Review
Blomman Mr Blue shares his extended wear experience with the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Large Date with Moon Phases in pink gold. His review delves into the watch's surprising ability to attract attention and its unique complications, offering a deeper understanding beyond initial impressions.
Friends,
As I told you in the review of the last year’s novelty, the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Large Date with Moon Phases I had the chance to really get to know and try out this watch in many different situations!
GP had the kindness to let me have the Pink Gold version of this watch for a couple of weeks and use it in my everyday life.
As you all know, there is no better way to really “get to know” a watch as wearing it longer period of time!
The first and biggest discovery regarding this watch for me was the following: This is NOT a classic, sober, under the radar dress watch.
I never received as many comments and compliments about “my watch” as during the time I was wearing this watch!
Very nice, but also a bit bittersweet since very few of the watches I wear are not mine…
Metal and Size: I suspect two of the reasons for the attention I received for this watch are the metal and size.
A solid Pink Gold, 41 mm case do not really go undetected where I live.
Especially if you know me, since 90% of all my watches are white metal watches.
The interesting thing is that my GP 1966 Enamel dial also in Pink Gold which is only one millimeter smaller never got that same attention from others.
Something different: another reason would be the different dial.
Yes, as a PuristS you might think “what different”?
But to the general public the Large Date and Moon Phases are not widely known or recognized.
Complication: Large Date.
The GP’s version of the Large Date is very much my personal preference for a Large Date.
No border, visible line or divider between the numbers, lightning fast date change and very precise, easily operated with the crown.
The draw back on this 41 mm watch would be the quite centered location of the Large Date and the Moon Phases on the dial.
Personally I don’t find this a problem, but I understand if others might.
I think Girard-Perregaux made a great job adjusting the design to make the date window blend in nicely.
The long applied Pink Gold index at twelve and the relocated logo below the date window gives the upper part of the dial a very nice balance.
Complication: Moon Phases and sub-second.
The Moon Phases window has a good size and the raised Moon and stars are made of beautiful polished gold.
Good visibility and the sky heaven have a great depth in it!
The Moon Phases are adjusted by a pusher at four o’clock, which is very convenient for me as right handed compared with the Traveller with sapphire dial which have the pusher on the left hand side.
The sub-second hand located on top of the Moon Phases matches the applied gold index.
I get the same good feeling here, adjustments been made to give the Moon Phases window space.
The index at six o’clock has been shortened to keep the balance.
In this shot you may also see that the big leaf hands are not flat.
They are curved around their length axis to give more depth to the watch and heighten the visibility.
Personally I find this a very nice touch!
Pusher at four to operate the Moon Phases.
Like on all GP 1966 the crown is very easy to operate.
Due to the profile of the case side, there is a small gap on the back which makes it easy to pull and operate the crown.
Left: crown pushed in, right: crown pulled out.
Another detail that we don’t talk much about that I really like is the GP tang buckle.
Its profile is very streamlined and when buckled, it doesn’t get stuck in things that easy.
On the wrist: Its presence is fantastic!
Everybody want in on the action!
Even if you try to hide it, you know it’s there!
The dial comes to life when the sun is out.
When the warm ray of light plays over the watch, it is just stunning!
What can I say, a fantastic dress watch with a positive attitude.
With this watch, you can really smell the "roses"!
Big thank you to Girard-Perregaux for letting me try this watch and have a real “on the wrist experience”!
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 line, introduced in 1994, draws inspiration from historical models, specifically a 1945 Art Deco piece. This collection is characterized by its rectangular or tonneau-shaped cases and a design language that evokes mid-20th century aesthetics. The Vintage 1945 series quickly became a cornerstone of Girard-Perregaux's offerings in the 1990s, reinterpreting classic forms with contemporary watchmaking standards. It represents a significant period for the brand in re-establishing its heritage-inspired collections.
Early models in the Vintage 1945 series typically featured stainless steel cases, though gold variants were also produced. The case dimensions varied depending on the specific model, often presenting a balanced profile suitable for dress wear. These watches were frequently equipped with automatic movements, showcasing Girard-Perregaux's in-house capabilities or finely finished outsourced calibers. The crystal was commonly sapphire, ensuring durability and legibility, while water resistance was generally suitable for daily wear rather than aquatic activities.
For collectors, the Vintage 1945 series appeals to those interested in neo-vintage watches that successfully blend historical design with modern execution. The 1994 introduction year marks it as one of the earlier and more influential lines from Girard-Perregaux's resurgence in the 1990s. Its various iterations, including time-only, small seconds, and later complicated versions, offer a range of choices for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive rectangular watch with a clear lineage.
Thank you for bringing my attention to those small but important details such as the buckle and the little gap under the crown.
They make the difference between a watch you like and a watch that you will love! Thank you, Luis. Best Blomman
A perfect dress watch with petite complication, very very sophisticated indeed. CC
A very happy surprise! Best Blomman
That I would like to add a Vintage 1945 into my collection before I add another GP 1966... But I must confess that this watch was big and positive surprise on the wrist! Best Blomman
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