Collection
Blomman Mr Blue shares his contemplation for his next modern Girard-Perregaux acquisition, having recently added a GP 1966 to his collection. He explores several compelling options, including the Vintage 1945 Sapphire dial and various Sea Hawk models, particularly the Cobalt Blue and the Mission of Mermaids editions. This post captures the thoughtful process of a collector planning future additions and weighing different aesthetic and thematic appeals.
Friends,
Now when I finally have been able to include the GP 1966 in my collection, I have started to look into what could be my next modern Girard-Perregaux…
No, I am not in a hurry. I will enjoy the GP 1966 a lot before pulling the plug on the next one! But it is always good to check out your options and start to plan for the future…
One strong contender is the Vintage 1945 Sapphire dial from last year.
Another one is the Sea Hawk. I must confess that I love the Sea Hawk Cobalt Blue. Such a cool watch!
But another version that got my attention is the Mission of Mermaids!
I really like the green accent and that it is for a good cause doesn’t make it any less attractive.
When I started to look more closely on this Mermaid, I realized that there are actually two versions of the Mission of Mermaids! One Limited Edition of 20 pieces and one special edition (non-limited), both was released back in 2013.
The Limited Edition has a mix of blue and green accents. As you can see the minute hand and the power reserve are blue as well as the minute track.
[Photo credit: Fx]
The sub-second dial and the power reserve hand are green. Nice mix, but personally I prefer the all green version.
[Photo credit: Fx]
On the back both the Mermaid versions has the Porpoise Snake replaced by a Mermaid. Also here the Limited Edition has a mix of blue and green instead of all green.
[Special Edition version]
You notice the saying on the back: “Protect what is precious”. A very nice saying that actually been used on a third Sea Hawk!
Back in 2012 Girard-Perregaux did another partnership together with Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr. The World Ocean Day Celebration: The Sea Hawk 1000 “Big Blue”, Limited Edition of 15 pieces.
Since it was in 2012, it was made with the old version of the Sea Hawk and yes, the name says it all…
On the back is the classic Porpoise Snake, but also the saying “Protect what is precious”.
For me as a new moderator here it is a lot of fun to discover and re-discover details of the vast number of watches that Girard-Perregaux has been releasing during the years!
I didn’t know this connection before I started to look into the Mission of Mermaids…
Lucky for me is that I prefer the Special Edition of the Mission of Mermaids before any of the Limited Editions’!
The green minute track and the green hands give the watch an edge and but is not as much in your face as the Cobalt Blue…
Well, this I have to think about… Good that I started early to look into this…
Blue or Green…? Another thing is that the White version is also very attractive! Hm, I sense that I am in trouble here…
The Green looks very nice on the wrist…
Well, it will be long before I have to take decision… But it is great fun to explore your options!
Don’t you think?
Best
Blomman
PS. For those of you that want to know more about the foundation and the charity events behind these editions, please do a search here in the forum: search “Rockefeller” and you will find the press releases.
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-01-09 00:41:30The 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.
Almost because while you are on the Mermaid, I prefer the Cobalt Blue version, but I hesitate a lot with the Vintage 45. In reality, I think I have to think about building a collection of modern GPs, which would include a WW TC, a 1966, a Sea Hawk and this Vintage 45. If things are clear to me when I consider the Sea Hawk, and the Vintage 45, it is a bit more complicated when it comes to the WW TC and the 1966. Aaaah, and I would add with pleasure a Richeville Night and Day. Best, Nicolas
My big Q? is if I should go Art Deco or Sports? Vintage 1945 or Sea Hawk....? After that next Q+ will be which version ....?! Delisious dilema! :) Best Blomman
for me, I was also looking at a Chrono Hawk or Sea Hawk. I have recently tried on both at an AD and I had to admit to myself that both are a tad too large for my wrist. They still can sit comfortably, but it looks too big for my taste. I possibly got accustomed to the size of vintage watches. :) I really do like the look of the Chrono Hawk as a sports watch though. So havving put those two down towards the bottom of the list, I got to next try a newer 1966, maybe the dual time or a Chronograph..
Is a big change! :) A GP 1966 chrono I would also love to add, but I feel I need to address the Vintage 1945/Sea Hawk first before I go deeper into the GP 1966... A difficult, but fun mind game this is! :) Best Blomman
on the day of my visit to the AD, I wore my Laureato Evo3 Chrono, admittedly a large watch. But if the Laureato is XL then the Chrono Hawk is XXXL, I could not believe the visible difference between those two on the wrist, while nominally I think it is only 2mm more. CC
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