Timepieces are among the most favored collectibles, and proud indeed is the owner of a Girard-Perregaux. Associated with the most luxurious complications-such as the fabulous tourbillion mechanism covered by three gold bridges-Girard-Perregaux is committed to the elegance and finesse of every one of its models. The firm is also admired throughout the world for being one of the few to carry out all stages of the production process on site at their production headquarters from designing through to manufacturing. The Geneva manufactory has set the benchmark in watch design since the nineteenth century.

Despite changing fortunes in the international market, Girard-Perregaux has lived up to its reputation due to its passion for innovation, sharpening the mechanical movement of the watches to a degree of perfection never before attained. Illustrated by magnificent photographs commissioned for this work, the story of Girard-Perregaux will be a revelation for all those who are passionate about haute horlogerie.

François Chaille is a historian and the author of Cartier: Creative Writing, published by Flammarion.