In 2015, with the introduction of its “Chamber of Wonders” collection, Girard-Perregaux provided its first glimpse into the field of miniature creation with the artistic tradition known as cabinets of curiosities.
This art form made popular during the Renaissance was imbued with magic and fantasy, held the unmistakable charm of adventure. An infinitely small object becomes a canvas for the creativity of artisans specializing in rare handcrafts, which Swiss fine watchmaking has renamed artistic crafts.
Girard-Perregaux is continuing to celebrate this meticulous skill and patience in an original manner with the second installment of the “Chamber of Wonders”.
For 2016, Girard-Perregaux expands its 1966 pink gold collection with a trio of numbered pieces powered by a self-winding Manufacture caliber with dials that either celebrate the Earth as seen from space, or space as viewed from Earth. These interplanetary journeys are opening up the “Chamber of Wonders” to even more colorful interpretations of the past, and to new understandings of objects that are references in world history. They are the original combination of the manufacture-based arts of a mountainous area dedicated to excellent watchmaking and the multidisciplinary knowledge representing the openess to the world.
More than simple demonstrations of manual skills, the map representations reproduced and reinterpreted on the dials of the three 2016 “Chamber of Wonders” models celebrate the visions of scholars and famous figures in the history of humanity. They tell a tale of perceptions, which demonstrates the extent of knowledge at the time when their illustrious creators first expressed them. Their connection to the passing of time and its creation of certainties is undeniable.
The Chamber of Wonders – Center of the Universe Earth
Stone marquetry, and miniature and gold powder painting
The creation of this rare Girard-Perregaux piece highlights the technique of stone marquetry, embellished by the talent of miniature painters. The result is a depth that can only rendered by stone cut into thin disks, which are then polished and positioned like a jewel.
This sets the scene for materials capable of representing different shades of blue, such as lapis lazuli or aventurine, or reflecting warm white tones, such as extra-white mother-of-pearl. The stretches of sea and boundaries of unknown territories are formed in this manner, before brushes dipped in gold powder delicately caress the colored surfaces. Updated in this manner, the product of infinite patience, the motifs symbolize the land and its outlines.
The Chamber of Wonders – Center of the Universe Sun
Stone marquetry and miniature paintings
The 24-hour renaissance according to Copernicus, in reference to the time taken by the Earth to turn on its axis and begin a new day, should naturally be celebrated with warm and silky colors – almost as if the Earth were watching the Sun and gradually becoming hypnotized by the warmth of its light. To illustrate this, Girard-Perregaux selected aventurine and gray jade, which it combined with alternating shades of dark and pale orange jasper.
As with every map interpretation depicted on the dials of the “Chamber of Wonders” range, original watchmaking techniques are combined with a variety of talents, such as miniature painters. Their final touches give incredible visual structure when combined with the patience of arranging cut and polished stones in a mosaic to create a powerful aesthetic aptness.
The Chamber of Wonders – Celestial Globe
A sapphire dome engraved and painted by hand
Taking pride of place on the small dial, this timepiece is a masterful ode to the color blue and its infinite range of shades. The domed sapphire dial is painted by hand and its engraved grooves are filled with gold powder deftly showcases Girard-Perregaux’s artistry. Exquisitely graceful, the 2016 “Chamber of Wonders” delicately displays artistic techniques that have been passed down for generations, forming the source of the most daring challenges on a backdrop of history.