MAGIC 8® Blue

Discover the timeless essence of Charles Girardier's Magic 8® 8080 collection, a symphony of horological luxury. Crafted from titanium, these watches embody subtlety and discreet power. Their minimalist dials provide a backdrop for the dazzling brilliance of Grand Feu enamel, showcasing a vibrant gradient of colors through a mastered technique known as camaïeu.

Explore the timeless essence of Charles Girardier's Magic 8® 8080 collection, a symphony of horological luxury. Sculpted from titanium, these watches embody subtlety and discreet power. Their minimalist dials provide a backdrop for the dazzling brilliance of Grand Feu enamel, showcasing a vibrant gradient of colors through the mastered technique known as camaïeu.

The raised indices mark each moment with sculptural elegance, while the discreet logo leaves its distinctive mark. At the heart of this piece, positioned at 8 o'clock, a kinetic dance unfolds: two asymmetrical hands, revealing the infinite elegance of the number "8", intertwine in a hypnotic choreography, a 60-second magic trick that captures the spirit of infinity and eternal motion.

Explore the three distinct incarnations of refinement in the collection, each capturing a unique aura. The "Green"Emerald Green dial, "Purple" Majestic Violet, and "Blue" Cobalt Blue are masterpieces, eloquently expressing their identity. Each watch is accompanied by a black leather strap, delicately stitched in the tone of its dial, adding a touch of sophistication to the ensemble.

These models are equipped with our exclusive CG M8-8080 caliber, a signature of Charles Girardier’s horological excellence.

OUR EXPERTISE
The camaïeu enamel technique is a refined artistic method that involves using subtle shades of a single enamel color to create a monochromatic gradient effect. This delicate approach highlights the richness of tones within a single color, varying from light to dark, to produce a nuanced and subtle palette.

In this technique, the enameler works with a limited palette of colors from the same family, creating visual harmony through a smooth gradation. Each shade is precisely applied to the prepared metal surface and then fired at high temperatures to fuse with the base. This process is repeated several times, allowing the artist to play with variations in tones and create captivating visual effects.

The camaïeu enamel technique requires meticulous expertise to achieve a perfect balance between shades and ensure a smooth transition from one tone to another. The final result is an enameled work of timeless elegance, where the mastery of color and the subtlety of gradation combine to create a unique and refined piece.

CALIBER
The CG M8-8080, movement, with automatic winding, consists of 278 distinctive components.  This caliber features a complication: At the heart of this timepiece, positioned at 8 o’clock, a kinetic dance unfolds: two asymmetrical hands, unveiling the infinite elegance of the number “8”, intertwine in a hypnotic  choreography, a 60-second magical feat capturing the spirit of infinity and eternal movement. It equips our CG M8-8080 model.  Its power reserve extends to 44 hours thanks 
to the automatic winding peripheral masse.

MAGIC 8®
Discover the timeless essence of Charles Girardier’s Magi 8® 8080 collection, a symphony of watchmaking luxury. Carved from titanium, these watches embody subtlety and discreet power. Their clean dial provides a backdrop for the dazzling brilliance of Grand Feu enamel, unveiling a vibrant gradient of colours, a mastered technique known as camaïeu.

Our collaboration with the Timeless manufacture has allowed us to create a unique complication  based on a movement with automatic winding by a peripheral mass. The automatic winding provides the desired comfort for the wearer without adding thickness (measuring only 4.57 mm) and maintaining a clear view of the movement thanks to this bidirectional mass evolving around the periphery of the movement. The special characteristic of the winding system developed by Timeless is a unique ball bearing, making it a first in this type of mechanism.

The decoration of this movement is highly aesthetic: the bridges undergo a black galvanic NAC treatment and a circular “Geneva stripes” (Côtes de Genève) finish. Additionally, the details of the caliber, the number of jewels, and its adjustment seamlessly match the colour of the dial. The bevelling of the bridges is meticulously executed by hand.

THE DOUBLE-SECOND - MAGIC 8®
A double temporal sequence is expressed at 8 o’clock, where the number “8”, sporting  
a horizontal satin finish with a fillet matching the dial colour, is formed by two opposing rotating hands. Thus, the number “8” disassembles and reassembles itself over a period of 60 seconds.

Technical Information

FUNCTION

• Hours, minutes and  seconds indication.

CASE

• Grade 5 Polished Titanium
• Sapphire crystal back, anti-reflective treatment.
• Water-resistant to 30 m.
• Case diameter: 41 mm.
• Thickness: 12.8 mm.
  

DIAL

• Color: "Blue".
• Grand Feu enamel in a gradient camaïeu technique.
• "Double seconds" in the shape of an "8", in vertical satin-finished steel and painted in the color of the dial.
• "Dauphine" hands in white gold.
  
  

BRACELET

• Hand-stitched calf leather, made in Geneva.
• Black with stitching matching the color of the dial. 
• Polished mirror-finish steel folding clasp.

COMPLICATIONS

• Magic 8®: Mechanism with "double seconds" in an inverted design featuring functions for the composition and decomposition of the number "8".
  
  

MOVEMENT

• CG M8-8080 Caliber
• Automatic winding movement.
• Self-winding by peripheral rotor
• “Magic 8®” system (Double-second Hand)
• CG M8-8080/1/2/3 Caliber
• Jewels: 35
• Diameter: 30.6 mm
• Thinkness: 4.57 mm
• Power reserve: 44 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 Vph - 4 Hz
• Number of components: 278
• Black NAC galvanic treatment for the bridges
• Chamfered and hand-polished bridges
• Engraved Crown

REFERENCE

• CG M8-8080 41/2T

About Charles Girardier

THE BRAND A BIT OF HISTORY

This is the captivating story of a revival dedicated to exceptional watchmaking. A prestigious Geneva-based watchmaking house, dormant since its creator’s disappearance in 1839, is reborn in 2018 with a strong determination  to restore its reputation in the prestigious world of watchmaking.

