Watchatlas

Girard-Perregaux

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1791

Founded by Jean-François Bautte, Constant Girard-Perregaux

Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the few Swiss manufactures to have produced movements in-house across its entire history. The brand is known for the iconic Three Bridges architecture, the Laureato sports watch, and has recently been revived under independent ownership with renewed focus on manufacture credentials.

Founded
1791
Headquarters
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Luxury
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Laureato (1975) — Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato is the Maison’s signature integrated-bracelet luxury sports watch, defined by its octagonal bezel, refined geometric finishing, and a lineage that began in 1975 and continues through frequent modern updates. Key references: Laureato 42 mm, Laureato 38 mm, Laureato Fifty 39 mm.
  • Bridges (1867) — Girard-Perregaux’s Bridges collection turns the Maison’s historic bridge architecture into a contemporary haute horlogerie signature, uniting visible mechanics, sculptural case design, and refined finishing across classical and modern executions. Key references: La Esmeralda Tourbillon "A Secret" Eternity Edition, Free Bridge, Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges.
  • 1966 (1966) — 1966 is Girard-Perregaux’s restrained dress-watch collection, named after the landmark year associated with the manufacture’s technical progress in the 1960s and defined by round dials, slim cases, leaf hands, and a deliberately timeless, classical aesthetic. Key references: 1966 40 mm, 1966 30 mm Infinity Edition, 1966 Château Latour Edition.
  • Casquette (1976) — Girard-Perregaux Casquette is the maison’s retro-futuristic LED digital watch family, revived from the original 1976 design with modern quartz references and helmet-like case architecture. Key references: 39800-32-001-32A, 39800-21-3199-6CM.

Timeline

  • 1791 — Jean-François Bautte establishes a watchmaking workshop in Geneva, the earliest roots of the company.
  • 1856 — Constant Girard and Marie Perregaux marry, and Constant founds the manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
  • 1867 — The iconic Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges wins a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition.
  • 1975 — Laureato launched, one of the earliest integrated-bracelet luxury sports watches.
  • 2022 — Kering group acquires full control of Girard-Perregaux, investing in the brand's future.
  • 2025 — Released eight new Laureato models and a deep diver to celebrate the Laureato's 50th anniversary, including the Laureato Three Gold Bridges. Continued operating independently after Kering's exit via management buyout in 2022.
  • 2026 — Debuted first automatic skeletonized minute repeater Flying Bridge (max 7 per year, USD 590K). Signed multi-year F1 partnership with Williams.

Frequently Asked Questions about Girard-Perregaux

What are the Three Gold Bridges?
Girard-Perregaux's signature complication featuring a tourbillon movement supported by three arrow-shaped gold bridges, first presented in 1867. It's the brand's most iconic technical and aesthetic achievement.
Who owns Girard-Perregaux?
Kering, the French luxury group that also owns Gucci and Saint Laurent, acquired full ownership of Girard-Perregaux in 2022.

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