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Lot Essay
From 1998 to 2003, Girard-Perragaux released the Opera series which served to reinforce the Manufacture’s heritage of haute horologerie by presenting a true tour de force in chiming watches. The minute repeating collection consisted of three different models: Opera 1 launched in 1988, Opera 2 launched 2 years later and Opera 3 in 2003. Each model highlights the extremely complex minute repeating mechanism which is further completed by impressive complications: Tourbillon for the Opera 1 and Tourbillon and Perpetual Calendar for the Opera 2 and 3.
The present lot is a luxurious bejeweled variant of the model Opera 1 with a diamond-set bezel. The watch features two very intricate and unique complications: the brand’s signature golden bridge tourbillon and a minute repeater with the rare Westminster chime on four gongs which strikes on demand. Unlike a “normal” minute repeater, a Westminster carillon chime requires multiple gongs and hammers to replicate the peal of bells that rings out from the Houses of Parliament in London. The high quality finishing of the Opera 1 and its movement was rewarded with the prestigious Swiss Watch of the Year by Montres Passion in 1999 and the Special Jury Prize from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.
The present lot is a luxurious bejeweled variant of the model Opera 1 with a diamond-set bezel. The watch features two very intricate and unique complications: the brand’s signature golden bridge tourbillon and a minute repeater with the rare Westminster chime on four gongs which strikes on demand. Unlike a “normal” minute repeater, a Westminster carillon chime requires multiple gongs and hammers to replicate the peal of bells that rings out from the Houses of Parliament in London. The high quality finishing of the Opera 1 and its movement was rewarded with the prestigious Swiss Watch of the Year by Montres Passion in 1999 and the Special Jury Prize from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.