The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moon Phases gets its inspiration from the art deco model presented by the manufacture in 1945. Since we are based out of Chicago and our love for watches always relates to time and space, we decided to put some context into what was going on in our city during that very same year the watch was originally launched. That year, the 'Billy Goat Curse' was cast on the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
On October 6th, 1945 the Cubs entered game four of the Baseball World Series leading the Detroit Tigers two games to one. A local Greek man, William 'Billy Goat' Sianis —owner of the Billy Goat Tavern and a Cubs fan— showed up at the game with his pet goat, Murphy, thinking his pet would bring good luck to the team. Unfortunately, the goat was not allowed into the ball park and P.K. Wrigley —owner of the Chicago Cubs— told 'Billy Goat' that the goat couldn't go in because it stunk. According to the legend, 'Billy Goat' threw up his arms and exclaimed, "The Cubs ain't gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field." The Cubs were officially cursed, subsequently, losing game four and getting swept at home from the World Series. After the Cubs loss, 'Billy Goat' promptly sent a telegram to P.K. Wrigley, stating, "Who stinks now?"
After a little bit of historical context regarding 1945, let's now get back to business and focus on this elegant and classic looking timepiece fitted with one of the most beautiful dials out there.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage XXL Large Date Moon Phases ref. 25882-11-121-BB6B comes fitted with a rectangular —almost square— 'tonneau' shaped stainless steel case measuring 36.10mm in length and 35.25mm in width. The case visually appears larger than its actual measurements but its quite comfortable on the wrist and true to its size. This watch is fitted with a perfectly curved convex sapphire crystal that does not protrude at all and the visibility of the dial at any angle is just unparalleled. The beautifully executed case is fitted with a nicely engraved crown and a push piece corrector at 4 o'clock to set the moon phase.
This elegant watch is fitted with a silvered brushed finished dial with applied Arabic numerals, a large date aperture at 12, running seconds and moon phase indicator at 6 o'clock and dauphine hands. The dial plate is quite thick allowing for the date and the moon phase indicators to appear sunken into the dial with superb finishing around the edges. There are also two concentric rectangular ridges towards the center of the dial where the minute rail is located.
The date indicator is composed of two different calendar discs layered on top of each other. The disc closer to the dial is transparent and marks the second digit of the date while the bottom disc is solid white and indicates the first digit of the date. This is a clever solution to avoid seeing the gap between the digits as is common with other brands featuring large date indicators with double calendar discs. Something else worth mentioning about the dial is that the applied numbers are not completely flush against the surface but somewhat suspended with a very small gap. This adds great depth and perfect contrast to the well-balanced layout of the dial.
The beating heart inside the Vintage 1945 XXL is the automatic Girard-Perregaux calibre GP03300-0062 with 32 jewels that provides a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and after several days of wearing this watch, we noticed that it is quite accurate with no time gain or loss over a 48-hour period. The nicely finished movement —with perlage and 'Côtes de Genève'— is fully visible via the display case back.
To complete the classic and elegant look of this watch, the Vintage 1945 XXL is fitted with a nice black alligator strap with a folding clasp that is quite comfortable and easy to use. Additionally, towards the area where the strap meets the case, there is a flexible folding piece built into the strap that allows for the watch to sit flatter on the wrist and for the strap to wrap around the wrist instead of pushing down in a straight line and lifting the bottom of the case.
While on the wrist, the watch fits nicely and comfortably like a glove. One of the best things about 'tonneau' shaped watches is that they mold perfectly to the shape of the wrist. One thing that caught our attention was the lightness of the watch weighing roughly 100 grams. The watch sits quite high on the wrist with a thickness of almost 12mm but it can still be comfortably tucked under a French cuffed shirt.
If you were thinking of trying to lift the 'Billy Goat Curse' by wearing this watch to Wrigley Field next season, we are sorry to tell you that wearing this watch with casual clothes is not really that much of an option. This is an elegant timepiece that unfortunately looks somewhat out of place when wearing a casual attire.
Overall, this is a watch that is very nicely designed and flawlessly executed and one that can definitely compliment any watch collection big or small.
Sticker Price $12,200 USD. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.
