Girard Perregaux

crown comfort
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Introduction, sharing my passion for GP

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my passion for GP watches and as this is my first post on the forum give a brief introduction. I always had a passion for quality watches. May years ago, I started with a Breitling, followed by a first GP, then I added an IWC and for last 11 years I was happily wearing a Patek almost daily. At some point however, I felt that I got tired of the Patek and managed to sell it for a good price. When I replaced the Patek with a GP Vintage 1945, it reignited my passion and I know have a collection of 10 GP timepieces which I want to share with you below.

Richeville Chronograph ·  Ref 2750 (SS)

This was my very first GP bought in the late 90ties new in Hong Kong. Originally it had a blue dial with Roman hour markers and a brown strap, but I had it changed at the GP Boutique in Hong Kong a few years after. I love the nicely drawn “exploding” numerals for the hour markers on the black face. This watch recently required a service as it did not keep a power reserve even when worn all day, but now all is good again. 

Vintage 1945 Chronograph ·  Ref 2599 (WG)

A very nice looking model with white dial, pink gold numerals and Guilloche surface. The white gold case is rather sensitive to scratches and bumps and in a moment of carelessness I managed a sizeable ding at 10 o’clock.

Vintage 1970 Chronograph ·  Ref 2598 (SS)

This model is very hard to find. I looked around a long time for this particular black face dial with SS bracelet. There are a few available without bracelet or with different face but I really like the clean style of this particular one. I eventually found this in very good condition on eBay from a professional seller in Germany but this is my only GP without original box and papers.

ww.tc Ltd. Edition ·  Ref 49800 (SS)

A must have for any GP fan. The ww.tc is a large watch and due to the large dial is a significant piece on your wrist. Initially, I had a black strap but after I changed it to the brown I like it even more. Overall a classy sporty look that is second to none.

Laureato Evo3 Ltd. Edition ·  Ref 80180 (SS)

Like the ww.tc this is a big watch but the actual dial is smaller and so it does not look very bulky on the wrist. A lot of people find the Laureato Evo3 ugly, but I believe they have only seen one on pictures but not had it on their wrist. It’s superb quality with nicely brushed steel and anti-reflective glass. This one also feels the most solid when using the crown and winding it. Very smooth, reminds me of my Patek I used to have. This is a Ltd. Edition to 50 pieces, not sure what is special compared to other Evo3s. I like the earlier style with the silver calendar dial as it looks more harmonious with 4 equal dials than the current model with 3 silver and 1 black dial. BTW: I had changed the rubber strap for the brown croco strap. It completely changes the character of the watch and I’m very happy with that combination.

Richeville Day/Night ·  Ref 27610 (RG)

This was my most expensive buy by far, but I couldn’t resist. I was considering the cheaper version in steel, but I believe this model only comes across well in pink gold. It is essentially a dress watch with an unusual dial but the colour combination is striking.

Classic Elegance 1999 Chronograph ·  Ref 4946 (SS)?

Again, I found this model hard to find. I was initially looking at one with a black dial but it was already sold. I personally find the 38mm case a bit small for this watch. The watch I purchased did not have the original strap. I wanted to get a dark brown croco strap initially, but then found the shown light brown with white stitching, which I think also gives it a nice vintage look.

Traveller II ·  Ref 49350 (SS)

Again, this is a must-have in a GP collection I think. They are surprisingly good value for money and I picked this cream dial with gold hands and hour markers. The blued steel seconds hand is a nice contrast. I find the winding of the crown a bit sluggish and squeaky, I believe the seal got a bit stiff, but nothing serious. Contrary to the 4946 Chronograph, on this watch a black strap matches perfectly.

Classic Elegance 1966 ·  Ref 49535 (RG)

Pure class dress watch in pink gold. More understatement is not possible. I would have loved a more complicated model from the 1966 line, like the full calendar or even the chronograph, but prices are still over the moon for these. This one is as new from a dealer in the UK and was very good value.

Sea Hawk II John Harrison ·  Ref 49910 (SS/WG)

I was unsure for a long time about the Sea Hawk but I thought the collection would not be complete without this icon GP. I settled on this Steel/WG Bezel Sea Hawk II tribute to John Harrison with a brown leather strap. It’s not as obtrusive as the Pro models and despite its size wears comfortably without being too much bling. I like the small seconds hand on the John Harrison models. The Power Reserve has a very fine Guilloche pattern.