Review
Blomman Mr Blue's review of the Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Small Second from BaselWorld 2015 highlights a feminine line with a rich heritage. This piece, adorned in pink gold, diamonds, and mother-of-pearl, showcases GP's enduring commitment to elegant ladies' watches, drawing parallels to their oval designs from the 1970s.
Friends,
We already had a closer look on several of the novelties from Girard-Perregaux this year. Now it is time we look closer on one for the ladies…
The most feminine GP line it’s the Cat’s Eye – no question about it!
This is the only line only dedicated for our better half.
As earlier mentioned, the Cat’s Eye shape is not something new from GP… The oval shape was already in use in the 1970’s.
Basel Watch Fair 1971:
The Cat’s Eye Small Second is feast in Pink Gold, Diamonds and Mother of Pearl!
The Mother of Pearl dial has a radial pattern matching the Pink Gold hands and applied numerals. The oval shape is reflected in the small second dial and the date window.
Instead of trying to hide the date window, GP choose enhance the window, making it one of the design elements on the dial. Bold but effective! The date blends in beautifully and adds more to the dial.
On the dial are also nine diamond indexes. Diamonds, a girl’s best friend!
Girl’s BFF also occupy the bezel raising the bling effect of the watch even more.
The typical Cat’s Eye shaped gold case with the delicate shaped and curved lugs, the “rose” crown… A 35.40 x 30.40 mm creation, all in a romantic shimmer of Pink Gold!
Inside is the automatic movement GP03300-0044. What I really like here is the ratio between the movement size and the case!
The beautifully engraved rotor really fills the case properly! That is also reflected on the case back of the watch. As you can see, there is a large open case back. Not just a small hole for show.
The Cat’s Eye Small Second is completed with a black alligator strap, very elegant without stitches, and a Pink gold folding buckle.
Another beauty added to the Cat’s Eye line. Very well done GP!
Only downside is that there is no option for his and hers watch link in the GP 1966 or the Vintage 1945 line… Or is it a downside?! Would you like to see an oval watch for men?
Best
Blomman
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 line, introduced in 1994, draws inspiration from historical models, specifically a 1945 Art Deco piece. This collection is characterized by its rectangular or tonneau-shaped cases and a design language that evokes mid-20th century aesthetics. The Vintage 1945 series quickly became a cornerstone of Girard-Perregaux's offerings in the 1990s, reinterpreting classic forms with contemporary watchmaking standards. It represents a significant period for the brand in re-establishing its heritage-inspired collections.
Early models in the Vintage 1945 series typically featured stainless steel cases, though gold variants were also produced. The case dimensions varied depending on the specific model, often presenting a balanced profile suitable for dress wear. These watches were frequently equipped with automatic movements, showcasing Girard-Perregaux's in-house capabilities or finely finished outsourced calibers. The crystal was commonly sapphire, ensuring durability and legibility, while water resistance was generally suitable for daily wear rather than aquatic activities.
For collectors, the Vintage 1945 series appeals to those interested in neo-vintage watches that successfully blend historical design with modern execution. The 1994 introduction year marks it as one of the earlier and more influential lines from Girard-Perregaux's resurgence in the 1990s. Its various iterations, including time-only, small seconds, and later complicated versions, offer a range of choices for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive rectangular watch with a clear lineage.
is one of the most appealling Ladies watches today. With a wide array of metals and dials and varying number of diamonds, this is a very compelling offer. As pointed out, there is a heritage at GP with oval watches and equally a tradition to produce superb Ladies watches. Here are two examples from the not so distant past: Vintage 45, Ref 2592 with a brown slate dial. Richeville Ref 2656 with Guilloche dial. CC
You already shot your daughters watches with the B-system?! :) Thank you for your input and for adding these two beauties, my friend! Best Blomman
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