Vintage
blomman Mr Blue initiates a captivating series on the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronographs, beginning with the 1976 reference 9238 FA. This post not only details the watch's distinctive 70s design and technical specifications but also weaves in personal memories of the Montreal Olympic Games. blomman Mr Blue's work makes a compelling case for the historical and aesthetic value of this vintage chronograph.
Friends,
As mentioned, for the last year I have been working the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronograph theme and I am now finally ready to put the first post dedicated to the 1976 Olimpico online!
This part #1 will be dedicated to the Olimpico Chronographs 9238 FA.
For me the 1976 Summer Olympic Games is a bit special to me since this is the first Game I remember seeing on television!
The big news was of course the only 14 years old gymnast from Rumania Nadia Comăneci.
She returned home with three Gold medals including the prestigious All-Around program gold.
The game was held in Montreal, Canada, the first Olympic Game to be held in Canada.
The big winners of the game were the old Eastern bloc, Soviet Union 125 medals and East Germany 90 medals.
USA got 94 medals but 6 gold medals less than East Germany…
Sylvester Stallone played “Rocky Balboa” for the first time…
And Clint Eastwood directed and played in the Outlaw Josey Wales.
The cover is MichaelC’s avatar here in the forum:
Yup, a lot of childhood memories….
But let’s have a closer look at the watch.
The Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Chronograph reference 9238 FA:
In 1976 GP made 1 000 of these watches.
They are big and bulky with typical 70’s design!
The cushion shaped stainless steel case is 42 mm across and 45.5 mm lug to lug.
Strong bi-directional bezel with 60 minutes scale.
Big doomed crystal and screw down case back.
If I am correct, two versions existed: black dial with metal color bezel and white dial with black bezel (I have not been able to verify the white version).
Mine is the black dial version with the metal bezel.
Classic 12 hours chronograph layout of the dial, running seconds at nine, chronograph minutes at three and hours at six.
Sub-dials are white to give the watch the “Panda” look.
Tachymeter scale 50 – 250 outside the minute track.
Applied luminous indexes and luminous material on the hands as well.
The red mark of the first five minutes on the chrono gives the dial just a splash of color.
The pushers are located well into the case side for protection and support.
Minimizing the risk of breaking them or get stuck in something.
In between is nice proportioned crown, easy to operate due to the size.
Inside we find the GP caliber 27-0 based on the Valjoux 726.
The difference between Valjoux 726 and Valjoux 72, if I understand correctly is that the later beats with 18 000 Vph while the Valjoux 726 holds the speed of 21 600 Vph.
Here is an identification sheet of the Valjoux 72:
Price back in 1976: on strap 450 Swiss Franc on bracelet CHF 470.
And on the wrist…? The sky is the limit!
As many of you may know, I really like the Funky 70’s design and this is no exception.
Even if quite big, the watch sits perfect on your wrist with a very nice presence!
Before I end this post: one common misunderstanding is that Girard-Perregaux only made one Olimpico reference per Olympic Game…
That is NOT the case!
Stay tuned, I will return to the Girard-Perregaux 1976 Olimpico Chronographs with more!
Best
Blomman
Related posts, Girard-Perregaux 1968 Olimpico Chronographs:
8846 N, part #1: www.watchprosite.com
8846 N, part #2: www.watchprosite.com
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 8846 is a notable chronograph within the brand's Vintage series, often recognized for its association with the Olimpico designation. This reference represents a period when Girard-Perregaux produced chronographs with a distinct aesthetic, appealing to collectors interested in mid-century sports timing instruments. The design cues of the 8846 align with the broader Vintage collection, emphasizing classic proportions and a functional layout, making it a representative example of the brand's chronograph offerings from its era.
The case of the 8846 is typically presented in stainless steel, housing a manual-wind chronograph movement. While specific dimensions can vary slightly between examples, it generally features a case diameter around 38mm, a size considered classic for chronographs of its period. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal, common for chronographs of this type, contributing to its vintage character. The movement, often a Valjoux-based caliber, provides reliable chronograph functionality.
This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate vintage chronographs with a strong brand heritage and a connection to specific historical designations like Olimpico. Its relatively understated design and robust construction make it a practical choice for daily wear while retaining collector interest. The 8846 fits into the broader narrative of Girard-Perregaux's history as a manufacturer of precision timepieces, including those with sporting applications, and is sought after for its specific design and mechanical attributes.
or rather the beginning of a series This 1976 version is very typical 70ies. I was tempted on the white dial version with black bezel (there is one for sale currently) but I would give priority for my first Olimpico either to an 8846 or an 9075, so that has to wait. The Montreal Olympics, I don't recall watching much of them but at that age I spend my summers outside and with the time difference I was probably at sleep when most competitions took place. It did come back to me later when I was a
Thank you Blomman for your really pleasant post. I bet on the revival of those funky 70's lines: I think we will soon have new proposals based on them. After having sacked the design from the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's, the major brand will unavoidably start re-launching, re-issuing, re-tributing, re-editing the 70's. Now, the question is: who will be the first? Maybe, Girard-Perregaux? Ciao, Elio
GP already did that in the late 90ies with its "Vintage 1970" chronographs
Excellent pictures and yes lot of childhood memories Bravo my friend Yours D P.S. I like it very much on bracelet from first shot So 70ies and super cool btw that shot on berries is outstanding
Girard-Perregaux actually WAS the first. And I have to say that the Vintage 1970 chronograph you've posted looks gorgeous. Thank you CC. Elio
From 1976! When you see them side by side you will fall for this one as well... Promise! Best Blomman
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