For Dubai Watch Week 2023, Girard-Perregaux has unveiled a timepiece that takes its association with the British luxury carmaker Aston Martin to the next level. The Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition marks the fifth timepiece in their association, and one that highlights the watchmaker’s signature Bridges collection. At the same time, the watch is inspired by Aston Martin’s next generation of sportscars, the world’s first Super Tourer, the DB12, whose sculpted contours and sharp lines are reflected in the watch.
The watch is truly a collaborative piece, with both brands working on it together. “This was not merely a case of putting Aston Martin’s name on one of our watches,” says Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux. “They played an active role in the conception of this watch, looking at the materials employed and, interestingly the design of the movement. The Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition is the impressive outcome of two companies synergistically working together.”
The 45mm DLC-coated titanium watch has a skeleton dial where the movement – the automatic GP084000-2164 – has been inverted to bring components found at the back of the watch to the front display. This means that the Neo-shaped bridges, which support the balance and gear train are now highlighted. And they are in the automarker’s signature Aston Martin Green. The hue is in fact a theme in the timepiece - the minute markers on the rehaut are in the same green, as is the stitching on the strap. The hands are skeletonised and like the hour markers which project outwards from the rehaut, are filled with Super-Luminova, which has a green glow.
Skeletonisation means that the workings of the timepiece are on display, and at 10 o’clock, one sees micro-rotor, just 5.45mm, engraved with the name of the British luxury marque. Besides it is the barrel, which features the watchmaker’s name. When designing the barrel and micro-rotor, the joint creative team took inspiration from the brakes which are revealed behind Aston Martin DB12’s spoked wheels, showcasing sharper lines and extra openings. Through the closed caseback, one sees the Geneva Stripes, and 'Aston Martin' featured on the sapphire crystal caseback.
The watch is water resistant to 30 metres, and has a power reserve of 48 hours. It is flanked by a black rubber strap with fabric effect.
The watch is a limited edition of 150 pieces.
Image: Courtesy Girard-Perregaux