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 — Integrated-bracelet luxury sports watch with an octagonal bezel, originally launched in 1975 — Girard-Perregaux's most recognisable model.
- Bridges — Haute horlogerie collection showcasing the iconic three gold bridges tourbillon, the brand's signature complication since 1867.
- 1966 — Classic round dress watch collection named after the year the manufacture moved to its current location, emphasising refined simplicity.
- Casquette — Retro-futuristic digital LED watch revived from the 1976 original, with a distinctive helmet-shaped case.
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.