Girard-Perregaux is Off to the Galaxy (and Hong Kong) with the Unique Quasar Infrared


Girard-Perregaux this past month began unveiling its 2021 novelties, and leading what will likely be larger group is the Swiss watchmaker’s latest addition to its sapphire-cased Quasar collection. The collection, which originally debuted in 2019 at Watches & Wonders Miami and already includes the original, the Quasar Light, and the Quasar Azure, will now add the Quasar Infrared, a red-accented model paying homage to the Chinese New Year and working to evoke “energy, vitality and prosperity.”

Like its predecessors in the cosmically named series, the new watch’s 46-mm case is crafted from a single block of sapphire, from a painstaking process that required more than 200 hours of dedicated work. Box-shaped sapphire crystals cover both the dial and caseback of the watch, combining with the transparent case middle to allow a 360º view of the complex tourbillon mechanism inside, itself anchored via three other sapphire-cut elements, specifically the stylized bridges visible from the dial side.

The dial, of course, is heavily skeletonized and designed to showcasing the tourbillon at the heart of the movement. A textured and red-accented barrel sits toward the top of the face, representing the only spot on the dial where you’ll see the brand’s engraved logo. In parallel, toward the bottom of the dial, is the floating tourbillon, which together with its cage is composed of 79 pieces and weighs an astonishing quarter of a gram. It is this mechanism that earns the watch its “Quasar” name, the style of tourbillon serving as a reference to one of brightest, most highly luminous celestial objects in the known universe. Finally, at the center of the dial are hybrid dauphine/leaf-style hands, each skeletonized at their centers and tipped with some luminous red paint.

Powering the watch and its much-discussed tourbillon is the Caliber GP09400-1439, an automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph, contains 27 jewels, is made up of 260 parts, and is capable of a 60-hour power reserve. The movement is wound via a white gold micro-rotor, and thanks to the sapphire case in which it is installed is visible at any angle, allowing for multiple views of its haute horlogerie finishing.

The Girard-Perregaux Quasar Infrared will be limited to only a single example (i.e., a unique piece) and will be priced at $319,000. It’s available exclusively through Girard-Perregaux’s Hong Kong boutique at K11 Musea.

To learn more, visit Girard-Perregaux’s website, here.

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  1. Walter Smith

    I guess I just don’t get it. GP’s Quasar Infared seems like an exercise without inspiration. Try to cram as much technological and manufacturing expertise into a project and sell it for a high price. I don’t see the artistry or provence of GP’s Triple Bridge Tourbillion. I always saw Girard Perregaux as one of the old houses in the tradition of Breguet, Patek Phillipe, and Vacheron Constantin. Thrown in Audemars Piguet and Jaeger LeCoultre as well. I guess I’m a romantic.

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  2. Walter Smith

    I’m sorry. I just don’t get it. GP’s Quasar Infared seems to be an exhibit of technological and manufacturing ability. Impressive as it may be, it does not carry the provenance and history of this old house.

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