Collection
In this heartwarming post, crown comfort shares his tradition of gifting luxury watches to his daughters for their coming-of-age celebrations in Germany. He details the thoughtful process behind acquiring a Girard Perregaux Richeville 2656 for his second daughter, reflecting on the enduring value of a fine timepiece over fleeting gadgets. This piece offers a personal glimpse into a collector's family life and the joy of passing on horological appreciation.
I picked up my first watch in 2015 today. Still bought last year and finally arrived.
Not for myself though. This is going to be the “first” watch for my second daughter. Here in Germany we celebrate when children get close to adult age, like a non-religious version of a confirmation at church.
Typically, this is at the age of 15 and they normally get cash gifts. My elder daughter went through this in 2014 and I was able to give her a GP Vintage 45 as a present. Now 2015 it’s my younger daughter’s turn and I have been looking at opportunities at around the same budget like the Vintage 45 (I need to be fair!). I have been looking for a few months but nothing really exciting.
I think a watch makes a perfect gift for such an occasion. They may not appreciate it right away (Daddy, buy me an iPhone 6…) but this will remain valuable and treasured for many many years to come while some gadgets will be at junk value in a couple of years.
Now, we all know that buying a watch at the big online auction platform is not the best possible way, however, there are still bargains out there and if you live not close to a big city, the Internet is pretty much the best source. I have been able to buy some very interesting watches in the last month there, will report soon.
So a few months ago, this carbon-glad Richeville came up for sale. It was a buy-now offer at double the budget I wanted to spend. Hmm, not possible. As time went on, the price dropped, but still remained too high, but before Xmas, the seller put it up for auction. It was however not a $1 auction with no reserve, but rather had a high starting price auction, now at approx. half of what he originally wanted to sell it for and within my budget! As it happened, my bid was only the second bid closely before auction end and I purchased it at almost the start price.
Now I may have a dilemma considering the “fairness” as it seems #2 got herself a better deal, but perhaps I can pacify #1 with another vintage daily wearer… ah, so many projects.
So here it is: Richeville 2656 (yes, Quartz but it’s a start). I had shown before a Richeville 2658 here in the forum (same model, but with automatic movement but less carbon), which I gave to my loved one a couple of years ago.
Here are the photos, not easy to capture the sparkle.
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.
What a great way to get your daughters started in a good way into adulthood! :) Both beautiful watches! Meine herzliche glĂĽckwĂĽnsche am geburtstag fĂĽr ihnen tochter! Best Blomman
I'm looking forward to the celebration. It will be in May, but it is not linked to the actual birthdate, they will do it together with their classmates. Sometimes, I envy girls that they can wear those sparkly things.
Who knows one day we will wear that kind of bling! ;) Best, my friend and thank you for the reminder that GP makes some beautiful Ladies watches as well! Blomman
crown comfort The rules for coming-of-age in Germany seem very good if you are gong to hand out such goodies! Here's what I got for my 16th or 17th or 18th birthday..........nothing, nada, nil point. ;) I think #2 daughter got the better deal and G-P used to make their own quartz movements. Anyway, quartz movement is easier to maintain and operate.....really strange that I should say that :-) Real Men can wear carbon-clad watches too.....see below: CHOPARD Happy Sport Ceramic Customised Version
actually has a lot of class! GP has a Cat's Eye model also totally iced for Ladies. The Hublot's are not my cup of tea, I'm more of an 'understatement' guy. Thanks for sharing those and for your feedback. CC
.. thus Congrats to them and to their " sugar Dad" ! And as you said : presents to remember & stay !! More than well done ! Best, hs :) :)
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