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Blomman Mr Blue's 2014 post on the Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk Cobalt Blue offers a historical overview of the Sea Hawk line, tracing its evolution from a 1940s marine watch to a modern diver. This article remains relevant for collectors interested in the heritage and design philosophy behind GP's robust sports watches. The discussion highlights the watch's on-wrist presence and unique aesthetic details.
Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk reference: Blue technological rubber strap - 49960-19-431-FK4A, Steel bracelet - 49960-19-431-11A
Cobalt blue and coral orange, this gives the Sea Hawk a very sporty and marine feeling.
The Sea Hawk dates to the early 1940s, having been developed during World War II as a marine watch suitable for “active service.” The inspiration for the watch’s moniker has been mostly lost to history, but it’s probably safe to surmise it was named after the swashbuckling 1940 Errol Flynn film The Sea Hawk.
Girard-Perregaux trademarked the name in 1944.
Two decades later GP developed the “Deep Diver,” their first line of true diving watches.
Finally, in the mid-1970s, GP issued a “Sea Hawk” model as a true diving watch — water-resistant up to 200 meters, with a screw-down crown and a rotating bezel to keep accurate time underwater.
The Sea Hawk line was then reborn in 1989, when GP re-launched its line of diving watches with mechanical automatic movements that were water-resistant — now up to 500 meters!
The Sea Hawk Cobalt Blue comes on blue rubber and double folding buckle.
Or steel bracelet.
Measurement is 44 mm in diameter, steel and rubber case. Water resistant to 1000 meters.
The watch is equipped with a helium relief valve to protect your watch if you dive really deep…
On the back is the “sea creature” we have got used to on the Sea Hawk series.
In fact the engraving is a porpoise snake, anchor and trident whose meaning is “do nothing without advice”.
Girard-Perregaux patented this logo already in 1897.
Personally I prefer this blue version of the Sea Hawk before the “all black” presented at Basel.
Down side of the blue is the weight. The ceramic case of the black is a bit lighter than the blue steel version…
But when you see the “blue waves” on this dial, here seen on FX’s wrist…
You can almost hear the mermaids sing for you!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-05-02 12:05:26The Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk, reference 49960, is a robust dive watch characterized by its distinctive angular case design. Introduced as part of the Hawk collection, this model emphasizes a contemporary, sporty aesthetic. The 2013 ceramic iteration, presented at Baselworld, features a black zirconium oxide case, offering exceptional scratch resistance. This material choice enhances the watch's durability and provides a stealthy, modern appearance.
The 44mm ceramic case is constructed with an inner titanium core, contributing to a lighter overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping. Its design includes prominent crown protection and a unidirectional rotating bezel, typical features for a professional dive instrument.
For collectors, the ceramic Sea Hawk represents Girard-Perregaux's commitment to material innovation within its sports watch segment. It stands as an example of the brand's ability to adapt classic designs with advanced manufacturing techniques, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a high-performance timepiece with a distinct visual presence and enhanced wearability.
While I am not convinced by the Traveller Line, I must say that the Sea Hawk pleases me a lot. I thought, on the pictures, that the Watch was way too big, thick and chunky, in fact it is pretty cool. I totally agree with you on your preference. The Black is way too trendy for me, while this Blue Cobalt is quite nice! I appreciate the pattern of the dial, and, as always, the engraving on the case back, which is much more coherent than a see through case back, in my opinion. Thanks for the article
To be very honest, many GP are not very photogenic.... Like you said, in photos they may feel big and somewhat clumsy... But once you see them in real and try them on your wrist, they don't feel big or clumsy at all ! :) For example the JLC NSA which also have the size 44 mm - that watch wears much bigger than the Sea Hawk! But in photos, it looks smaller... Another thing that I appreciate more and more is how well made and solid the cases on these sports watches from GP are made! :) Thank you f
Lovely article although my favourite version is... In steel: nice and heavy as it should be ;)
Did I miss this or did you not present it here?! Congratulation! :) My personal preference is for this blue version or the missions of Mermaids Special Edition that was released last year. I saw the Mermaid on Mr. Sofisti's wrist and I must say I really like the green accent! And the Mermaid on the back is a nice touch... The fact that is is for a good cause makes it even better! :) Nile Rodgers’ We Are Family Foundation Susan and David Rockefeller together with Girard-Perregaux - mission to inc
I would love to own it but it's not sensible! I have a ton of watch legends to get acquainted to before buying such pieces ;) You know what I mean?
"Fill the gaps" first and add others later... I have become more flexible on this point... Why? Because there will always be gaps in a collection and you will never have the chance fill them all or to go back later to all the watches you "waited" with... So, if a watch blow me away - then I will jump on it, no matter gaps, wish list or what ever... But, that is my personal view. Best Blomman
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