The Property of an Important Middle Eastern Collector
GIRARD-PERREGAUX, 18K WHITE GOLD TRI-AXIAL TOURBILLON, LIMITED EDITION, REF. 99815, NO. 1/5Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 75,000
Estimate
USD 60,000 - USD 100,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
The present exceptional triple-axis tourbillon watch is number 1 of a limited edition of only 5 pieces made in white gold.
Girard-Perregaux has since the 19th century always been at the forefront of tourbillon technology, the company is of course world-famous famous for its distinctive patented Three Golden Bridges Tourbillon. The triple-axis tourbillon is one of the marvels of haute horology, far more than just a beautiful and mesmerizing mechanical work of art, it is a triumph at the highest level of watchmaking craftsmanship coupled with extraordinary technical knowhow.
The triple axis tourbillon is displayed to wonderful efect in the present watch. To allow enough space for the multiple rotations, Girard-Perregaux has designed a special domed lens in the sapphire crystal above the mechanism. To display the tourbillon to maximum efect and from as many angles as possible, a further crystal window on the side of the case is ftted below the 9 o’clock position, the crystal case back enables viewing from behind. The tourbillon mechanism has three independent axes of rotation, each axis supports a carriage rotating at a diferent speed, an inner lyre-shaped carriage houses the balance and makes one rotation per minute, this inner carriage is ftted into a cage on an axis which revolves once every 30 seconds, finally the outer carriage encompasses both rotations and turns on its own axis once every 2 minutes. The tourbillon is made from a mixture of materials including steel, titanium and gold, it comprises of 140 components, weighs 1.24 grams and occupies a space measuring 13.78mm.
In common with all tourbillon watches, the present watch is descended from Breguet’s original invention patented in 1801 to cancel out the negative effects of gravity to gain improvements in timekeeping. However, it was not until the British horologist Anthony G. Randall added a second axis to a tourbillon for use in carriage clocks in the 1977 that multiple axis tourbillons came into being. The triple axis tourbillon itself is based on the study of the work of Richard Good who developed his mechanisms again for use in clocks in the 1980s.
This superb and visually impressive masterpiece of the watchmaker’s art will appeal to all who appreciate mechanical intricacies.
ψ Please note the endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, this watch will be supplied to the buyer with a non CITES strap (not shown). For further information please refer to the Conditions of Sale.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working, however, a service is recommended. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. The watch is in good overall condition. The bezel with light and normal signs of surface wear. The left band with tiny pinhead dings in places and light surface wear. The right band is in good overall condition, light surface wear. The lugs with light scratches and scuffs due to removal of the strap. The 18k white gold Girard-Perregaux double deployant buckle is in very good overall condition, light surface wear.
ψ Please note the endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. Upon sale, this watch will be supplied to the buyer with a non CITES strap (not shown). For further information please refer to the Conditions of Sale.
1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor. 2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICES and CONDITIONS OF SALE in our catalogue. We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.