Available in stainless steel for the first time, Girard-Perregaux the manufacture based out of La-Chaux-de-Fonds unveils the new Girard-Perregaux 1966 in a metal never used before for this collection. Often suggested, long imagined, Girard-Perregaux presents the eagerly awaited steel edition of the 1966 collection. Girard-Perregaux is a Manufacture known for its haute horlogerie and emblematic Three Gold Bridges. Its expertise in finishing movements has earned it the status as one of the most prestigious supporters of workmanship. The Manufacture of la Chaux-de-Fonds presents a minimalist style by introducing a new material to its flagship 1966 collection: steel. The new star of the collection mixes styles and genres —male-female and classic-contemporary— but maintains the iconic aesthetic and manufacture movement of the 1966 line. The model joins the ranks of watchmaking “must-haves”. Like a piece of Haute Couture designed with expertise and precision, this Girard-Perregaux 1966 steel watch delivers all the messages of traditional watchmaking.

Geometric lines tailored like a tuxedo, it has a particularly refined 40mm case with meticulous finishing of all the components and extremely thin at 8.9 mm. With cutting-edge modernism and distinguished aesthetics, the steel case adds to the simple understatement that is unique to the 1966. The collection has become iconic for Girard-Perregaux, which was launched as a tribute to the year 1966 when it included the first high frequency movement, with a balance beating at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. This discovery radically transformed the world of timekeeping. That same year, the Manufacture won several awards at the Centennial Awards held at the Observatory of Neuchâtel.

The clean design of the steel Girard-Perregaux extends to the opaline silvered dial featuring beveled indicators, which further enhances its refined style. Like cufflinks on a shirt, they give a distinguished classicism to the timepiece. Under the gently domed sapphire crystal, the leaf shaped hands —unique to the 1966 collection— mark the hours and minutes as they trace the curves of the case. The large second hand, which is particularly streamlined and the only one of its kind, as well as all of the time indication elements, are silver in color to create a piece which is an ode to steel. Just like a buttonhole, the date at 3 o'clock adds the perfect finishing touch to the composition. The slender horns are curved for comfort on the wrist, making this the idea everyday watch. Fitted with a steel bracelet or black alligator strap, the steel edition adds a new facet to the 1966 collection all while remaining true to its fine watchmaking codes.

The sapphire case back reveals the automatic Girard-Perregaux calibre GP03300-0030 designed, produced and assembled in the workshops of Girard-Perregaux at La Chaux-de-Fonds. With a 46-hour power reserve, it is wound by its oscillating weight decorated with a “Cote de Genève” motif. More than two centuries of expertise are brought together in this GP03300 manufacture caliber whose top-end finishing make each watch a timepiece worthy of the brand’s illustrious heritage going back to 1791. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph.