Hands-On Review: Girard‑Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement and Its Purple “Butterfly”
The Girard‑Perlogaux Neo Constant Escapement showcases a revolutionary silicon blade that replaces the traditional coiled balance spring, delivering a constant‑force escapement that stabilises power delivery and enhances precision. Housed in a 45 mm pink‑gold case, the movement features an open‑worked dial, golden bridges, and a striking purple “butterfly” blade that flutters with each oscillation, while the in‑house GP09200 calibre provides a seven‑day power reserve, 3 Hz frequency and COSC‑certified chronometer performance. Beyond its technical innovations, the watch exudes luxury through meticulous finishing, skeletonised hour and minute hands, a sapphire‑backed case, and a black rubber strap with a pink‑gold butterfly clasp. Priced at €140 000 (US$134 000, £114 000), the piece is positioned as a showcase of haute horlogerie, combining avant‑garde engineering with elegant design to appeal to collectors who value both groundbreaking mechanics and refined aesthetics.
Buying Time Analysis: This story is important because it highlights Girard‑Perregaux’s groundbreaking use of a silicon‑blade constant‑force escapement—a revolutionary technology that enhances precision, power reserve, and showcases the future of high‑horology engineering.
