Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue delves into the intricate details of the Girard-Perregaux 8867's case and dial, offering a comparative analysis with the Omega 2913. This post highlights the shared characteristics and subtle differences in vintage diver case construction, revealing the manufacturing origins and the importance of minute details for authenticating these historical pieces.
Friends,
You all know that when I find a watch I really like, I try to find as much information about the watch as possible…
The GP 8867 is no exception to this rule.
As I pointed out in my review, the case is very similar to some of the other well-known divers from that time.
You find the full review here:
As you can see from these shots, the cases of the GP 8867 and the Omega 2913 are very similar.
Both have diameter of 39 mm, both have 48 mm lug tip to lug tip and inside lugs 19mm.
Both have the same construction of the bezel, but the Omega is a bit thicker in total.
From case back to top of the bezel the Deep Diver measures 10.5 mm while the SM 300 is 11.5 mm.
Both have the screw down case back (and cool symbols on the back).
I have now got confirmed that the GP 8867 case was made by Piquerez S.A.
Piquerez S.A. also made cases for Omega at that time, but not the Omega CK 2913, SM 300 which was made by Huguenin Fréres. You see the HF logo in the center of the case inner back.
Piquerez S.A. do not exist any longer in its original form but a member of the Piquerez family started a new company that specializing in manufacturing of small metal watch components and medical devices.
If you google you will see that many vintage watches you recognize uses cases made by Piquerez.
Huguenin Fréres are still in business and focus on metal work and gravure.
Same here, if you google HF you will find many vintage watches you recognize uses cases made by them.
The dial of the GP 8867. OK, if we now focus on the dial, it has an “air de familiar” right?
Many famous divers from the 50’s and 60’s have black dials, maybe that is the reason? Or it might have to do with who manufactured the dials….?
There were a few actors on the dial market at that time. Lemrich was one, made dials for Rolex among others.
Another big manufacture of dials was Singer, again used by Rolex, but also by Omega.
Another legend that has a Singer dial is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm.
Please see Nicolas post on the subject:
http://jlc.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-2/pi-5921118/ti-869128/s-0/
As you can see the dial I manage to find is not a completed dial, it is missing the tritium layer.
One thing I am curious about is how they make the numbers? Are the numbers painted on the tritium? Or….?
So, let’s turn the dial over and see…
Yes, as many other divers from that time, the GP 8867 uses a dial made by Singer!
Can you name some of the famous vintage divers that used dials made by Signer?
It is interesting to see, once you start to dissect a vintage watch, how many parties involved making one watch.
Today’s fashion that everything MUST be in-house made to be acceptable didn’t exist back then.
The question is, was the watches of lesser quality back then? Or do you actually gain something by using specialists for each part…?
Food for thoughts…
Either way, I LOVE my GP 8867!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-08-29 03:24:18The Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver, specifically reference 7897, represents an early foray into professional diving watches by the manufacture. Positioned as a robust yet accessible tool watch, it was featured in the 1963 German catalog, highlighting its water resistance and automatic movement. This model is notable for its distinct design elements and limited production run, making it a point of interest for collectors of vintage sports watches.
Measuring 35mm in diameter, the steel case housed an automatic GP 31-0 caliber. It was rated water-resistant to 200 meters and featured a turning bezel. Dial options included black or white, with variations in hand designs, specifically luminous arrow-shaped tips or diamond-shaped luminous markers. The watch was offered with either a steel bracelet or a tropical strap.
Produced for only two years, 1961 and 1962, with a total of 1500 units, the Ref. 7897 is a relatively scarce vintage diver. Its short production span and variations in dial and hand configurations contribute to its collectibility, offering a glimpse into Girard-Perregaux's historical contributions to the dive watch genre.
you continue to be a great inspiration and the 8867 is also my favourite vintage GP Deep Diver. I'm on the look, but I'm very patient to find THE right one. Thanks again. CC
I didn't opened this post :) It is better that way....at least for my mental health ;) Thank you again my friend Yours D
Be careful, not all that is out there are kosher.... Best Blomman
And let you regain your mental health! ;) Or.... I can just go on until you give in and join the GP club! ;) Best, dear friend Blomman
If they where, I would have a bunch more of they! ;) Best, my friend Blomman
To each his own... Some know how to make nice movements, other make cases, or dials, or screws, or... No problem with that, as long as quality is here. Best, Nicolas
This thread is active on the Girard Perregaux forum with 28 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
