Vintage
Blomman Mr Blue, a respected vintage dive watch enthusiast, shares an in-depth review of the Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver 9108 FA. This article delves into the nuances of this specific reference, offering insights into its design and historical context within the broader landscape of vintage dive watches. Blomman's passion for connecting historical 'dots' makes this a valuable resource for collectors seeking to understand the lineage of these robust timepieces.
Friends,
Time to go deeper into the Deep Diver theme: the Girard-Perregaux, Deep Diver 9108 FA – A vintage review!
You have all seen my avatar – the Deep Diver Trident. You all know my love for vintage dive watches and you all know my love for building themes, connecting the “dots” into a string of vintage “pearls”…
So what could be a more natural next step for me than the 9108?!
The official records I have got from the Manufacture are that the 9108 was made between 1974 and 1976, in a series of 2000 units. Inside was the caliber GP 42 based on the caliber AS 1843. Case made by Piquerez (EPSA) and price back then was CHF 340 on Corfam strap and CHF 410 on steel bracelet.
All sounds good and reasonable if it wasn’t for the fact that I saw three different Deep Diver reference 9108 with the following configuration:
-Movement Caliber GP 461 (based on the FHF caliber 905)
-Case back marked 2-70. I.e. February 1970.
OK, if you see one with a deviating movement that could be explained by replacement… But three?
If we have a look at the GP Caliber sheet: the GP Caliber 461 was in production only one year, 1970. OK, so there is a match between movement and case.
The case has a very characteristic cushion shape, all three I have seen with 2-70 on the back has the same dial layout.
Like in this ad:
Other 9108 I have observed has been from 1976, all with the dial layout like in this ad:
Another interesting fact is that the GP Deep Diver reference 8953 was produced already in 1968.
Here shown together with the 9108:
So, my conclusion is that we still miss some of the archive records…
If we ever find them, they will show:
-That the life span of the 9108 was at least from 1970 to 1976.
-That the batch from 1970 used the Caliber 461.
OK, enough speculations and let’s have a closer look at the watch!
The cushion shaped case is 40.5 mm wide and 43 mm lug to lug. Including the slightly doomed crystal, the watch is 14.5 mm thick.
Internal rotating bezel, big luminous hands and hour markers. Dial is marked SWISS < 25mc, so I guess tritium was used as luminous material…
The “Calypso” hands are interesting, for a long time, these were associated with one of the legends from our sister forum – the JLC Polaris… I saw quite few Polaris, but never with these hands…
This dial type I saw in several colors, light blue/white like mine, grey/white and orange/white.
The crowns have the typical compressor pattern and only the crown at 4 marked with the GP logo.
One interesting detail is that the crowns are not located in the same level. The crown at 2 operating the inner rotating bezel is located a bit above the crown at 4. This you can also see on the IWC Aquatimer reference 812.
This might feel a bit odd for a JLC collector, since the Polaris have all three crowns on the same level…
On the back the Deep Sea Trident and waves!
Water resistant down to 20 ATM / 200 meters.
Inside: Caliber 461. 21600 vph, 17 jewels, power reserve of 43 hours
And the case back from 2-70:
I find the 9108 a bit “big and bulky” but still with “finesse and charm”! Sounds familiar to some more recent sports watches from Girard-Perregaux?
Yes, the characteristics and feel is the same as today… Only 30 years earlier, in a package that at that time must have felt like the modern Sea Hawk feels today!
And while we talk about similarities, the play of the dial is just awesome!
From flat blue…
To ice blue!
And on the wrist, it is a pure pleasure to wear! Great presence on the wrist, visibility is good and the charm is total!
I hope you enjoy my journey into the magic world of Vintage Girard-Perregaux and my quest of uncover the Deep Diver theme here!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-08-11 00:10:36The Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver Ref. 8953 is a notable vintage dive watch from the brand's historical catalog, representing its foray into robust timepieces for underwater use. It stands as an example of the functional and aesthetic design principles prevalent in dive watches of its era, characterized by a focus on legibility and durability.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, often with a rotating bezel for elapsed time measurement. The movement is a self-winding mechanical caliber, designed for reliability. Specific details regarding the exact caliber, power reserve, and water resistance would align with the technical standards of professional dive watches from the period of its production.
For collectors, the Ref. 8953 is valued for its historical significance within Girard-Perregaux's sports watch lineage and its distinctive vintage aesthetic. Its appeal is further enhanced by the challenge of finding well-preserved examples, particularly those retaining original components and sharp case lines.
Very nice catch, my friend. I absolutely love the colours on this one. Yes, the case is a bit bulky but still very characteristic and worthy of a Diver. Interesting findings on the production and that the manufacturer files may not always be 100% correct/complete. That leaves me with more questions on the 9076 which as a 4th generation would theoretically be the predecessor. So it can possibly deducted that the 9076 was in production 1970 and even earlier? From an evolution of the case and the d
Is not always straight forward.... But a lot of fun! :) The manufacture have a lot of good and interesting information, but not always complete. A lot has been lost over the years.... That is why we have to connect the dots! ;) Thank you, my friend! Best Blomman
Didn't have the chance to grab one, though. I find it very cool. The case makes me think about the ( smaller ) JLC Master Mariner Deep Sea, which is also a Piquerez case. The dial is so cool. As well as the minute hand. Now, choosing between the blue and the red is a pain. Well, I guess I would jump on the first one which pops out. ;) Bravo for this addition, Blomman. A very cool one. Best, Nicolas
I should do a side-by-side shot. This one is definitely for you, Nicolas! You just have to be faster to grab....! ;) Best Blomman
But when my luck comes, I won't miss it... Best, nicolas
Then your vintage collection would only be Omega, Tissot and Lemania....! ;) Best Blomman
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