Girard Perregaux - GP quartz ref 80188

GP quartz ref 80188

Aug 24, 2024,20:17 PM

Was wearing my quartz today … say what … Quartz?

Yes, quartz done right by the masters of Swiss quartz when quartz was a battle of technology and pride.

GP was the first to harness the 32,768 Hz beat-rate in 1971 and to do it alone, opting to not be part of the Swiss Beta-21 quartz consortium. So much so that JLC, the “watchmaker’s watch” asked GP if they could use their quartz movements in their own watches.

In 2010, to mark 40 years of research & development in quartz, the watch you see here was presented as a novelty for SIHH by Stefano Macaluso.

Ref 80188 was housed in the Laureato Evo3 case (42.6 mm) in the signature GP grey-blue dial color with a custom-made quartz movement. With the display back showing a finely decorated movement and the dial bearing the 32,768 Hz achievement.

40 pieces supposed to be made … it is estimated that only 20 pieces were eventually made.

GP is an anomaly. For those who know and those who care to know.

🤝

Comments: view entire thread

One of the best looking high end quartz watches ever.

By: hora12reborn : August 24th, 2024-20:24

Thank you bro. 🤝

By: SingaporeMarc : August 26th, 2024-05:09

Perhaps one of most “forgotten” and rare quartz models ever made too. Amazing to me how little is know about this reference. 🤝

Box

By: SingaporeMarc : August 26th, 2024-16:31

Came with a nice box too ...

This is a beautiful example of a watch that has been forgotten.

By: John-E-Mac : August 24th, 2024-20:33

If you follow the crowd you’ll be mostly disappointed. Follow your heart and dampen the surrounding noise is my personal belief. GP has some wonderful creations. Enjoy your beauty! -John

Thanks John. Agree 💯

By: SingaporeMarc : August 26th, 2024-05:01

There is enough research published about some of these rare references if one take the time to search. I realise (to my surprise) that many “collectors” don’t care about provenance, rarity and heritage. At less at with watches that are not as hyped as an ...

Marc, please rotate your pictures before posting...

By: India Whiskey Charlie : August 24th, 2024-20:40

...

Hmm 🤔 I meant to take the pic

By: SingaporeMarc : August 24th, 2024-20:48

with the watch on its side and present it as such. I see that you have changed the orientation. Is this a rule that all watches must be rotated and presented as such? 🤝

Never mind. I didn't realize the watch was resting on its side.

By: India Whiskey Charlie : August 24th, 2024-20:58

No rule but for people on desktops to have to rotate your head sideways is not as pleasant as turning a phone

By: cazalea : August 24th, 2024-21:41

If the shot is farther away it's easier to process its orientation (mentally) than it is with a tight crop. My 2 cents Cazalea

What a great watch

By: Arronax : August 24th, 2024-22:10

Fantastic attention to details. I couldn't agree more with quartz done right being quite excellent and I love my aerospace. I have been going through a quartz phase myself and may add a citizen 0100 when funds allow!

❤️

By: SingaporeMarc : August 26th, 2024-15:11

I did not know production had been so limited.

By: VinnieD : August 25th, 2024-05:45

I can only imagine how unprofitable such a model must have been. The watch is on the larger side for me but is wonderful, enjoy it in good health Quartz is fine : I recommend to have (at least!) one quartz in your collection, to grab when you need to go a...

I believe they saw quite quickly that it didn’t sell, so cut their losses 🤷🏻‍♂️

By: KMII : August 25th, 2024-08:41

All the more gain for collectors bagging one later. And let’s not forget that many GP models at the time, even the ones not limited struggled to top 200 pieces. Different times. And at the same times that could still be done profitably, given how little n...

Thanks for sharing ❤️

By: SingaporeMarc : August 25th, 2024-10:33

Indeed the market was not yet ready for a high-end quartz. But we can see how well FPJ elegante is doing now and this is a brand with no history in quartz. Albeit that FPJ has tremendous respect for quartz and a stellar brand name today. The 80188 was int...

It’s a lovely piece indeed - was close to pulling the trigger at one point 😊👍🏻

By: KMII : August 25th, 2024-15:27

I remember your old post about it

By: SingaporeMarc : August 26th, 2024-04:56

So little was and is known about this reference. I’m researching more … 🤝

Agree on your points 💯

By: SingaporeMarc : August 25th, 2024-10:59

This is the only quartz in my collection. It’s also the only laureato evo3 in my collection I feel like I nailed it with this one. 😊

Wow. This dial is insane.

By: gary_g : August 25th, 2024-11:34

Thanks Gary ❤️

By: SingaporeMarc : August 26th, 2024-05:14

I consider the neo-vintage period to be from 1990-2010 … largely because this is approximately the ownership period of the Macaluso family. The golden age for GP (and many other watch brands) IMHO. Great sizes. Well made. They carry a purity and respect t...