Wm. Jay Roseman
357
My Gyromatic Observatory Chronometer has just come back from service . . .
Jan 07, 2004,10:22 AM
Hi Everyone:
I just wanted to share my excitement and let everyone know that I just received my Observatory Chronometer back from GP USA and I must say, they really did a fantastic job - I could not be more satisfied with the results. My picture taking ability belies the beautiful appearance of the watch but trust me, the watch looks brand new!
1967 Gyromatic Observatory Chronometer
Normally, I would do the overhaul myself, however, GP USA sent this watch to GP Switzerland because of the special handling this watch required - according to the service manual, the escape wheel which is coated with a special lubricant, is "never to be touched or cleaned." As with all High Frequency GPs, this escape wheel required a special lubricant and as such, had to be maintained by a qualified GP specialist.
High Frequency - 36,000 beats per hour
My picture taking ability is horrific as the dial is actually pearl colored and not the golden color shown. I will take additional pictures in natural light and post them but having just gotten it back today, I could not help but post some pictures as I promised I would.
GP32A movement - US 18K gold cased
From what I understand, this watch is one of 662 Observatory Chronometers made in 1967 and is taken directly from production to the Observatory trials - but Peter can tell you significantly more than I could about that.
I would like to thank Peter for all his help. I would not have this watch had it not been for his guidance and education here in the GP Forum. Few people are as giving as he and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Once I get better pictures, I will post them (particularly the face in its naturel colors).
Very happily yours,
Will
Comments:
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My Gyromatic Observatory Chronometer has just come back from service . . .
By: Wm. Jay Roseman : January 7th, 2004-10:22
Hi Everyone: I just wanted to share my excitement and let everyone know that I just received my Observatory Chronometer back from GP USA and I must say, they really did a fantastic job - I could not be more satisfied with the results. My picture taking ab...
Gorgeous piece!
By: syuji : January 8th, 2004-07:07
This is a gorgeous piece of GP! Could you tell me how much the overhaul at GP was? Also, do you have a "Before overhaul" photo? Thank you!
Plain Jane
By: PeterCDE : January 8th, 2004-07:07
Here?s a Observatory Chronometer (albeit not Will?s watch): GP caliber 32A Observatory Chronometer, tested by Observatory Neuchatel (serial numbers edited out) Keep in mind only movements were tested (and still are, by COSC today). By contemporary standar...
Thanks for the photo of the movement . . .
By: Wm. Jay Roseman : January 8th, 2004-04:16
Peter: Thanks for the photo of the Observatory movement. I have never seen one so close-up. And many thanks for the additional information about the watch - your knowledge of GP and watches in general never ceases to amaze me. Regards, Will
that watch rules
By: ei8htohms : January 8th, 2004-04:16
Hi Will, That piece is truly amazing. I'm glad you let GP CH do the work and delighted to hear they did it justice. Dare I ask? How's the timekeeping. Thanks for the pics! _john
1967 results...
By: PeterCDE : January 8th, 2004-08:20
... from a Bulletin d`Marche by the Observatory Neuchatel of September 1967 for a GP like Will?s: Different from COSC bulletins, the Observatory ones are four pages with each listing the results for the specific testing period (10 periods over 4-5 days ea...
I know its good but . . .
By: Wm. Jay Roseman : January 10th, 2004-09:09
Hi John: Thanks for your kind words. The watch appears to be keeping excellent time but I have only compared it to an Internet Atomic clock as I do not have a watch timer. I know that GP Swiss did a great job with the overhaul because that is something th...
Where to service?
By: DON : January 9th, 2004-05:17
Is there a difference as to service between these two locations? GIRARD-PERREGAUX USA 201 Route 17 North 8th Floor RUTHERFORD, N.J. 07070 Tel 877-846-3447 Fax 201-507-1553 SERVICE Tradema of America Service Center 801 West Main Street Mount Joy, PA 17552-...
they'd get serviced at the same place
By: ei8htohms : January 9th, 2004-05:17
Hi Don, I believe RGM still does all the repair work for GP USA so they'd end up with the watch either way. _john
An alternative would be to "send it home"
By: PeterCDE : January 9th, 2004-10:22
Hi Don, John is correct. In fact, RGM/Tradema USA does the service for GP USA. As an alternative, it?s possible to send it to Switzerland. Will?s watch was serviced back home in La Chaux-De-Fonds - and obviously, it paid to do so In any case, i think eith...
