Review
Blomman Mr Blue provides a comprehensive hands-on review of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph reference 49539. He details its specifications, design elements, and the historical context of the 1966 collection, offering a collector's perspective on this elegant timepiece.
Friends,
The time has come for me to give you a “hands on” of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph reference 49539.
But let’s start with the basics:
Case size; 40 mm in diameter and 12 mm thick. See through case back.
Case materials; White Gold (shown here) and Pink Gold.
Dial; Hours, Minutes, Sub-seconds, Two register chronograph, Tachymeter scale.
Dial versions; White dial (shown here), Blue and a Limited Edition “Doctor’s Watch” for Dubail boutiques (2 X 10 watches).
Water resistant down to 3 ATM / 30 meters.
Movement; Caliber GP030C0. Automatic, column-wheel, 30 minutes chronograph.
304 components, 38 Jewel and with a minimum of 36 hours power reserve.
Design wise this is a very elegant looking watch.
The Tachymeter scale, the heated blue chronograph and second hands, the applied white gold index, numerals and hands, rectangular pushers….
A past era comes to mind, like the GP chronograph reference 6557!
This watch has a classic 30 minutes chronograph layout with the running seconds on the left sub-dial, chronograph minutes on the right sub-dial and the chronograph seconds in center.
Personally I find the balance very nice and the white dial is very clean and sober, but not in a boring way.
On the contrary, I find it very refreshing.
Even if chronographs by nature tend to have a busy dial the expression “less is more” comes to mind!
Nothing more than the essential, which makes it look stunning!
I know we have discussed this watch many times and some wish for manual movement and there is a manual chronograph in the GP 1966 collection, the 49529.
Same size, but different dial and with date.
But when thinking and re-thinking this watch I came to the following conclusion:
I think that GP including an automatic movement chronograph in the GP 1966 collection is logical.
Why?
Because the GP 1966 collection was created on the forties anniversary of the High Frequency movement that, the year after its launch, rewarded Girard-Perregaux with 73% (!) of all Chronometer certificates from the Observatory in Neuchatel that year (1967).
The movement was the Gyromatic Chronometer HF, i.e. an automatic movement.
Still, there is a manual movement offer, but to exclude the automatic movement from the GP 1966 collection would feel strange…
Almost as strange as making a tribute of a manual movement icon, with an automatic movement and design it so it looks like the “matic” but name it “physic“…
On my wrist the 40 mm GP 1966 case feels perfect!
I said it before and this watch confirms it, for my taste and my 17.5 cm wrist, the 40 mm GP 1966 case is a complete match.
You feel its presence, but it won’t get in your way.
It doesn’t get in peoples eye, but in the same time it won’t go unnoticed.
Must admit that it jumped several steps up my wish list!
I still need to see the 42 mm chronograph, ref 49542 from 2012 in real…
But this one is a beauty, isn’t it?!
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph reference 49529 is a distinguished model within the brand's 1966 collection, known for its classic chronograph functionality and refined aesthetic. This reference is characterized by its balanced dial layout and traditional design cues, appealing to collectors who appreciate understated horological complications. It represents Girard-Perregaux's commitment to classical watchmaking principles, integrating a chronograph function seamlessly into a dress watch silhouette. This particular reference was available in multiple case materials and dial variations, offering options for different collector preferences.
The watch features a 40 mm diameter case with a thickness of 12 mm, available in white gold and pink gold. It is equipped with the automatic Caliber GP030C0, a column-wheel chronograph movement composed of 304 components and 38 jewels, providing a minimum power reserve of 36 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The watch offers water resistance down to 3 ATM, equivalent to 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for water sports.
Collector relevance for the 49529 stems from its adherence to traditional chronograph design, featuring a 30-minute chronograph layout with running seconds on the left sub-dial and chronograph minutes on the right. The dial variations, including white, blue, and a limited edition “Doctor’s Watch” for Dubail boutiques, add to its collectibility. Details such as heated blue chronograph and second hands, applied white gold indices, numerals, and rectangular pushers further enhance its appeal to those seeking a classic and functional timepiece.
The movement is, for me at least, the downside, but something I could live with especially if the dial is.. Blue. Best, my friend. Nicolas
I find this one top elegant! Best, my friend Blomman
The 1966 Chronograph has been on my wish list for a long time. It never was at the very top as it simply involves a significant monetary commitment, but I'm glad to report that I have found my version of the 1966 Chronograph that suits me personally best. So thank for getting it started with the 40mm white gold automatic and I will post the review of my 1966 Chrono in a few days. Just that much, it's a different version from this one Best, CC
Thank you, my friend. I really looking forward to see which one you got! Best Blomman
Guess, somethng to at least have a look at.. Thx for the sharing pictorial, Best, hs PS: BTW: these 2 Chronos ref 6557, you show will very probably provide me with another sleepless night.. - Captivating stuff, all !
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