Comments:
Looking to buy a Girard Perregaux 7742 alarm watch. Help needed!!
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking to buy a GP 7742 alarm watch. I've found 2 watches of this kind that are on sale right now.
This is on Ebay. The dial to me looks different from the other models I've seen on the internet because it doesn't have the typical sunburst effect. It also has an engraving on the back.
This other watch is on sale on Chrono24 and the crowns don't look authentic to me:
None of them has photos of the movements, although both are guaranteed to work perfectly.
I love both of them but I thought it would be better to ask for advice before venturing into buying my first vintage watch.
Many many thanks!!
Lorenzo
Welcome
If the one on chrono24 is listed by a dealer. From the time you receive the watch you should have a 14 day inspection period, before chrono24 releases your payment to the dealer. This gives you time to get the watch inspected by a vintage specialist in person. Unfortunately I don’t know vintage watches well enough to answer your question, but perhaps there are other more knowledgeable members here that can. Cool watch. Good luck.
My grandfather had one of these…
Although his was gold-filled.
The crowns in the second one you showed look like replacements. The originals have a different shape.
(Lost one of the crowns on the one in my family and had to procure a random one - if you find a source for the genuine ones, let me know!)
Best
E.
The crowns in the second one you showed look like replacements. The originals have a different shape.
(Lost one of the crowns on the one in my family and had to procure a random one - if you find a source for the genuine ones, let me know!)
Best
E.
They look good to me.
There is a WPS thread that may help you that is full of history/information: www.watchprosite.com
/
Anyway, these look fine based on that thread. You'd just want to know about the movement inside and all that. I got mine restored by Al Archer in Ontario and he did a great job. Here it is:
Welcome to the forum Lorenzo.
I wish you the best for your purchase but I can’t be helpful here.
Best, Emmanuel
Hi Lorenzo
From my experience, I've not seen a flat colour enamel style dial on these 60s / 70s vintage GP alarms, but that doesn't mean they didn't originally exist. The sunburst dials - silver or gold - are more ubiquitous. However the "GP" and "Alarm" lettering look original in font / design. If you really like and want this one suggest asking the seller to guarantee its not a redial - then if by chance it turns out it is then you have recourse.
The second ones dial is more normally what's seen (and the blue alarm numbering is a nice addition), but as you already observe the crowns are not original. One should be stamped "A" for Alarm and neither should be domed.
These GPs are not particularly rare and if you're not entirely comfortable with provenance or dial colour etc I'm sure they'll be other offerings along soon. A little patience gives rewards in the vintage arena, and the search has been part of the appeal for me.
Good luck
Ps: My GP Alarm is the later 70's model.
The crown at 2 o’clock (eBay)
usually has a raised “A” on it from what I have seen.
Caveat … I don’t collect vintage as much and mainly focus on NEO-vintage.
The GP alarm pieces I have are 38 mm ref 4940.
Good luck 🤝
Caveat … I don’t collect vintage as much and mainly focus on NEO-vintage.
The GP alarm pieces I have are 38 mm ref 4940.
Good luck 🤝