Girard-Perregaux Abarth Havana Dial Chronograph 4946
Vintage

Girard-Perregaux Abarth Havana Dial Chronograph 4946

By this_hobby_of_hours · Apr 18, 2025 · 37 replies
this_hobby_of_hours
WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum
37 replies4185 views12 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

In this insightful article, 'this_hobby_of_hours' delves into the unique allure of the Girard-Perregaux Abarth Havana dial chronograph ref. 4946. He highlights its rarity, historical provenance, and the challenges and opportunities presented by GP's 'neo-vintage' era, where lost archives create a compelling hunt for unique timepieces. This piece offers a fascinating look into a special commission and the brand's intriguing legacy.

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Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth



Some history:

This was was a special commission in 2004 which saw 50 pieces made. Inside beats the GP in-house calibre 3370. Usually with a date, the exception was made to have the date removed.

Former Girard-Perregaux owner and world champion race car driver Luigi “Gino” Macaluso drove an Abarth in many of his races. He was also a trained architect (talk about over-achiever 😅).

Torino native, Macaluso’s vintage car collection was world renowned and continues to this day to be owned and displayed by the Macaluso foundation.

Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth



Heritage, rarity provenance and IMHO, sheer raw beauty make this a special piece for me.


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth



I hope that other collectors understand the anomaly that GP is. Beautiful pieces from the NEO vintage era that are often undocumented.

The anomaly is that while GP is one of the oldest Swiss maisons, archives of past pieces have been lost.

This creates both the challenge and the opportunity to add unique pieces to the “forever collection” that can be passed down to the next generation.

Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth


Watch by Girard Perregaux, GP Abarth



Hope you enjoy the little write up and these pics I took.

If you have questions about GP NEO-vintage pieces, just ask in the comments. I’ll do my best to help.

🤝

About the Girard Perregaux Gyromatic Ref. 4946

The Girard-Perregaux reference 4946 is a notable example from the brand's production during the 1960s, representing a period of design evolution for the manufacturer. This reference is characterized by its understated aesthetic, reflecting the prevailing design sensibilities of the era for dress watches. It offers a clear indication of Girard-Perregaux's approach to automatic timekeeping in a more compact form factor, distinguishing it from larger or more complicated offerings of the time.

The watch features a stainless steel case measuring 34mm in diameter, a size typical for men's watches of its decade. It is fitted with an acrylic crystal, common for watches of this period, providing durability and ease of maintenance. The timepiece is powered by the automatic GP Caliber 39, which provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The dial is presented in a silver finish, complemented by a fixed bezel and a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in vintage Girard-Perregaux pieces that embody the brand's mid-century design language and mechanical craftsmanship. Its straightforward date complication and classic proportions make it a versatile piece for those seeking a historically accurate representation of the brand's output. The 4946 offers a glimpse into the foundational elements that would influence later Girard-Perregaux designs.

Specifications

Caliber
GP Cal. 39
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
34mm
Dial
Silver
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AU
AuHavrePro
Apr 18, 2025
Gorgeous. Thank you for the pictures!!

TH
this_hobby_of_hours
Apr 18, 2025
Welcome. Thanks for your comment too 🤝

QU
quattro
Apr 18, 2025
Thank you Marc for the presentation

of this beautiful timepiece and for sharing your passion for GP. Even if I don’t really relate to the automotive background of this watch because I’m personally not into cars (just me of course), I find it very attractive. Best, Emmanuel

TH
this_hobby_of_hours
Apr 18, 2025
Thanks Emmanuel ☀️

Based on the name, I always figured you were a car guy and a Audi Quattro fan. 🤝

QU
quattro
Apr 18, 2025
My username comes

from my LUC Quattro Spirit 25 which includes Chopard’s “quattro technology” used in caliber 98 (4 stacked barrels for 8 to 9 days of power reserve). And, as I’m not at all into cars, I realized only recently that this username could be interpreted in an automotive way! 😅

TH
this_hobby_of_hours
Apr 21, 2025
Ah, I see now

I understand the love for the LUC Quattro Spirit 25 with its “Quattro” technology. Apart from liking the models from LUC, I like the brand and it’s CEO. Family run. Sincere and genuine in their approach to collectors and Horology. 🤝

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