Among this year’s novelties Girard-Perregaux released
a new sports chronograph collection: The Competizione!
The Competizione collection is divided in two, the Stradale
and the Circuito.
This review will focus on the Stradale.
References: Black dial; 49590-11-611-BB6A / 49590-11-611-11A Silvered dial; 49590-11-111-BBBA / 49590-11-111-11A
At first glance you realize there is a lot of DNA from
previous sports chronographs like the Ferrari, the Fiat and the Lancia.
The car and racing inspiration that was a big part of the
design for most Girard-Perregaux sports chronograph all the way from the late
1980s is back!
Which may not be too surprising since Mr. Stefano
Macaluso, director of product development is a big sports car and racing fan.
To me this is great news, I do like the Chrono Hawk,
but the shape and size are not for everybody.
With this new line GP have something which I think
will speak to a broader public.
I think the case is what makes you think of the
earlier car and racing chronographs from GP.
The shape of the bezel, case silhouette and the
rounded lugs.
Yes, very similar BUT this new Stradale is 4 mm bigger,
42 mm in diameter, compared to its precursor.
Even with such a big enlargement, I find the case very
well balanced.
Big but still elegant in a sporty way!
The Stradale comes in two different dial versions, silver
and black.
Both dial versions have the “sunburst” surface but the
pattern goes from top to bottom instead of from the center of the dial.
This pattern catches the light and gives life to the dial
in a great way.
Same as on many of the vintage GPs we see here in the
forum!
On the dial you have a Tachymeter scale, minute track
and applied indexes in steel and in addition to the GP logo the “1791” is also
there, as on all novelties of this year.
The sub-dial layout is maybe a bit un-orthodox with
the running second at three and the minute counter at nine.
Hour counter at six and date at 4:30. The red central
second is the chronograph second.
4:30 is not my preferred location of a date window,
but here I find it works very well.
The matching background color makes the window blend
in nicely.
On the black dial both the chronograph second- and the
running second hand is red, which I find a bit odd.
Both are second hands which are the one running and
you like to see it clearly.
On the other hand, they are not connected.
Would it have made more sense to have all chronograph
hands red?
Not sure, but either way, I like how the two red hands
stand out and give contrast to the dial!
Very nice “mushroom” pushers which are well balanced
and the “clicks” are firm and distinct.
I like it a lot!
The case comes with a case back window showing the automatic
GP03300-0031 movement.
435 components, 63 jewels, 4 Hz and a power reserve of
46 hours.
The movement comes with a very nice finish, but personally
I would have loved to see a solid case back with a nice engraving…
Except for the alligator strap with folding buckle
there is a bracelet option.
The bracelet is very solid and nicely polished also
equipped with the folding buckle.
On the wrist the feeling is more like 39-40 mm than 42
mm.
I can’t see in to the future, but my gut tells me this
is a new classic from GP!
Timeless elegance in a good size that will fill the
gap between the GP 1966 and the Hawk lines.
Looking forward to read your thoughts on this new
chronograph!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2016-05-01 02:35:19
