Girard-Perregaux 1966 Centenary Prize Blue Dial

Six months ago we discussed about the Girard-Perregaux annual calendar with equation of time (  gp.watchprosite.com ).

This watch is quite fascinating by its blend of complications. It is also captivating by its simple and voluptuous beauty.

I've taken the opportunity to make mine a simpler version of the 1966 range and fortunately I've been able to put my hands on a special limited edition made two years ago to commemorate the event that gave its name to the range.

I had planned to post this subject a few days ago and share with you my pleasure of owning this special piece.

The death of Dr Macaluso this week has made me slightly change my view on this piece. Not that I have a different opinion about the qualities of the piece, but my eyes see it differently and wearing it reminds me that a golden era has unfortunately passed and that the present is now even more about writing the future. I wish to Dr Macaluso's sons, Stefano and Massimo to be as successful and talentuous as their father, and even more in the pursuit of Girard-Perregaux's development.

So here is what I wrote in May to begin: "The 1966 range reminds us of the glorious chronometric past of Girard-Perregaux.

I n 1966 Girard-Perregaux presented the first high frequency calibre beating at 36000 vph, fitted in the Gyromatic HF. This calibre created in-house by the Girard-Perregaux research and development team brought exceptional timing results and as a matter of consequence lead the State Council of the Canton to attribute to Girard-Perregaux the Centenary Prize of the Neuchatel Observatory. In fact the first production series Gyromatic HF watches sent to the chronometric competitions were confronted to specially prepared competitors.

In 1967 Girard-Perregaux received 662 certificates of chronometry from the Neuchatel observatory, i.e. 73% of those delivered in the classical wrist watch category.

So if the 1966 range is named after the Centenary Prize given to Girard-Perregaux, this limited series of 250 pieces with blue dial and 250 pieces with a silver dial is dedicated to the Prize itself.

Girard-Perregaux 1966

The watch has the standard "simple" 1966 model specifications, still with a specific palladium case and a special blue dial that makes its main interest IMO.

The Neuchatel Observatory

The 1966 range was launched a few years ago already and that launch was particularly timely, if not premonitory, to take the path of less extrovert watches. Seemingly the great success encountered by the range (and by the comparable efforts of other brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre or Vacheron Constantin with their simple, thin new ranges) is a proof of the pertinence of the positioning and the high quality of the products offered. If you doubt have a look by yourself.

In fact my experience makes me think that simple watches need to be tried to be appreciated, certainly more than the complicated burgers of the former years.

A commemorative edition

The talent of a watch is before all to give the (exact as much as possible) time and then to please the eyes. Well let's say that we are back to basics. The good news is that such good simple taste is quite pleasing and refreshing. The fact and consequence that it brings us more affordable watches is another quite positive aspect.

The standard white or pink gold models are indeed quite reasonably priced, of course relatively to the unreachable dream watches we've so often seen.

A voluptuous case

The watch is generously sized at 38mm, and the thickness is limited. In fact I much prefer for my moderate wrist this 38mm case to the 40mm one used for the complicated models. A simple model in 40mm would be too much for me. I suspect it would be too much for anybody in fact.

A thin automatic calibre

The Girard-Perregaux manufactured automatic calibre is a well known and tested base that is particularly pleasing to use as it is precise, efficient, and harmoniously designed. The full gold rotor in pink gold adds a touch of warmth to the piece, while remaining obviously discreet on the back.

A manufacture engine

This calibre is a thin base for many developments like chronographs, timezone watches, complete, annual and perpetual calendars. It is also a prestigious choice for a simple automatic watch.

A gold rotor for a palladium case

At that time I may remind that my 1966 has joined another Girard-Perregaux in my little collection. You may already know my chronograph reference 4946.

The 1966 and my 4946

Those watches share the same base calibre under the same name. They also share one aspect that I particularly appreciate as they have the same style of hands. Those hands are offered on many Girard-Perregaux watches. Hands are essential as they are in fact the most looked after of all parts in a watch. Beautiful hands on a beautiful dial are a treat!

Typical Girard-Perregaux hands

Those two watches also share the same case size of 38mm of diameter. I'm quite happy to see a return of more moderately sized watches, and their success on the market. The comparison between these two watches on the pictures IMO show how the work on the case design is essential to give its character to the piece. Size does not do it all!

Two watches of same diametre

To end this post I would like to emphasize my opinion that the Girard-Perregaux range offers a wide variety of very tasty and different  pieces that are particularly well finished in conception and realization. Obviously this does not allow a single model to embody in itself the richness of the company, and consequently may refrain those who look for a watch that can personify a company in itself, but is a promise of varied pleasures!

Chronometry is the essence of horology

I hope you enjoyed the reading and have found interest in discovering even more!

Cheers

Dje