What is the history of Girard-Perregaux watches?

The history of Girard-Perregaux watches began in 1791, when forward-looking Geneva-born watchmaker Jean-François Bautte signed his first watches. From there, Bautte worked to establish a watch manufacturing company in his native city, where he promoted putting all the aspects of watchmaking within one facility, a pioneering idea for the era. Later, watchmaker Constant Girard founded the Girard & Cie Firm in 1852, and after he married Marie Perregaux (part of a celebrated chronometer family), the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1856. Like Bautte, Girard-Perregaux undertook all elements of the horological process in-house. In 1906, the company — then under the leadership of the couple’s son, Constant Girard-Gallet — acquired Maison Bautte, joining its historic legacy with the company’s own. Girard-Perregaux continued to make technological advancements over the years, amassing nearly 80 horological patents and introducing numerous innovations. In 2011, the company became part of the Kering Group. Girard-Perregaux continues to operate out of its factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, making it one of the oldest watchmakers in Switzerland. Its current logo — a watch bridge — celebrates the company’s heritage while looking ahead to the future. Explore a large collection of Girard-Perregaux watches on 1stDibs.