Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue embarks on a detailed quest to uncover the elusive Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver Ref. 7897, a lesser-known early diver's watch. His meticulous research, aided by the Manufacture's archives, sheds light on this mysterious reference, providing valuable insights into its specifications and variations. This article compiles his findings, offering a comprehensive look at a vintage piece often overlooked in horological discussions.
Friends,
As you know I have been focusing a lot on the Deep Diver line since I started as Moderator here.
One of the reasons for this is that long before I got the MOD role I was hunting information about this mysterious Deep Diver.
Got some info here and there… So, I was a bit up to speed on this topic…
Why I was hunting info on the Deep Diver? Well, you know my story from over at JLC and other places; I have a very weak spot for these lesser known early divers…
Will share my full story on the topic in a separate post one day, but this post is about the Deep Diver ref 7897, so…
As I said, I got some information but with the help from the Manufacture I have now started to put the pieces together!
Here is a scan from the German catalog, July 1963: DEEP DIVER, Water resistant down to 200 meters. Steel, Automatic, 25 Jewels, Black or White dial, Turning bezel, Bracelet in steel or Tropical strap.
35 mm in diameter, 225 CHF with Tropical strap and 260 CHF with steel bracelet. Yes, even if the catalog is in German, the price list is in Swiss Franc. You notice the typo, 7897 is referring to above which is 7317.
In the scan we see the white dial version of the ref 7897, long applied indexes and luminous in the hands on the tips of the hands.
Nicolas has shown us his daughters Deep Diver, same hands as in the catalog but with black dial.
The 7897 didn’t only come in two different dial colors, but also with two different sets of hands.
Here you can see the other version; the luminous are shaped as diamonds instead of arrows.
Sorry for the low resolution, the photo is from the original Manufacture card.
The photo also gives you a hint of how the bracelet looks like.
Reference 7897 was only made for two years, 1961 and 1962. 1500 watches in total.
This one has lived a hard life. As you can see the plexi is deeply scratched and it is in need of some love!
Inside is the Cal GP 31-09, based on the AS1649. Automatic movement, beating at the rate of 21 600 bph.
Interesting detail is that the catalog says 25 Jewels while the Cal 31-09 only has 17… A sales pitch?! A typo…?
Even if the exterior tells a story of hard life, the inside tells another story of safety and well protected. The movement is very nice and clean, gilt surface without a lot of scratches or stains.
It has been protected by the snap on case back all these years.
After viewing Nicolas watch it got me thinking. From the look of it the bezel is missing, BUT if that was the case, the case would look different. Wouldn’t it?
My curiosity made me take the 7897 apart (friends, please do not do this if you are not sure you will be able to put the watch back together!).
Let’s have a closer look: bezel.
How does it look under the bezel? Well, here is the answer: flat surface with a step, two third from the edge.
Notice the small black dot? The “dot” is the one the bezel is “clicking” against when turning the bezel.
From this, my conclusion is that Nicolas watch does not miss the bezel. Rather that it is yet another Deep Diver reference we are still to explore! An earlier version of the Deep Diver without a turning bezel? Like the first generation of the Zenith S. 58?
Hope to find the answer one day…
Since the watch is opened, let’s have a closer look at the dial. Clean with some traces of patina on the edges. The hands need a cleaning, but otherwise in good condition.
And for last we have the snap on case back. Another interesting detail to know about the 7897 is that the case was not made by Piquerez SA (EPSA) like the 8867. The case was made by Stila SA, another La Chaux-de-Fonds based company specializing in case making and metal work.
The catalog stated that the 7897 can with Tropical strap…
Yes, that looks correct!
I find these Deep Divers very appealing, great watches to enjoy in the sun!
And to finish, a “Blomman” wristshot!
Thank you for following me in my quest to uncover the GP Deep Diver line!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-09-15 03:34:31The Girard-Perregaux Gyromatic reference 7317 is notable as the original Gyromatic 39 Jewels, a model prominently featured in period advertisements for its innovative jewel roller bearings. Introduced in 1957, this reference was a significant commercial success for the brand, with a production run that spanned several years and inspired later heritage models. It represents a key period in Girard-Perregaux's development of self-winding movements.
The 7317 was produced in a substantial quantity of 34,055 pieces between 1957 and 1962, though it remained in catalogs until 1968. Production figures include 24,000 pieces in steel, 1,475 in yellow gold, 850 in rose gold, 5,530 in yellow gold plated, 1,400 with yellow gold cap, and 800 with rose gold cap. The watch features a self-winding movement with 39 jewels.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in historically significant self-winding watches and those seeking a piece from a high-production, yet less commonly seen, vintage series. Its various case material options provide collectors with choices, reflecting the diverse market strategies of the era. The 7317 stands as a testament to Girard-Perregaux's manufacturing capabilities and design approach in the mid-20th century.
Ava's is 31 / 32 mm big... While yours has a 35 mm case! Exactly my kind of stuff... ;) Superb find, superb review, my friend. So, now you dismantle watches? :) If you ever find a second one, please think about me! Best, Nicolas
72nd one? :) Yours D
I implemented it to all aspects of my life :) Yours D
From now on your life will be much better and easier! ;) Best Blomman
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