Today I am going hands-on with another of my favorite new ladies pieces from Baselworld 2014; the Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Bloom.
Cat’s Eye Collection
For those not familiar with the name, the Cat’s Eye collection is a range of gorgeously feminine timepieces from Girard-Perregaux that vary in complexity. They all share one thing in common though, a sleek, instantly recognizable oval-shaped case, hence the name.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Cat’s Eye collection and so it seems only fitting that Girard-Perregaux unveil two new models at Baselworld 2014; the Cat’s Eye Anniversary Edition and my personal favorite, the Cat’s Eye Bloom.
The Cat’s Eye Bloom
Presented in a polished steel case that measures 37.84 x 32.84 mm the new Cat’s Eye Bloom is extremely comfortable on the wrist and attracts plenty of attention without causing the wearer any inconvenience or discomfort. Of course, the attention grabbing part may have something to do with the fact that the bezel is set with 64 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling around 0.95 ct.
What really caught my eye though is the wonderfully distinctive dial. As you can see it has been adorned with blooming flowers, peonies to be specific, a delicate flower that has been cultivated by man for thousands of years and is said to originate in China.
Unfortunately it’s just not possible to do this dial justice with photographs, you simply need to see it for yourself in person to appreciate the full effect. Somehow the talented artisans at Girard-Perregaux have developed a special technique that make it seem like the peonies are actually embroided on the dial.
To achieve the unusual look of the Cat’s Eye Bloom, seven layers of material are successively applied to the mother of pearl dial to create volume and the desired three-dimensional effect.
Depending on the model, the second-to-last layer is also given either a gold or silver powder coating to create a shiny effect. The end result is really quite striking, at once feminine and delicate and yet at the same time bold and eye-catching.
On the back of the watch a sapphire case-back exposes the inner-workings of the automatic GP03300 mechanical movement. Conceived, manufactured and assembled in Girard Perregaux’s workshops, its steel oscillating weight is engraved with the letters “GP” to create a tapestry-like decor with pearlescent bridges and mainplate. It features hour and minute functions and offers 46 hours of power reserve.
Completing the look is a grey or beige alligator strap, which is closed by a steel folding buckle.
There are two versions are available, one with a natural mother-of-pearl dial and the other with a beige white one. Both retail for US$15,750 a piece. The only problem now is picking which color you like better!
For more information on the Cat’s Eye Bloom please visit the official Girard-Perregaux website.
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