution-of-a-revolution/

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While it is remarkable how Girard-Perregaux made the movement, it is even more astonishing how they turned it into such an incredibly good-looking watch. Compared to its predecessor, the Neo Constant Escapement has a very wearable size of 45mm in diameter at a thickness of 14.8mm.

Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement

It sits nicely on even a smaller wrist thanks to relatively short lugs, while the titanium case keeps the weight down. It lacks a dial, but a chapter ring marks the hours and minutes.

The bridges take inspiration from the famous tourbillon with gold bridges, which in recent years Girard-Perregaux has cleverly turned into a design hallmark for a larger portion of its collection. The center stage is there for the escapement, performing its mesmerizing dance at the lower half of the watch.

The top seems less exciting, just showing the two mainspring barrels, but with the bridge section over it, they give a sense of power while cleverly toning down the design from becoming too much of a good thing.

In that matter, the power reserve indicator is linear. This brings back memories of Girard-Perregaux’s once-upon-a-time sister brand, Daniel Jean-Richard. It is there, easy to read, but also not drawing too much attention to itself.

Back of the Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement

The back of the watch shows a similar exceptional eye for detail and balance. While its predecessor used a small dial to tell the time, with the Neo Constant Escapement, the hands are mounted in the middle. This makes it perhaps a bit more mainstream, but that is also the goal.

The Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is a watch to wear and enjoy. As it shows the evolution of a revolutionary escapement, its desire is, in part, also to make this technology more mainstream. While they are there in terms of dependability and wearability, production is still complex. This significantly limits the yearly production.

Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement

While I normally forgo being on the waiting list for any watch, this is one I would make an exception for, as it strides into the future of precision mechanical watchmaking.

For more information, please visit www.girard-perregaux.com/row_en/93510-21-1930-5cx.html

Quick Facts Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement
Indications: hours, minutes, seconds; linear power reserve
Case: Grade 5 titanium
Dimensions: 45 mm x 14.8 mm,
Caliber: Caliber GP09200-1153, manually wound with 7 days of constant force power reserve, 3Hz, Chronometer certified
Price: CHF 95,000