Girard Perregaux

GP?s Foudroyante models - 90200 vs. 90210?

 

reference 90210 - reference 90200
images by www.girard-perregaux.com

G'day,

as you may have noticed, GP?s new website is listing "Pour Ferrari" line under "MUSEUM". The reason is simple; the Ferrari line is discontinued and these watches will not be available any more.

This includes the reference 90200, the "S. F. Foudroyante" which comes with a round 40mm case in various materials (TI, solid gold and Platinum) and different dials.
I believe the Foudroyante models cover a special place in GP?s line-up and used to be the entry model in the Haute Horlogerie range; the 90200 in fact is a fine and complicated timepiece and GP participated in the development of the function. The R&D work by GP didn?t end with the release of these, which included a very recent change in the chrono lever layout that caused some delivery delays (and backorders for Foudroyante models).

Today the remaining Foudroyante model is the 90210, the Vintage45 XXL case variant. Technically it is similar, but visually both models couldn?t be more different.

So all signs seem to indicate the round 90200 is discontinued and will not be available any more.
Personally i think it?s a pity, because it is a very understated and classic watch with a beautiful timeless look. It does not have more in common with Ferrari than the subtle "S.F." printing on the dial (which i think is acceptable). And it?s probably the last classic round chronograph by GP, because the ref. 49580 "Flyback" with luminous hands is a slightly more sportive design.
It?s probably not the rarest of all GP watches ever made, but being a true Haute Horlogerie model indicates the number of units made is likewise low.
On the other hand, larger cased Vintage45 models in general and complicated pieces in particular do enjoy a tremendous success lately. These are quite sought after and the Vintage45 design is probably more unusual than a round case. While the round 90200 does have somewhat of a counterpart with the Graham Foudroyante, there?s certainly no comparable watch to the 90210 out there. This makes it quite an unique model, maybe even more special than the 90200.

So the time may be good to get hold of a 90200?
Assuming there will not be a classic round chronograph by GP any more and discontinued GP?s sometimes go for interesting prices, this might be good chance to own a future collectible?

Greetings from germany,

Peter