Girard-Perregaux Bracelet Service Guide

yankbrit · 2024-05-27T13:35:12Z

Struggling with a Girard Perregaux WW.TC bracelet fit? Discover how to find discontinued small links for your GP ref. 49850-11-650-11A and compatible models.

yankbrit

WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum

31 replies9355 views0 photos

For luxury watch collectors, achieving the perfect bracelet fit is paramount to enjoyment and wearability. Author yankbrit's quest for a specific small link for his Girard Perregaux WW.TC ref. 49850-11-650-11A highlights a common challenge with discontinued models. This article distills community wisdom, offering practical solutions and demonstrating the enduring value of collector forums in preserving the legacy of horological pieces.

31 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Greetings, GP community. Fingers crossed for a little help please. One of my GP’s is a WW.TC ref; 49850-11-650-11A on a steel bracelet. I rarely try to wear it (and that bugs me as it’s one of my favorite pieces), because I can’t get it to fit quite right. It’s too loose. But If I remove one full size link, it becomes too tight. I figure if I can replace one of the full size links with one of the small size links, I’ve a shot at getting it right! Problem is, this bracelet being discontinued those links are very hard to find. GP say they don’t have any more so my only hope is that someone out there has one spare that they would sell me. I don’t know where else to turn so If anyone has a small link for this bracelet that they don’t need and would be willing to part with for a price, please PM me. Thanks in advance.

Photo Added This message has been edited by cazalea on 2024-06-01 16:13:59

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'small link' for the WW.TC ref. 49850-11-650-11A bracelet is not a true half-link but closer to a three-quarter link, measuring 8mm compared to the 11mm full link. This 3mm difference is crucial for fine-tuning the fit.
Many Girard Perregaux models from the same period share interchangeable bracelet links, particularly those tapering to 18mm at the clasp. Specific references like 2598, 2498, 2499, 4940, 2496, and 4935 use compatible small links.
When searching for discontinued GP links, expand your search beyond the specific WW.TC reference to include compatible models. Recommended search avenues include contacting GP directly, checking Chrono24 and eBay, posting 'Want To Buy' listings on WatchProSite, and reaching out to specialized parts dealers like Gisbert Joseph.
Girard Perregaux still stocks small links (Part # CBM.494021.11.T2) for several compatible references (2498, 2499, 2598, 4935, 4940) at a cost of CHF 60, which can be ordered through GP US from Switzerland.
The challenge of finding the correct link for a discontinued bracelet is a shared experience among collectors, with some resorting to wearing their watches slightly looser in warmer climates to avoid discomfort.
A poor bracelet fit, even due to minor issues like sharp edges, can significantly diminish the enjoyment and wearability of a luxury watch, sometimes leading collectors to part with otherwise fine pieces.

The Discussion

yankbrit

May 27, 2024

Thanks for the tip, much appreciated.

imrootbeer7

May 28, 2024

i am in exactly the same place. In the UK I’ve got nowhere, but there are resellers on eBay and C24 that I’ve contacted, but so far I’ve had no luck with the exact half-link. I’m wearing mine (4940) larger in the Summer as it’s more comfortable than too tight! I’d even swap a full link for a half link!

yankbrit

May 28, 2024

Sorry to hear that. Misery loves company, huh? I’d swap a larger link for a small one too. I’ve two of the larger ones, useless to me unfortunately. I prefer to wear my watches a little on the looser side especially when wrist swells in heat and humidity here in the US, but this is too much. Watch head being relatively heavy v bracelet swivels around my wrist. I hate having such a nice piece mostly unworn. Nuisance for sure!

this_hobby_of_hours

May 28, 2024

Is this what your bracelet looks like? If so, then you maybe in luck as this bracelet type was used by several GP models during this period. Your WWTC is 43 mm. So the half links should taper down to 18 mm at the clasp. They all pretty much tapered down to 18 mm regardless of the case size. Measure your link joining to the clasp to confirm and we take it from there. You can either use a calliper or use a pencil to trace the sides on a piece of paper and then use a ruler to measure what you have

yankbrit

May 28, 2024

Hi SingaporeMarc, many thanks for your reply! That is exactly the bracelet with my and as you rightly say, the links (both large and small) taper to 18mm. My bracelet is also polished on the outer links like the one in your pic, but it doesn’t matter if I can find one that’s brushed so long as it fits. I can polish it myself! Pic attached matches your pic. If you can help or know someone that can, I’ll be eternally grateful.

imrootbeer7

May 28, 2024

Would this also be the same for our 4940.?

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Girard Perregaux forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum