Girard Perregaux Olimpico 9075 AF Mexico 1968

MattS · 2014-12-11T05:54:46Z

Discover the Girard Perregaux Olimpico Ref. 9075 AF, a 1968 chronograph for the Mexico Olympic Games. Explore its vintage design, unique dial, and historical context.

MattS

WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum

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Hi, I recently had the chance to acquire a GP chronograph I had had on my wishlist for some time ever since I discovered the nice example of a goof friend. I was even more lucky to be able to take the relay as he agreed to sell the watch to me. So here is is, the GP Olimpico ref 9075 AF vintage 1968

Hi,

I recently had the chance to acquire a GP chronograph I had had on my wishlist for some time ever since I discovered the nice example of a goof friend. I was even more lucky to be able to take the relay as he agreed to sell the watch to me.

So here is is, the GP Olimpico ref 9075 AF vintage 1968 for the Mexico Olympic Games.

This is part of the Olimpico series issued every 4 years since 1952.

Let me come back on the context and the Mexico Olympic games. 1968 has been a year with many protests around the world, in the US, South Africa, France...and is really a transition period with the raise of many freedom movements. From a design stand point, the late sixties are really the transition between a long clean design period around the 50s and 60s and the wild 70s...

This can be clearly seen on the visuals of the Mexico Olympic Games:

The games themselves remain famous for a number of reasons. First it was the forst times that Olympic Games were hosted in Latin America, it was also the first time the games were hosted by a "developing" country.

The mexico summer games took place in a city that has an altitude usually more suited for winter games!...more than 2250 m!...this had a consequence on the athletes and some performance. Hence, one can remember the incredible long jump of Bob Beamon at 8,90 and the introduction of his technique in the high jump by Dick Fosbury.

then in line with the political demonstrations for the fight for some rights, the image of the 200 m ceremony remains famous:

So lets come back to the watch...

I find it very appealing and really representative of the transition period between the 60s and the 70s. from the 60s it keeps a classic round shape in a medium size 38mm with a domed plexi. The influences from the 70s are more to be foundin the dial with the colors:

As one can see from the dial, the chronograph functions allow to measure speed with a tachymeter and heart rate with a pulsometer, this makes sense for a watch aimed at olympic sports.

An interesting feature of the watch is the grey bezel with an insert made of some special plastic. the grey color is quite unique and gives the watch a sport-chic look.

As you can see as I don't have the original GP signed bracelet with the correct end links, I fitted the watch on a JB Champion bracelet from the sale period.

the watch now has a respectable age and a nice patina which I find quite charming. You also noticed that the hands have lost their lume but I find the watch very nice as it is and probably more homogeneous in the grey white tones that with some yellowish aged lume on the hand as we can see some remaining parts on the second hand.

Let me now come to the inside of the watch. It has a screwed back which allows the watch to be somehow waterproof, nice feature for a sportwatch. The movement is an Excelsior park base nicely signed Girard Perregaux:

Here are a few more static photos:

And a couple of wristshots:

thanks for reading

best

Matt

[Edit: reference 9075]

This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-12-14 02:22:52

About the Girard-Perregaux GP Vintage Ref. 9075

The Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Ref. 9075 is a vintage chronograph from the brand's sporting collection, produced during a period when Girard-Perregaux leveraged external movement suppliers for specific complications. This reference is notable for its robust construction and association with the Olympic Games, reflecting a design ethos focused on functionality and legibility.

The watch features a stainless steel case, typically measuring around 36-37mm in diameter, housing a manual-winding Excelsior Park caliber. The movement is a column-wheel chronograph, recognized for its smooth pusher operation and reliability. Dials often present a two-register layout with a tachymeter scale, protected by an acrylic crystal, and the caseback is generally solid.

For collectors, the Ref. 9075 represents a significant piece of Girard-Perregaux's history, particularly for its use of the respected Excelsior Park movement. Its relative scarcity, combined with the appeal of its vintage chronograph aesthetics, makes it a sought-after reference among enthusiasts of mid-century sports watches and those appreciating the quality of third-party calibers.

Specifications

Caliber: Excelsior Park 40

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 36-37mm

Dial: Silver or black (variations exist)

Crystal: Acrylic

The Discussion

crown comfort

Dec 11, 2014

Great report on a wonderful, very characteristic watch. I love the grey shades. I just visualise it in my mind on a nice vintage leather strap... CC

blomman Mr Blue

Dec 11, 2014

Congratulation! :) This one is definitely on my hunt list! The caliber 073 is based on Excelsior Park caliber P.40. Best, my friend Blomman

SALMANPK

Dec 11, 2014

Looks great on your wrist, very cool piece. S

MattS

Dec 11, 2014

yes can look good on leather as well! Matt

MattS

Dec 11, 2014

yes, good to keep track of some interesting pieces... Matt

MattS

Dec 11, 2014

you have a fantastic early Olimpico my friend! Matt

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Girard Perregaux Olimpico 9075 AF Mexico 1968

About the Girard-Perregaux GP Vintage Ref. 9075

Specifications

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