Girard Perregaux

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronographs, Ref 49542 and 49539 side-by-side

May 21, 2017,23:45 PM

Friends,

Last week I had the opportunity to take a side-by-side shot of my 42mm 1966 Chronograph and of the 40mm Chronograph. Something I had planned for a long time and finally was able to.

However, as with Murphy’s law, just that day, my camera was giving me big troubles and quite a few photos did not came out well. I managed one acceptable shot but unfortunately, the backside I cannot show.

I had previously laid out why I ended up with the 42mm version. Seeing them now again side-by-side, I’m happy to confirm my choice. The slightly bigger size, the better placed subdials and the applied Arabic numerals, by far weigh out the date window. I know for some the date is a no-go and I too would have preferred it without date (just imagine it with an enlarged applied 6 instead), but then again, the overall harmony of the other elements is something I really love.

So let’s have a closer look at the technical details:

42mm Chronograph:	40mm Chronograph:
Ref: 49542	49539
Case: 42mm, 12.53mm thick	40mm, 12.05 mm thick
Caliber: GP3300-0057: 11.5 ligne 57 Jewels and 46h PR	GP030C0, 10.5 ligne 38 Jewels and 36h PR
Versions: only pink gold with white dial	Pink gold/white dial White gold/white dial White gold/blue dial Special Dubail version
Strap: 21/16mm	20/16mm

The 49542 also wins the test on my wrist, just has more presence and better proportions in my view. Here are two older wristshots I took some time ago.

Hope that was informative and I look forward to your views, esp. from you militant no-date guys.

Comments: view entire thread

Obvious

By: xxn : May 22nd, 2017-00:19

alternative to a 5070

It is an association you could have, however

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-01:58

I don't view the GP as an alternative. The 5070 is an icon in its own league and the GP 1966 Chronographs just competes in a different segment in my view. I think both have their place. Best, CC

Totally agree [nt]

By: Luis6 : May 22nd, 2017-06:43

There is one big difference between the two... The superb manual winding movement of the 42 mm version.

By: amanico : May 22nd, 2017-01:46

Which would make me prefer the 42 mm version, if only it didn't have the date. Good idea to have taken these side by side pictures. I love the automatic for its dial, but the dial without a date on the 42 mm + a white metal version would make me fall in l...

Need to disappoint you

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-01:56

but my 42mm Chronograph is Automatic too, the manual wind newer model is also 40mm, but has a very different look of the dial. How about this: The dial from the 42mm Automatic without date, in the 40mm case white gold and with the manual movement...?

My bad!

By: amanico : May 22nd, 2017-02:08

This dial of yours, without date, 40 mm case, manual winding movement, and steel, white gold, platinum or why not... Tantalum case! Here is the 40 mm manual winding. ...

Thanks for adding on the info on the manual wind Chrono. [nt]

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-03:41

See how convenient it is to have "Automatic" written on the dial?!? Just kidding..:) [nt]

By: vitalsigns : May 22nd, 2017-09:33

ROFL! [nt]

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-10:14

Very interesting comparison.. I guess I would have chosen the WG/Wt dial.. Yet, the 42mm

By: hs111 : May 22nd, 2017-02:18

.. indeed are tempting, though with the date.. My fav mvmt would be manual ! Thx for sharing this instructive side-by-side ! Best, hs

Thanks HS, in the end, a personal choice

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-03:41

that can only be made when playing with them in real.

Great comparision shot!

By: blomman Mr Blue : May 22nd, 2017-02:56

Hard to pick a favourite here - pro's and con's on both... I would be very happy with either one! Best Blomman

Thanks Blomman

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-03:42

here for once I would not say "both" But I agree either is a great choice and in the end personal preference.

I would prefer 40mm.

By: TheMadDruid : May 22nd, 2017-03:56

And I like the white metal with either of these dials better. But ultimately the applied numerals would win out. Not crazy about dates, but then again I do not abhor them either.

Thanks for your input, Padj

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-05:55

I understand the preference for the white metal and for sure agree on the applied numerals

Thanks for the comparison CC

By: Alkiro1 : May 22nd, 2017-05:00

Well, from my side, I would choose the 40mm one but I'm a little bit influenced by the metal. Best wishes Alkiro

My pleasure, Alkiro

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-05:56

I was leaning towards white gold myself, until I saw the 42mm, which only exists in pink gold and it makes a nice contrast and adds elegance. On the other hand, not as versatile as white metal.

You chose the one you really love and that's the main thing ;-)

By: Alkiro1 : May 22nd, 2017-06:36

Best wishes Alkiro

and that's how it should be :) [nt]

By: crown comfort : May 22nd, 2017-06:51

Absolutely!

By: Alkiro1 : May 22nd, 2017-10:28

Best wishes Alkiro

The blue dial 40mm is my favorite

By: vitalsigns : May 22nd, 2017-09:40

Both the 40 and 42 mm silver dial versions seem to have too much open white space on the left side of the dial, probably driven by subdial placement limitations due to a relatively small movement I do love the overall look, and especially the applied nume...