Girard-Perregaux Abarth Vintage
Vintage

Girard-Perregaux Abarth Vintage

By this_hobby_of_hours · Aug 13, 2024 · 57 replies
this_hobby_of_hours
WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum
57 replies10950 views11 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

this_hobby_of_hours introduces a truly exceptional and rare timepiece, the Girard-Perregaux Abarth Ref. 4946. This article delves into the unique history and bespoke features of this limited edition, highlighting why it stands out even among other coveted neo-vintage GP chronographs. His detailed account and stunning photography offer an invaluable look into a watch that embodies a unique intersection of horology and automotive passion.

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Friends,

It finally arrived today. I’m excited to have the GP Abarth in my hands.

As usual, I had to beg the original owner (a reclusive and profilic collector) to let me have it. 😅

It’s on its orginal bracelet and I’ll be trying it on its leather strap soon.

A brief summary of the Girard-Perregaux Abarth:

Ref 4946
38 mm
50 pieces made
Double signed dial

Made specially as a limited edition for Abarth Gallery, Japan 🇯🇵

The “regular” GP ref 4946 is a beauty in itself. (See attached pic) Not seen often in the wild and one that I have admired often.

But the folks in Japan requested both dial and movement to be customised even further.

From a 3-register chronograph, it was customized to be a bi-compax with date removed. Running seconds on the right sub-dial and a 30 minute chronograph counter on the left. Perfectly balanced, no partially eaten numbers.

We also seee the white metal applied Breguet numerals on the sand colored dial. Perhaps “milk chocolate” might be a good description for the dial color.

We see “Abarth” on the display caseback with the individual LE number engraved.

Off catalog, this was provided as a special order for specific clients in Japan in 2003. Both fans of GP as well as fans of Italian performance automotives.

Gino Macaluso, born in Turino 🇮🇹, was himself once a champion rally car driver and the Fiat Abarth 124 took him to many titles. Macaluso would one day become the owner of GP (circa 1990-2010)

So to show his appreciation and love for both the Abarth and his friends in Japan, Gino bent the rules when approached to make a special timepiece.

One of the many reasons I especially love the neo-vintage era. Some special pieces with significance and back-stories behind the timepiece.

As always, questions and comments are welcomed. Let’s continue to appreciate the heritage and the hidden gems of this brand we so love.




















Gino Macaluso


The ref 4946





The iconic Abarth scorpion logo🦂


A sketch of Gino in his Abarth. Internet

#NWA 🤝

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
AM
amanico
Aug 13, 2024
Much nicer than the " normal " 4946. The two sub-dials, this damn date removed, the color of the dial, the link with Abarth... Super nice.

TH
this_hobby_of_hours
Aug 15, 2024
Thank you. 🤝 just added some extra pics

EK
eklektik
Aug 18, 2024
A manual movement would have made it top top top, don't you think?

TH
this_hobby_of_hours
Aug 18, 2024
Oh yes …Column-wheel chronograph (Ref 49529-52-131-BABA) ... Movement: Calibre 3300-0057, s

Column-wheel chronograph (Ref 49529-52-131-BABA) ... Movement: Calibre 3300-0057 This one Of course,‘price would have been Top top top too ☺️

AM
amanico
Aug 18, 2024
This one. From La Joux Perret, right?

TH
this_hobby_of_hours
Aug 18, 2024
I read your old post on it

Where you mentioned La Joux Perret. But I never found anything else to indicate so. I always thought that GP developed this entirely in-house. They had done other work with La Joux Perret for the 9020 and such I know. But this one … I’m not sure. Would you know of any other documents or such that say it was developed with La Joux Perret? 🤝

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