Complications
Blomman Mr Blue shares his unexpected admiration for the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater, Annual Calendar & Equation of Time, a complex timepiece that captivated him despite his usual preference for minimalistic designs. His detailed observations highlight the watch's stunning dial and intricate complications, offering a fresh perspective on a highly sophisticated reference.
Friends,
At the Salon Belles Montres I had the chance to handle the GP 1966 Minute Repeater, Annual Calendar and Equation of Time. Reference: 99651-52-131-BKBA, Limited Edition of 15 pieces.
You all know me and my minimalistic taste… But here I was stunned! Especially since I wore the GP 1966 Time/Date only on my wrist for the last month.
The GP 1966 Time/Date had already won my heart in all its simplicity and elegance… And here was this Minute Repeater, extra everything with sugar on top… In my mind I thought, hm…
But just one look at the dial my mind went from hm… to OH!
Even if a very crowed with a lot of information, the dial comes off as very clean! And the guilloche pattern in the center is just stunning.
The silvered, sun burst dial with the applied pink gold numerals has a very strong warm shine to it. The classic leaf hands of the GP 1966 also in pink gold and so are the sub-second-, date- and Equation of time hands.
The dial layout is actually very asymmetric, but that is not something that you notice at first glance. Only when looking closer on the different functions you realize that nothing inside the numerals is symmetric.
Sub-second at nine has a very old school pocket watch design; the red accent at “60” gives that otherwise pink gold/silver dial a very small effective “punch”. Below, between six and seven thirty is the month window, moving slowly during as the month passes.
Date dial at one thirty. Here the “1” is marked in blue, but it is really hard to see, both in photos and in real. Maybe red would have been more effective or why not an applied pink gold dot same as for the month?
Between four and five, the Equation of time is located.
Equation of time you may ask?
The Equation of Time indicates the difference between the civil time (sun with noon’s 24 hours apart) and solar time (the actual sun’s noon at the same place).
Modern society measure time and days divided into 24 hours per day, but in reality the solar day varies in duration.
The 42 mm pink gold case has the typical 1966 shape. Classic, angled bezel, short, slightly curved lugs. The Minute Repeater lever at nine.
The sound of the Minute Repeater is just fantastic! Clear and with a good volume. Even if it was crowded at the Salon Belles Montres with a lot of people around talking you could hear the MR very well!
I tried to take a video with sound of the Minute Repeater, but I failed, I need to learn how to do it…
Inside is the manual caliber E09-0003, with a frequency of 3 Hz and a power reserve of minimum 4 days.
Inside are 48 jewels, 419 components in total.
The finishing is just stunning! Geneva bars, all edges have been polished with beveled angles to perfection.
GP have incorporated the DNA of the bridge shape here as well.
42 mm is big for a dress watch, but not very big considering all the complications and the rich sound of the Minute Repeater!
I just love the Minute Repeater complication. What a difference two of these small hammers can do!
To see the two hammers working and hearing the sound… What a pleasure!
There will be 15 very lucky owners with this one!
I just wish this one could stay on my wrist…
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater with Annual Calendar and Equation of Time, reference 1966MinuteRepeater, represents a significant addition to the 1966 collection, building upon the minute repeater movement introduced in the preceding year. This particular iteration distinguishes itself by integrating additional complications, elevating its technical complexity and dial presentation within the range. It caters to collectors seeking a high-complication timepiece that combines traditional horological artistry with a refined aesthetic.
This reference features a case crafted from precious metal, housing a sophisticated automatic movement. The integration of an annual calendar, a pointer date, a month indicator, and an equation of time display alongside the minute repeater mechanism demonstrates the brand's expertise in grand complications. The crystal is typically sapphire, providing clarity to the dial and protection for the intricate movement. The design maintains the classic proportions and understated elegance characteristic of the 1966 series.
For collectors, this model appeals to those with an appreciation for haute horlogerie, particularly the combination of an audible complication with practical calendar functions and the more esoteric equation of time. It fits into the Girard-Perregaux lineup as a demonstration of advanced watchmaking capabilities, offering a blend of technical prowess and classical design. The discreet integration of multiple functions on the dial maintains a balanced and legible appearance.
the dial is not my taste ,a bit....too much... when it comes to repeaters I prefer minimalism on a classic watch,I mean,a watch completely devoted to the most sublime complication.... Thats why I think that the 1966 repeater is rather unbeatable... thank you Blomman,great watch nevertheless.. Mo
But I must say that I really like the Equation of Time! :) One day I really hope to be able to have a Minute Repeater in my watch box! The "plain" GP 1966 is a strong contender for sure. Best Blomman
Not very keen on the annual calendar, and the whole design of the dial, which I find too busy for my taste. I am much more attracted by the EOT, though. Visually, not very convinced, acoustically totally in love. Best, Nicolas.
So, how would you feel about a Minute Repeater with the EOT? :) Best Blomman
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