Complications
Blomman Mr Blue explores Girard-Perregaux's enduring tradition of large date watches, showcasing both contemporary models and historical examples from the 1930s and 40s. His post highlights the brand's innovative large date mechanism, known for its seamless display and rapid change. This historical overview provides context for GP's current offerings and their horological legacy.
Friends,
We all know that Girard-Perregaux have some very nice watches with the Large Date complication in their current collection.
For example, the 1966 Large Date Moon Phases:
Or the Vintage 1945 XXL:
GP has a very nice Large Date mechanism.
Seamless, no bar or edge separating the two numbers.
Lightning fast, date change is completed in under 5 milliseconds when triggered!
(Me and CC once tried to capture the date change on video, but even on slow-motion it was too fast for the naked eye)
But the Large Date complication is not something new to GP.
Already back in the 1930s and 1940s, Large Date watches was in the catalogue!
Here is an example from the 1940 US catalogue:
Cover – On time … All the time… All over the world, I would have loved to be slogan writer back then!
BTW, notice the “since 1791” – the magic number was already established 1940!
Inside – look at number 27. “Luck the man to whom you give Girard-Perregaux’s Calendar Watch! Every day, automatically, new date appears in red. 17 jewels. 14 K gold $80. Stainless steel $37.50.”
For that price, I would happily buy it myself!
So already in 1940, GP made Large Date watches.
I earlier showed you my MIMO Large Date in Gold. Not exactly the same case as shown in the catalogue, but close.
Now let’s have a closer look at the one in the catalogue.
Same rectangular case but with an extra level on the sides.
Big crown with a pusher in the centre.
Stick hands and according to description, Large Date in red!
The pusher in the centre of the crown sets the date one day forward used for setting the date.
Look at the slightly curved case back. Girard-Perregaux made comfortable watches already back then.
At midnight the date changes like modern Large Date watches, the right 0-9 shifts one up and when you hit zero, the left number blank-3 shifts one up as well.
From date 1 to 31 all is good, what’s not solved here is after 31…
32-40 you need to manually push past to get to 1 again.
A bit awkward but you get to see some fun dates…!
The version in the catalogue with the extra level on the side give the watch a very interesting look, polished with brushed sides.
The bezel is angled so the light plays very nicely over the case.
Inside is the GP calibre 94 which in MIMO terms is 9.97 which took me awhile to figure out…
The calibre is based on the FHF 29 (8 ¾ - 12’’’) and was in use by GP between 1931 to 1946.
So most likely the first GP Large Date wristwatches are as early as beginning of 1930s.
Personally, I love to explore the history of a brand, go back to the roots and by that understand the modern watches of today!
And when the history comes in a NOS package with a stunning salmon dial…
Hope you enjoyed another journey into the past!
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.
Another marvel! Thanks for sharing And yes that commercial on catalog is superb. Cheers D
Many many thanks for these shots and story. I just played a little bit with a US inflation calculator. If in 1940 the 14K gold was $80, it corresponds to almost $1,400 today. Regarding the stainless steel one at $37,50 its cost today would be $655. Still interesting 😉 Best wishes Alkiro
Amazing depth of GP knowledge. Thank you Blomman
I'm a nerd, but I have to know, what is THAT SHOCK PROTECTION on the cal 9.97? That's awesome stuff and looks like a completely different school of thought compared to the later Incabloc and Kif systems. Does this arrangement have a proper commercial name? Best, Tim
You meant we have to manually go up see funny date from 32-Blank0 before going back to Blank1?
awesome catch, a great case, a wonderful movement and of course the history and connection to today. Now I have second Mimo that creeps to me during sleep.... CC
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