Vintage
Crown comfort revisits the Girard-Perregaux Classique Élégance 49570, a dress watch from the mid-2000s that held a brief but memorable place in his collection. This post offers a valuable look back at a reference that predates the popular 1966 line, highlighting its design characteristics and why it was ultimately moved on. It provides context for how Girard-Perregaux's dress watch aesthetic evolved.
Let’s take a short trip down memory lane. Once in my collection, but parted with it a few years ago, is the Girard-Perregaux Classique Élégance 49570.
A classic time-only dress watch that was in the collection for a short time only. It was available in a Steel case with either bracelet or strap and with black or silver dial.
The 49570 was introduced around 2005, but the Classic Élégance line was very soon after replaced with the launch of the 1966 dress watch line in 2006/2007, which lives on till today.
There also was a sibling with small seconds (49520), which was available in precious metals.
The 49570 also shares the case with the Classic Élégance 49530 with large date and moonphase.
In the end, I parted with it in exchange for another watch. While it was super comfortable on the wrist with its 40mm case, the black dial tended to be very reflective and made reading time not always easy.
There is however one very interesting element about the 49570 and that can be found on the back.
With the 49570, GP Caliber 4000 was introduced. With 30.6mm quite a bit larger than the Caliber 3300.
However, Caliber 4000 was not really continued, except a few years later it was evolved into Caliber 4500 used in the Vintage 45 XXL.
But if you look closely at the Caliber, it may look familiar. Yes, the new Caliber 01800, which is now used in the 42mm Laureato as well as is the basis for the Skeleton models is essentially a revamped Caliber 4000.
So that’s were the circle closes again.
Best,
CC
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.
Yes, you can see the relationship between this 49570 and the 1966 line. Best Blomman
Best wishes Alkiro
Case and bezel. Type of clean dial. Type of numerals used. To me the 49570 is a less elegant, more sporty ancestor of the 1966. Yes, not an exact copy, but I do see relationship here. But, that maybe just me. Best Blomman
Best wishes Alkiro
I think the most obvious change is the evolution of the case. The 1966 case is much more refined, but yes the elements are there.
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