Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronograph GP 8846 N
Vintage

Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronograph GP 8846 N

By blomman Mr Blue · Jul 29, 2014 · 65 replies
blomman Mr Blue
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Blomman Mr Blue delves into the history and details of the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico chronograph, specifically the GP 8846 N, in the third part of his 'Vintage GP journey, Summer Edition.' He uncovers the origins of the Olimpico name, tracing it back to the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games and a GP agent's promotional idea. This post offers a deep dive into a significant vintage reference, enriched by insights directly from the Manufacture.

Friends,

It is my great pleasure to present to you the third part of this “Vintage GP journey, Summer Edition”.

For those of you who don’t know the reference GP 8846 N, the number refers to the first generation of Girard-Perregaux Olimpico chronograph.

According to my contact at the Manufacture, the idea for the Olimpico chronograph came from one of the GP Agents in Mexico at that time, Guido de Angelis, who saw an opportunity to sell more watches during the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.

From a watch perspective the 1968 Olympic Games was a very interesting game. This was the first time in the Olympic Games history that an electronic timekeeping was officially used!

The official timekeeper of the Olympic Games was Omega, but that didn’t stop others to use the Olympic Games from a promotional perspective.

A lot of research and development in the timekeeping area was introduced during the Mexico Games. For the first time “touch pads” was used to time swimmers, the “Swim Eight-O-Matic” timer.

As mentioned the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico series started with the Mexico Olympic Game. After that several Olimpico references has been released. Some speculations on the internet claims that the Olimpico already was introduced in the 1950’s, but I have to decline these speculations based on the information received directly from the Manufacture.

I have no information on when GP stopped the Olimpico series for the first time but I do know there were no Olimpico watches released in 1980 and 1984.

Another missing information is exact which years GP released different Olimpico models. Some may have been release even in non-Olympic years… Will try to find out more.

In 1988 Girard-Perregaux re-launched the Olimpico series with the reference 4910 and followed up with the reference 1030 to the 1992 Olympic Games. The last Olimpico chronograph was released in 1996, the Laureato reference 8017. At that point Girard-Perregaux received a letter from the Olympic Committee saying that the name was protected and … sad

That was the end of the Olimpico chronograph series and I don’t think we can expect a rebirth.

So, back to this watch, the GP 8846 N, in 1968, 500 pieces were made of this reference. The price at that time was CHF 450.-

From what I understand there were two dial colors, one silver and one black. Sorry, I can’t show you any photo of the black version right now.

I find the silver version is just stunning! smile

Tachymetre, Base 200 scale in red and blue. Three sub-dials, 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12 hour counter at 6 o’clock and running second at 9. Chronograph central seconds.

Inside is the GP caliber 07-3, based on the Excelsior Park P40. A true work horse, Girard-Perregaux started to use the GP caliber 07-3 in 1966 and the last piece with that caliber was sold in 1976.

The case is very classic, short, slightly curved lugs, polished upper, brushed sides - sounds familiar?

Screw down case back.

The first generation Olimpico came in at least two references, here the reference 8862.

Notice the different pushers and the non-luminous hands and dial on the 8862.

The Olimpico also existed in three different metal versions: SS, Gold Plated 20 microns and 18K Gold.

On the wrist the 8846 is heavenly! smile

With a diameter of 37.5 – 38 mm it sits perfect on the wrist!

I have to confess that in the last few of month, this one has received a lot of wrist time. Who knew that a no-chrono guy like me could fall so completely in love with a chronograph…?

I fear what can of worms that this will open for me…

Friends, I hope you have enjoyed this part #1 of the GP Olimpico 8846!

This topic is so big and interesting that I will have to divide this post into a two parted series (minimum), hope you don’t mind. Even if I promised you a three parted summer menu, I guess no one will object that we prolong the summer and continue…?

 

 

Best

Blomman

This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-08-03 12:37:30

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 4910

The Patek Philippe Reference 4910 represents a significant entry in the manufacture s quartz ladies collection, embodying the brand s commitment to precision timekeeping across all movement types during the late 20th century. This reference emerged during Patek Philippe s careful exploration of quartz technology, when the manufacture sought to maintain their position in the luxury market while embracing the accuracy advantages of electronic movements. The 4910 stands as a testament to Patek Philippe s ability to integrate modern horological technology with their traditional design philosophy, creating timepieces that honor both innovation and heritage.

At the heart of the Reference 4910 beats the reliable Caliber E15 quartz movement, engineered to Patek Philippe s exacting standards for accuracy and longevity. The 25mm stainless steel case provides an elegant foundation for the striking black dial, while the fixed bezel maintains the clean, understated aesthetic that defines this reference. The sapphire crystal ensures optimal clarity and scratch resistance, complementing the watch s practical 30-meter water resistance rating. These technical specifications reflect Patek Philippe s attention to detail in creating a luxury timepiece that balances sophistication with everyday wearability.

From a collectibility standpoint, the Reference 4910 occupies a unique position within Patek Philippe s modern catalog as one of the manufacture s select quartz offerings in stainless steel. The combination of the iconic black dial configuration with the practical steel case construction appeals to collectors seeking an accessible entry point into Patek Philippe ownership without compromising on the brand s legendary quality standards. This reference demonstrates particular significance for those collectors focused on completing comprehensive Patek Philippe collections, as it represents an important chapter in the brand s technical evolution and their mastery of multiple horological disciplines.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal. E15
Case
stainless steel
Diameter
25mm
Dial
black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BA
Baron - Mr Red
Jul 29, 2014

Firstly, congratulations on yet another GP into your collection. You move very very fast indeed. With this chronograph, you have not only a great piece of GP history but also a watch that is aesthetically beautiful and ....in stunning condition. I love those curved lugs by the way.....really nice. Secondly, thanks for such a good historical article about the watch and its origins. I always find it interesting to know how a watch starts its life and why....this one is fascinating. Mexico eh.... E

CR
crown comfort
Jul 29, 2014

another stunning GP from the late 60ties/early 70ties. Especially love the beautiful condition of the watch. You almost got me there, I'm already looking at some GPs from the era...ah nooooo, I have been blommanised. CC

BL
blomman Mr Blue
Jul 29, 2014

LOL! Yes, maybe this time... But no speed Gonzales! ;) This one I have hold back for several month now.... Yes, a piece of the GP history! Hopefully I will be able to uncover some more on this topic soon. Thank you, my friend Best Blomman

BL
blomman Mr Blue
Jul 29, 2014

This is music to my ears! :) Looking forward to see you entering the vintage stage, CC! So many marvels to discover! Thank you for this compliment! :) Best Blomman

HS
hs111
Jul 29, 2014

..has been no surprise to me, any more ( what about the DSA-Chrono , hmm?); Such nice balance of a classical, Vintage appearance ! Slowly but steadily, your "reservation" vs Chronos, becomes a piece of history, meanwhile and days to come, I trustfully assume.. ;) ;) Best, hs PS: Next time we meet, pls bring it along, and let me have a "look & play" in the real..

FE
fernando
Jul 29, 2014

You are unstoppable now with the GP craze and we are the better for it. Your background history of each specimen is delightful to read and so very informative! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next episode. :) cheers fernando

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