Charles Girardier (1759–1839) was born in Geneva and established his own workshop at just 21 years old. Despite his youth, he signed his pieces Girardier l’Aîné (“the Elder”), projecting the confidence and authority of a master craftsman. He became renowned for his mastery of Geneva enameling and his fascination with mechanical art, particularly automaton‑style animated dials, which adorned his pocket watches and attracted prestigious clientele—including European royalty. His artistry was officially recognized in 1809, when he was awarded the title of Maître Horloger, and again in 1810, when the Society of Arts of Geneva honored his creations.

After his death in 1839 without heirs, the maison fell into dormancy for nearly two centuries. The revival began in 2018, when Swiss collector Patrick A. Ulm, captivated by Girardier’s surviving masterpieces held in museums and private collections, acquired original pocket watches and registered the modern brand “Charles Girardier.” Motivated by the elegance of Girardier’s enamel dials, miniature paintings, and automaton scenes, he sought to reinterpret these historical signatures for the 21st century. His vision materialized through the creation of a contemporary version of the maison, respecting the historical values while integrating modern technical mastery.

In 2019, Ulm filed a patent for the brand’s signature complication, the “Mysterious Signature”, a dial automaton animated by a concealed oscillating weight, echoing the theatricality of Girardier’s historic automatons. This innovation anchored the maison’s first modern collection. The breakthrough year came in 2020, when Charles Girardier won the GPHG Ladies’ Complication Prize for the Tourbillon Signature Mystérieuse “Fleur de Sel”, propelling the revived brand onto the global haute‑horlogerie stage.

In 2021, the brand obtained a master hallmark and participated in Only Watch, presenting a unique Fusion Enamel piece at auction, further cementing its artisanal identity. Since then, the maison has expanded through collections such as CG 1809 (featuring the Mysterious Signature and flying tourbillon movement) and CG 1863 Synchronaut (a 2025 release), blending métiers d’art, grand feu enamel, dial animations, and proprietary movements. Today, Charles Girardier timepieces are designed and produced in an independent Geneva manufacture, capable of guaranteeing 100% of components and calibres—bringing the spirit of Girardier l’Aîné into modern high watchmaking.

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Charles Girardier Magic 8 Green

The Charles Girardier Magic 8 captivates through a mesmerizing kinetic mystery unfolding within its case. At its heart lies the in-house Calibre CG 8080 powering an arresting complication across an en camaïeu emerald green dial.
Within the 41mm polished titanium case, a ceaseless mathematical ballet plays out through the reformation of a revolving figure-8 symbol. Available exclusively in this hypnotic green hue, the dial is treated to Girardier's grand feu enameling mastery. Graduating color from outer rim to central core, it emanates an otherworldly luminosity enhanced by the technique.

Dotting the dial is the collection's defining attribute - an animation depicting infinity through symbols rooted in cultures worldwide. Rotating in opposite directions each minute, the illusion of an eternal loop within a perfect loop transfixes the eye. Integrated into the heart of the Calibre CG 8080 without an additional module, it encapsulates Girardier's ingenuity.
Beneath the dial, frosted NAC-treated components unite in harmonious function, their architecture exposed through the peripheral rotor's sweep. Within refined 12.8mm dimensionality, form and finesse join technology and aesthetics. An artistic showcase resolving complexity with grace typical of Girardier's distinguished two-century history.