Charles Girardier, also known as “Girardier L’ainé” (the Elder), was a Maître horloger active in Geneva from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century. He was famous for his expertise in Geneva enameling, characterized by hand-painted miniatures on the dials of his clocks. His passion for mechanical art was reflected in his creations of animated scenes, including the famous Jaquemarts.

In 2018, Patrick Alexandre Ulm, the spiritual heir of Charles Girardier, delves into the legacy of the Geneva watchmaker by purchasing antique pieces at auctions. This passion triggers the rebirth of Maison Charles Girardier, once dormant.

Driven by an intense passion, Patrick Alexandre Ulm envisions and materializes the revival of this watch brand in a contemporary version while preserving its rich historical heritage. This new chapter celebrates the 18th-century watchmaker while incorporating the codes of contemporary watchmaking.

With unwavering dedication, Patrick Alexandre Ulm strives to perpetuate these values and breathe new life into the Charles Girardier brand, while preserving the essence of this former watchmaking manufacture.

PATRICK ALEXANDRE ULM,
Passionate Entrepreneur

2018, a Creative Thought...
In 2018, Patrick Alexandre Ulm, the spiritual successor to Charles Girardier, delved into the past of the Geneva watchmaker through the acquisition of antique pieces at auctions. This revelation sparked the birth of a new chapter for the House of Charles Girardier, once dormant.

Driven by a fervent passion, he envisions and conceptualizes the revival of this watchmaking brand in a contemporary version while preserving its historical heritage. This new chapter celebrates the 18th-century watchmaker while embracing the codes of the present.

"Our company is founded on deep values of dedication, heritage preservation, and exceptional craftsmanship. We believe in preserving the spirit of Charles Girardier, perpetuating his legacy, and drawing constant inspiration from our history to create unique watch collections. Each timepiece carries this ethic, this timeless elegance that defines our identity."

"Our mission is to reinstate the history of exceptional watchmaking in the present by resurrecting the House of Charles Girardier. We are committed to preserving the historical legacy of Charles Girardier while shaping a contemporary watch brand, merging exquisite mechanical art with exceptional craftsmanship. Each movement of our watches embodies the splendor, elegance, and mystery of a bygone era, evoking a past of excellence while embracing the future of contemporary watchmaking."

2020,
A Triumph for the Charles Girardier Brand
Creativity, quality, and success are on the horizon!

The triumph of the exceptional 1809 Signature Mystérieuse® "Fleur de Sel" watch for women (reference: CG-1809 37/1WG Ice Blue) was honored in 2020 with the prestigious Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie in the “Ladies' Complication”category.

A STORY LIKE NO OTHER

Charles Girardier, known as "L’Aîné" (1759 – 1839)
Charles Girardier, nicknamed "Girardier L’Aîné," was a master watchmaker active in Geneva from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. His renown was based on his expertise in Geneva enamel, characterized by hand-painted miniatures on the dials of his timepieces. He was also passionate about mechanical art and was known for his creations of animated scenes (saynètes), including automata such as the famous Jaquemarts.

These features were not merely technical feats but also added a dimension of visual intrigue to his creations. He employed traditional goldsmithing techniques such as hand engraving, guilloché, arabesque art, and enamel painting, giving his pieces an unparalleled uniqueness.

His unwavering commitment to authenticity and uniqueness earned him widespread recognition. He was sought after to design watches for prominent figures of his time, including members of royalty and political leaders.

As European watchmaking reached new heights in precision at the turn of the 19th century, there was an opportunity to offer clients even more ingenious and sophisticated curiosities and entertainments. This was the era of the fashion for repeating watches and automata.

The dial, often reduced in size and sometimes placed eccentrically, provided a usable surface that watchmakers’ imaginations seized upon. The subjects suited to automata were varied: the most common being Jaquemarts, imitations of those installed on large tower clocks and other campaniles. Positioned on the face of watches or on a plate hidden under the case lid, these small figures in colored gold stand out against an enamelled or engraved background, dressed in antique or fashionable costumes.

Despite his significant contributions, Girardier’s name would remain silent for nearly two centuries after his passing.

THE WORKSHOPS SHARING EXPERTISE
Nestled in Buchs, near Zurich, the Charles Girardier Workshops embody a fusion of traditional and innovative watchmaking. Through our collaboration with Timeless Manufacture, we have created a unique complication based on a flying tourbillon movement with automatic winding via a peripheral mass, specifically designed for our CG SM-1809 models in 37 and 41 mm. The CG M8-8080 caliber, also developed by Timeless, has been carefully adapted for Charles Girardier, combining precision with timeless aesthetics.

The Charles Girardier Workshops share their space with the prestigious Oscillon brand, creating a haven of creativity and excellence. This flourishing collaboration, at the heart of a dynamic hub, enables unparalleled synergy and constant exchange of expertise.

The new CG SYNC-1863 caliber, a true horological masterpiece, is built on a Vaucher movement base, enhanced with a Dubois-Dépraz integration for the GMT complication. The master watchmakers from our partner Oscillon have perfected this creation by developing the oscillating mass, the pushers’ design, and the day/night indicator window. They also carry out the artisanal guilloché and assembly with Swiss precision, while overseeing the engineering of the entire mechanism.

Thus, every watch that leaves our workshops reflects an unceasing quest for excellence, blending horological heritage with contemporary innovation to offer our clients pieces of rare elegance and unparalleled quality.