New Release
Dje provides a comprehensive report from SIHH 2012, focusing on Girard-Perregaux's new marvels, including the striking Laureato tourbillon with three blue spinel bridges. The post also addresses the significant news of GP's departure from SIHH in 2013 to join Baselworld. Dje's detailed observations and photography capture the essence of GP's latest offerings, from high complications to elegant dress watches.
There was one very bad piece of news this year at the SIHH. Girard-Perregaux will leave the SIHH in 2013 and will join Baselworld. At least we had marvellous watches to discover and try to forget!
The most striking watch (IMVHO) proposed this year is a Laureato tourbillon with three bridges. We have already seen this straight bridges titanium a few years back. At that time the bridges were made in sapphire glass. The watch has been quite successful. This year the 10 piece limited edition shows blue spinel bridges.
The three bridges are nicely emphasized by the light blue colour. As the bridges remain transparent the blue colour is changing a lot with the light.
The full titanium case is adorned with an even more discreet platinum bezel. It's hard to be more subtle with a frontal tourbillon, it's rare to see such a captivating modern iteration of a great classic.
I've already said that I love blue dialed watches. It's clear to me that this Girard-Perregaux Laureato is the most beautiful blue dialled watch I've seen!
The titanium case is pleasantly light. In fact I've always liked this case and it's only the heavy case (and bracelet) of the EVO Moon that stops me from getting one. The titanium lightness perfectly fits the modern style. It's my 2012 choice!
Women too get their due tribute with several 1966 watches. The full diamond model below is strictly reserved for the most deserving ladies.
On the contrary women not appealed by a sky of stars can have a look at the moon. Of course the moon is always surrounded by a few stars….. This pink or white gold 36mm watch shows a white mother-of-pearl dial.
The most discreet women can also choose the subtle simpler version below. Anyway they will all enjoy the 1966 case!
The last women 1966 iteration will still be the one that will make husband be jealous. The 1966 tourbillon is in no way lessened by the diamond ring.
On the men side the 1966 range sees several new offers too. There is a new larger version of the simple model.
Do you notice something below ?
This new larger 1966 is fitted with a larger calibre too. The calibre 4500 has been used in some large Vintage 45 watches already. It is its first use in the 1966 series.
The 1966 series is also completed with a commemorative piece for the 220th anniversary of Girard-Perregaux.
It was
presented before the SIHH:
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The watch is gorgeous and the plain and engraved back is particularly appealing.
We have also seen before the new grey dial pink gold equation of time annual calendar 1966. The show was the opportunity to put it on the wrist.
Then we saw the new 1966 minute repeater. We saw the most amazing 1966.
The watch is built on a totally new calibre. The 32mm calibre perfectly fills the 42mm case. If we've seen some traditional minute repeater calibres made by Girard-Perregaux a few years ago, the new calibre is a brand new architecture. I hope to have someday the opportunity to go deeper in the discovery and explanation of this piece.
What I can already tell is that the sound produced by this calibre was very satisfying. I've listened fantastic wrist minute repeaters by Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin or Jaeger-LeCoultre and some far less tempting by a few others. I can tell that this Girard-Perregaux seemed to be closer to the good ones than to the others.
If you want a round watch out of the 1966 range Girard-Perregaux you can choose the new three gold bridge tourbillon in the President case. We had it with the straight bridges in the last years, it is now offered with the traditional Girard-Perregaux bridges.
Well it's still working.
The sportier ones can also choose the new stainless steel white dial chronograph ww.tc after the black dial version.
The three black subdials give it a fresh look.
This range of watches is in my opinion really suited to steel models. It is a travel watch after all.
Now it's time to have a look at the Vintage 45 line. No they are not launching again the original model, it was just an opportunity to put it on the wrist and realize how larger the watches are today.
Novelties are XXL models. First the two counter chronographs.
The watch is offered in steel or in pink gold.
The watch is particularly nice in the steel version.
Then there is the large date and moon phase, also in pink gold and steel.
The watch is also a XXL model. It's a large watch but still wearable if you like present watches, even on a medium wrist like mine.
The watch is at the same time practical and glorious. I want to see it again ASAP.
I hope you got enough new models this year. I can say I got my share.
Best
Dje
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.
With 3 spinel bridges... I share your enthusiasm on these 2 watches, Jerome... 2 of the SIHH 2012 stars, IMO. Less convinced by the Vintage 66 220TH anniversary, due to the presence of a date... But I am not a big fan of the date window, in general, as I find they most often ruin the dial. The Vintage 45 are a tad too big for me, too. But the 3 GBs, the Laureato, the Minute Repeater... WOW! It was a very interesting year, at the GP booth. And always a friendly moment, too. Thanks for this superb
Hi Nicolas, I agree with all you wrote. The Laureato is just mesmerizing! I'd like to spend more time with the minute repeater to know more about it. Regarding the Vintage 45 I find them gorgeously designed and indeed too large for me! They will fit larger wrists, or people liking large watches, but not me. I still hope to find "my" Vintage 45 someday. Best Dje
What about the case of the early 2000s? You know, this delicious 2499, for example? The moonphase sharing the same case was an awesome watch, too. There are rtoo many tempting things to get, in this brand... Best of luck in your hunt, my friend. Nicolas
Hi, I keep an eye on some oldies indeed, but I'd like a modern one.... I'll see, there are priorities too, maybe for a blue dialed full steel watch! Best Dje
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