New Release
Blomman Mr Blue introduces the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Large Date with Moon Phases, a significant novelty from SIHH 2017. His post meticulously compares this new 40mm version to its 2015 predecessor, highlighting subtle yet impactful design refinements. This article explores the evolution of this classic complication, focusing on GP's mastery of the large date and moon phase displays.
Friends,
One more novelty from this year, SIHH 2017: Girard-Perregaux 1966 Large Date with Moon Phases!
A classic combination of complications in a 40mm case.
Two complications that Girard-Perregaux learned to master:
Large Date, the date change is lightning fast, one ten thousandth of a second!
Moon Phases, needs to be set once in a lifetime, if the movement is running constantly, needs to be adjusted every 122 years!
But doesn’t GP already have a 1966 Large Date with Moon Phases?
Yes, in 2015 one version was released: 41mm case, enhanced hands and bezel.
While I love the 2015 version for its boldness, here is a watch that plays an entirely different tone.
Reverting back to the classic leaf hands with thinner profile and without the lume.
Gone is also the wider bezel, giving the case a thinner, more elegant profile.
Part of the reduction of the bezel comes natural, since this new version is one millimetre smaller in diameter, 40mm.
The four quarters, 12, 3, 6 and 9 are still enhanced with applied indexes.
The word “AUTOMATIC” is (unfortunately) still inside the sub-seconds at six.
New is the text “1791” on the dial, referring to the 225 Anniversary from last year.
Here I would have preferred to remove the “AUTOMATIC” and moved the “1791” down to the sub-seconds.
That would have made the dial more open, IMO.
The new 1966 Large Date with Moon Phases comes in two versions, White Gold and Pink Gold.
The White Gold version is like an ice queen, cold, sharp and stunning!
But, after a comment from CC, I now realize, one thing that would have made this watch even more beautiful is, if the Moon on the moon disk would have been in Gold.
It would have given the watch that little extra, the warmth and the contrast!
The second version, the Pink Gold is just the opposite in some ways.
Warm, welcoming and with good contrast!
Like Audrey Hepburn and Marylin Monroe, if you like. Both stunning beautiful ladies, but very different charm.
The Pink Gold version is easier to read time and the moon is more like a warm summers night, than a cold December, like on the White Gold.
Inside is the automatic inhouse movement GP03300-0111.
In the 41mm case, the movement looked kind of small, here in the 40mm case, it is still not big, but much better.
In fact, if you look on the back, what makes it look small is not the movement, but the opening.
As you can see, the rotor is actually larger than the opening.
One thing GP may consider would be to design a new case back for the 1966, to show more of their movements.
On the wrist, both versions are stunning and as I already stated, the 1966, 40mm case is spot on for me!
Cold, sharp…
Warm, welcoming…
I must confess that I am having a hard time choosing a favourite between this new version and the previous.
Even if “same watch”, they play two very different cards here.
My instinct would be to say both, but even so, I am not sure which one would get the most wrist time…
Instead I will say, previous version is bolder, more noticeable, sportier.
This new version is more classic, refined, more under the radar.
Which one is the best, depends all on who is the one to wear the watch and the mood of that person!
What is easier to stat is which one I prefer between the White Gold and the Pink Gold: only one gets the Green Lantern approval!
So, which version would be your choice?
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.
Cheers - and, hey: enjoy mid-summer this firthcoming week my friend! HSTE
One with XII and VI, and another with 3 and 9, of which there was a 200 piece Ltd Edition with a blue dial. There is even another with a full set of Roman Numerals, not to mention a Boucheron special edition. Boucheron
The thinner bezel and 40mm case is also a good move. Maybe they can even consider making the bezel thinner? 38 or 39mm looks slimmer and more elegant for this type of watch.
I think GP did very well with this subtle evolution. I never really liked the thicker leaf hands with lume and all other 1966 models have the normal thin leaf hands without lume. Reducing the size to 40mm is also logical when even the 1966 is 40mm. I just hope that the white gold case will get a golden moon in the production models. Choosing between the two versions: hard, very hard, but I would take the white gold if the moon is golden. Best, CC
Green Lantern seal of approval works great I see Personally.... although it's not usual for me ....but in this case I prefer white metal a lot...maybe cos your first pic is astounding Cheers D
Wish you the same! Hope you have better food traditions in CH than here... Midsummer food is not my cup of... Best Blomman
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