GIGN: the limited edition Lip Tourbillon watch by Christian Prouteau

On the 45th anniversary of the GIGN, Christian Prouteau, its founding commander, created a limited edition Lip tourbillon watch. Inspired by the MR73 revolver and the historical Lip De Gaulle model, this 150-piece watch combines elite tactical heritage with high horological complication, designed exclusively for GIGN members and alumni.

The origin of a commemorative watch

It was on the 45th anniversary of the GIGN’s creation that Christian Prouteau, the unit’s first commander, began designing an exceptional timepiece. A passionate watch enthusiast, Prouteau approached the project as he did the foundation of the GIGN: with a blank slate. His goal was to create a watch that would best symbolize the initial spark that led to the formation of the original group of 17 men on November 3, 1973.

A watch rooted in GIGN heritage

True to his methodical mindset, Christian Prouteau delved deep into the fundamentals to design a relevant, symbolic model. The result: a rare collector’s piece built in 2018 by Lip based on their vintage De Gaulle model, equipped with a tourbillon movement. This limited edition of 150 units was intended solely for GIGN members and veterans.

The GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group) was created in November 1973 in response to escalating global security threats, particularly hostage situations, following incidents like the Clairvaux mutiny and the Munich massacre. One of its first major operations was the Djibouti school bus hostage rescue in 1976, featuring the debut of the "simultaneous shooting" technique by GIGN snipers.

The symbolism of the “357 Magnum”

This model, named “357 Magnum,” references the iconic weapon of the GIGN: the MR73 revolver with a 4-inch barrel. Developed by Prouteau in collaboration with Manurhin, it was adapted from a competition model to suit the needs of elite marksmen. From 1974, it was used by members based on their precision shooting ability at 25 meters.

Designed for close-range neutralization where long guns were impractical, the revolver became emblematic of the GIGN’s tactical precision. Several successful hostage operations were executed using this firearm, further linking its legacy with that of the unit.

A tourbillon inspired by a revolver

The watch features a case finish reminiscent of the MR73 and a tourbillon movement — a tribute to Lip’s historic T18 model, and to the “General de Gaulle” design. The tourbillon aperture at the 6 o’clock position subtly evokes the rotating cylinder of a revolver in motion.

Developed by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon is a prestigious horological complication that rotates the balance wheel, hairspring, and escapement within a cage to counteract gravity’s effects. This rotating mechanism resembles a beating heart — a poetic reference to the GIGN motto: “Commit for life.”

A symbolic trio

For Prouteau, combining the tourbillon, the iconic French Lip model, and the MR73-inspired aesthetics represents the GIGN’s core values: precision, professionalism, and excellence. The result is a watch that unites horological craftsmanship and military heritage in a uniquely French creation.

Technical details and exclusive edition

This 2018 watch features the Lip reference 3A00 tourbillon movement, with 33 jewels and a small seconds complication. The tourbillon cage completes one rotation every 60 seconds at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. After full winding, it offers a 40-hour power reserve.

The 40mm case is crafted in 316L stainless steel with a screw-down back engraved with the GIGN logo, the limited edition marking (150 pieces), anniversary mention (45th year), individual number, and Christian Prouteau’s name.

The dial, protected by a sapphire crystal, matches the brushed finish of the case and bracelet. It displays the years 1973 (GIGN’s founding) and 2018 (watch’s release). At the top of the dial, in place of the Lip logo, is “GIGN,” followed by the model name “Magnum 357.” The Lip branding is discreetly engraved on the crown. The adjustable bracelet features a hidden folding clasp, and the full set includes a special GIGN presentation box.