Girard-Perregaux Hawk Collection Overview
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Girard-Perregaux Hawk Collection Overview

By AndrewD · Dec 5, 2012 · 21 replies
AndrewD
WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum
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AndrewD introduces the Girard-Perregaux Hawk collection, a significant release that reinterprets the brand's sporty heritage. His initial impressions highlight the bold design and integrated wearability, setting the stage for a detailed look at the Sea Hawk and Chrono Hawk models. This article offers a valuable historical snapshot of GP's design direction in the early 2010s.

There are two watches in this collection, a Diver (the Sea Hawk) and a Chronograph (the Chrono Hawk).
 
The new cases are bold, angular and sculptured and have design cues from both the Laureato and Sea Hawk lines. The Laureato was introduced in 1975 with a particularly modern and sporty demeanour; integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel. The Sea Hawk emerged during the Second World War.
 



The diameter of the new Hawk range is 44 mm and the thickness a substantial 17.1 mm, but the straps are fully integrated into the case so the wearability is increased.
 
The depth in the dial is impressive and is the feature that strikes you after the chiselled case. A new embossed ‘honeycomb’ decoration on the dial provides an attractive background and is patterned on the shape of the famed GP tourbillon arrow bridge. There is also a completely newly designed adjustable folding clasp to compliment the watch.
 
At this point there are very few images available, but I did catch a glimpse of a prototype in October and it is a very impressive watch. It's modern, solid and different to most other sports watches in the marketplace. In steel the value is very high as well. So let’s look at both ranges:
 
 
The Sea Hawk (Ref. 49960)
 
The original GP Sea Hawk watches have a history stretching back to the early 1940’s (the name was trademarked in 1944) when they were developed as a rugged marine watch. In the 1970’s the Sea Hawk resurfaced (sorry!) with a WR of 200m and a screwed down crown. And in 1989 the WR had increased to 500m.
 



The new Sea Hawk is water resistant to 1000m (3300 feet) which meets the ISO 6425 Standard for diving watches. It features a helium escape valve to equalise pressure following a deep dive and an anticlockwise unidirectional bezel, so you don’t accidentally lengthen your dive.
 
Brushed 316L stainless steel case which integrates around and protects the large rubber crown and a rubber bezel on an octagonal ring insert. Legibility is excellent on the black dial and orange accents on the hands bring the dial to life. The GP logo is applied and the deep hour indices are filled with SuperLuminova, as are the hands. The addition of power reserve, subseconds and a date make it a very practical watch.
 
There are a few features we will revisit when more images become available: rubber strap and new adjustable (extendable) folding buckle provides balance and comfort. The curved sapphire is 3.9mm in thickness. A very cool engraved screw down case back with a porpoise snake and trident.
 
Inside beats the automatic Calibre GP3300 with 28,800vph, a PR of 46h and 27 jewels.
 
There is also a lighter dial as an option.



 

The Chrono Hawk (Ref. 49970)
 
The Chrono Hawk carries through the same angular steel case, but this time with a brushed (satin-finished steel) bezel and integrated chronograph pushers. There are rubber inserts on the crown and chronograph pushpieces to add to the sporty contemporary look of the watch.
 
Again GP have complimented the architectural case with a dial that has significant depth and character. There are black dialled and white dialled versions; the lighter dial coming on a rubber lined crocodile strap.
 
Inside is the automatic Calibre GP3300-0073 with chronograph module, 28,800vph, PR 46h, 61 jewels. Sapphire display back, WR to 100m. The automatic winding weight is shaped like an arrow and the solid shape compliments the case as well.



We will revisit these watches frequently over the next few weeks, but I hope you enjoyed this first glimpse.

What are your initial reactions?

Andrew

About the Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk Ref. 49960

The Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk, reference 49960, is a robust dive watch characterized by its distinctive angular case design. Introduced as part of the Hawk collection, this model emphasizes a contemporary, sporty aesthetic. The 2013 ceramic iteration, presented at Baselworld, features a black zirconium oxide case, offering exceptional scratch resistance. This material choice enhances the watch's durability and provides a stealthy, modern appearance.

The 44mm ceramic case is constructed with an inner titanium core, contributing to a lighter overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping. Its design includes prominent crown protection and a unidirectional rotating bezel, typical features for a professional dive instrument.

For collectors, the ceramic Sea Hawk represents Girard-Perregaux's commitment to material innovation within its sports watch segment. It stands as an example of the brand's ability to adapt classic designs with advanced manufacturing techniques, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a high-performance timepiece with a distinct visual presence and enhanced wearability.

Specifications

Caliber
GP03300-0074
Case
Ceramic with titanium inner case
Diameter
44mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
1000 meters / 100 ATM
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Dec 5, 2012

" Time Only ". As for the Time Only, yes, I think it is an interesting one for those who are attracted by big watches. The design is very strong, and to say all, not unpleasant. But very thick! To be seen in the lfesh, though, to have a better opinion and feeling on this watch. And, by the way, I loved the way you treated the press files! Best, Andrew, and thanks! Nicolas

NI
nilomis
Dec 5, 2012

I may have a problem with the black crown on the diver plus the rubberized bezel. A major issue to me are the non-standard strap attachment. I love the GP designs but, please, I need standard stap attachment. I like very much to swap straps. I'm very happy with two big GP watches that I own ( and R&D) because they take standard 22mm straps. Of course, seeing the Hawks "in flesh" may change all. Cheers, Nilo

AN
AnthonyTsai
Dec 5, 2012

if they added more color to it. The below color combo is very drab IMO GP design team needs to spruce this model up with more color and more "unique" hands. See what Ulysse Nardin did to its Marine and Sonata collections. That's what GP should be doing with this Chrono Hawk collection IMO. See below the new design and the old design. I feel if GP wants this Hawk collection to be successful, it needs to differentiate its design more. My 2 cents, Anthony NEW DESIGN OLD DESIGN

SA
Sandgroper
Dec 5, 2012

very nice, I love the hands. The two new ones not really. Cheers, Francois

MO
Mostel
Dec 5, 2012

How do you go from this......... to THIS!??? IS THERE ANY DNA shared at all????

SA
Sandgroper
Dec 5, 2012

given it a different name, the "original" on the poster is gorgeous!. Cheers, Francois

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