Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue's detailed exploration of the Girard-Perregaux Alarm reference 7742 offers a fascinating look into the appeal of mechanical alarm wristwatches. This article highlights the personal connection collectors feel with these analog complications in a digital age. Readers gain insight into the historical context and specific details of a significant vintage Girard-Perregaux model.
Friends,
You all know my fascination for alarm wrist watches… And GP alarm watches are no exception to this.
To be able to set a mechanical alarm to remind me of an event is a very special pleasure for me. A function that is both analogue and mechanical in a digital world. To be able to influence length and sound by the winding of the alarm... To have an alarm that doesn’t sound exact the same each time… To have an alarm that doesn’t increase in volume because you don’t turn it off in time…
It gets more personal. And what can be more personal than an alarm you carry around your wrist?
One of Girard-Perregaux faithful work horses from the 1960’s was the reference 7742.
Launched in 1960 the all stainless steel version were launched. Followed in 1963 by the 14 K gold-, gold middle case/steel back- and in 1966 the gold plated version.
In total 5860 watches were made of the reference 7742!
Of the 5860 watches only 100 in 14 K gold and 950 in middle gold middle case/steel back. Unfortunately I have no records of how many gold plated watches.
As often seen on GP watches from that time, the dial is a sunburst silver dial.
What is different on this 7742 compared with one of the big contenders from this time period, the JLC Memovox is that instead of an rotating alarm disk in the center, the alarm is indicated by a window at six o’clock. The alarm position is set to six and by rotating the alarm indicator disk the window will display the time when the alarm will go off.
Already at this point blue was used as an accent color. Here I have seen different alarm disk versions. Some with black numerals like mine and some with blue numerals like this one.
With a case diameter of 35 mm this is a very elegant watch. Lug to lug 41 mm, thick 11.5 mm and 18 mm between the lugs.
The rather straight lugs are quite angular to the case which gives the watch a bigger look.
Normally, Girard-Perregaux signed their crowns during the 1960s, but here you will find one unsigned crown and one crown signed with an “A”. The unsigned crown at four o’clock winds and sets the time while the “A” crown at two o’clock winds and sets the alarm.
Inside is the manual caliber 11-09 based on the caliber AS 1475.
Screw down case back. The outer case back ring is the screw down part which locks the case back while the case back has a fixed position. The fixed position is to place the pin in position for the alarm hammer.
The alarm hammer is the part you see here to the right of the balance wheel.
On the outside, the bubble you see on the back is the pin which the alarm hammer hits when the alarm goes off. The sound is a quite sharp “cricket” sound, very characteristic for alarm watches from this period.
Here are a couple of scans showing the 7742 in the GP catalog.
German catalog scan from 1963.
For me this is a lovely classic looking watch with a both fun and practical complication!
As mentioned, I am a sucker for alarm watches so for me this is a must have!
I must confess that I find these AS movements less sophisticated compared to JLC movements from the 60’s.
But that is a minor issue once this beauty is on the wrist!
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux Alarm reference 9490 is a distinctive alarm watch produced in limited quantities during the 1970s. It stands apart from its predecessors, the reference 7742 and 9190, through its unique aesthetic and functional characteristics, notably its arrow-hand alarm indicator and date display. This model represents a specific design era for Girard-Perregaux, reflecting the 'Funky 70s' style.
Encased in a cushion-shaped stainless steel case manufactured by Garber, the 9490 measures 31 mm wide, 40 mm lug-to-lug, and has a thickness of 13.5 mm including the crystal. It features a blue dial with applied indexes and a subtle linear texture. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, likely an A. Schild caliber, and incorporates an inner case designed to amplify the alarm sound. The time crown at four o'clock is signed 'GP', while the alarm crown at two o'clock is signed with an 'A'.
With only 350 pieces manufactured between 1972 and 1976, the Girard-Perregaux Alarm reference 9490 is considered a rare vintage find. Its low production numbers, combined with its distinctive design and alarm complication, make it a compelling piece for collectors interested in historically significant and uncommon timepieces from the 1970s.
Be a perfect compliment to your stunning Memovox collection, my friend! :) Best Blomman
Your first paragraph is best description of why we love alarm watches Kudos for this post my friend Sincerely Damjan
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