Vintage
blomman Mr Blue revisits the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier Trilogy, focusing on the first piece inspired by La Chaux-de-Fonds. This post delves into the historical connection between the renowned architect and his hometown, showcasing the intricate mother-of-pearl dial of the timepiece.
Friends,
In 1995 Girard-Perregaux launched the now classic Vintage 1945 line. This year will be the 70 th anniversary of the original 1945! I am very curious how GP plans to celebrate this…
While we wait for BaselWorld, let’s have a look in the rear view mirror. Last week Fx showed us the Vintage 1945 Jackpot. One of many great pieces among the vintage 1945 line…
Here I would like to go back and put some light on one of them!
Back in 2012, before I entered here in the GP forum, Girard-Perregaux made a trilogy homage to one of their hometown sons: Charles-Edouard Jeanneret or as he is more known as Le Corbusier.
The famous architect and designer Le Corbusier was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds on the 6 th of October 1887.
To the world he is most known for his Art Nouveau designed houses and furniture. But Le Corbusier did have a past connected to watches.
During his life, he travelled far outside Jura, designing all from furniture, houses, even entire cities!
The Girard-Perregaux Le Corbusier Trilogy reflects three important places in his life: La Chaux-de-Founds, Paris and Marseille.
This part will look at the first piece/place – La Chaux-de-Founds.
In the beginning of 1900 Le Corbusier study sculpture and engraving here in his birth town.
La Chaux-de-Founds: Inlaid Mother of pearl dial.
The dial design based upon one of Le Corbusier’s early work as sculpture and engraver. A pocket watch engraved by Le Corbusier.
This Mother of pearl dial took seven days to make!
And required multiple master skills; design, sculpture, polishing and varnishing.
[Pic credit: Fx]
The most challenging was to preserve the integrity of the original work’s five colors, necessitating considerable patience and meticulous attention to detail.
The Vintage 1945 pink gold case measures 36.20 x 35.25 mm. Inside is the automatic caliber GP3300.
Limited edition of 5 pieces. Guess the chances to find one is slim…
[Pic credit: Fx]
Love this piece and the homage to a great man!
Next piece in the trilogy is “Paris”.
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-03-16 01:05:38The 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.
I find this one to be too " girly ". While the two others are just breathtaking. If I could, at that time, I would have Grabbed one of them. The one whose strap matches with my shoes... :) Best, Nicolas.
Agree that this one is the least "manly"... No wonder - Mother of pearls vs steel and concrete... :) Best Blomman
for the Artists among us. I love all three of them.
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