Girard-Perregaux, an iconic name in Swiss high-end watchmaking, unveiled in April its “journal” The New Face of Tradition by presenting young watchmakers not only busy in their workshops, but also showing aspects of their private lives. The debut of the Young Watchmakers’ Tour and of the launching of the Journal took place in New York City at a special event bringing together watchmakers and watch enthusiasts, before heading to Beijing in June. The third stop on the Young Watchmakers Tour will take place in Paris, in the salerooms of the illustrious auction house Christie’s, at 9 Avenue Matignon, from August 29 to September 5, 2012.

Located in the very heart of the prestigious district of antique-dealers, grand hotels and art galleries in the city’s Rive Droite, this former mansion of the Callot sisters, famous fashion designers at the beginning of the 20^th century, is the ideal location for hosting this magnificent watchmaking odyssey. The Young Watchmakers’ Tour’s week in Paris will revolve around three major themes:

Tradition - the "Girard-Perregaux, the Art of Making Time" exhibition. Girard-Perregaux has been renewing the long tradition of fine watchmaking since 1791. Conceived as an educational tour to the heart of the values and spirit of Girard-Perregaux, the exhibition will trace the evolving face of time measurement by establishing an original parallel between the events, personalities and artistic movements in world history in an innovative presentation. A selection of exceptional pieces from the Manufacture’s own museum together with some of its more contemporary creations will be brought together to form what will undoubtedly be the largest collection of Girard-Perregaux watches ever seen in France. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire both historical pieces such as the "Esmeralda" pocket-watch, winner of the Gold Medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889, the most outstanding example of the famous Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, or more contemporary pieces such as the Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, together with rare documents and unique watchmaking tools. Guided visits will be conducted by Willy Schweizer, the curator of the Girard-Perregaux Museum and the ideal host for visitors who are keen to learn more about the history of the Manufacture.

Expertise, through the installation of watchmaking workshops*, throughout the duration of the exhibition. Five workshops per day are scheduled, each lasting for two hours. Visitors will be able to put themselves into a watchmaker’s shoes by registering for initiation workshops during which they will be initiated into the art of disassembling and reassembling a Girard-Perregaux mechanical watch movement, or will discover the basic techniques of Haute Horlogerie. At least two hours performing these meticulous tasks will give them the opportunity to better understand the subtle combination of craftsman’s skills, technology and creativity that go into making a watch.

* These workshops are open to all, but are limited to 7 people per session. For further information and to register Girard-Perregaux or (+33)(0)1 72 25 65 41.

Finally, new faces, through meetings with three young watchmakers coming straight from Switzerland, with personalities as rich and fascinating as the watches they create. Jean-Luc Borel, a virtuoso player of the Alphorn, Laïla Tissot, an expert in oriental cuisine and dance, and Alexandre Toimil, a keen guitarist and drummer as well as an accomplished skier, will talk about both their work and their other passions. This initiative, unique in its kind, forms part of our campaign "The New Face of Tradition, Eight Young Watchmakers and the Art of Making Time".

"Talented watchmakers remain hidden behind the walls of their workshops too often," explains Michele Sofisti, the CEO of Sowind Group (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard). "We are proud of the young artists with whom we share our passion for watchmaking and we are delighted to show who they are. The New Face of Tradition aims to alter the image that many people have of our profession. It is not an old-fashioned craft, and is certainly not a dying one either, but is young and revitalized in spirit, and in constant evolution, just like the people who practice it."

Furthermore, visionary watchmaker Dominique Loiseau, who has worked at the highest level of complex horology for more than 30 years, will join the Girard-Perregaux Young Watchmakers during their stop in the French capital.


From August 29 to September 5, 2012

Christie’s,
9 Avenue Matignon,
75008 Paris, France

Open to the public every day
From 9:30 am to 7:00 pm