For the first time ever, the mechanical heart of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 watch is revealed under a transparent sapphire dial. In a deft combination of technology and style, this model is enhanced by its Art Deco-inspired aesthetic code and its uncompromisingly contemporary mechanical structure. The new Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon Phases watch fully reveals the complexity of its movement for the first time, thanks to a transparent dial carved in sapphire. This offers the wearer a fascinating mechanical spectacle of gears, display disks, screws, levers and wheels, all arranged in a perfectly orchestrated system. Here, the movement goes beyond its merely functional role to become a full-time spectacle. Testifying to the Manufacture’s long history and expertise, it unveils all the secrets that give it its beauty and originality. Its shape, adapted to that of the case, represents a distinctive, emblematic mark of identity. Its large jumping date and moon phase functions complement its hour, minute and small second indications to complete its unique cachet. A fine example of kinetic art, the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 watch is marked out by its strong character and elegant sense of style. A case of architectural proportions with its mechanical beating heart, the Vintage 1945 Large Date Moon Phases watch accentuates an impression of depth combined with multiple contrasts.
Like a metal and glass cathedral, it is a vivid example of the spirit of contemporary architecture, in which spaces and volumes are intermingled to form subtly coordinated interplays of transparent structures. With its mysterious smoked-glass effect, the dial both reveals the watch mechanism and showcases the hour markers and applique Arabic numerals to ensure clear and rapid reading of the indications. Its gray coloring is obtained by surface metallization, while the seconds circle and the inscriptions have been created through printing. The dauphine hands, embossed and polished, stand out just as clearly, while continuing to allow the heart of the watch mechanism to be seen. Designed in the purest Art Deco style, the rectangular 1945 case —named for the year of its creation— forms part of the repertoire of iconic Girard-Perregaux classics. Its profile, doubly curved both lengthwise and width-wise, forms a combination of harmonious lines of convergence and gentle curves. The shape of the lugs, the presence of horizontal gadroons and the merging of the crown into
the case-band further underline the watch’s elegance. Recognized and appreciated by connoisseurs for this aesthetic perfection, it also provides the wearer with a very high degree of comfort. The dimensions of the GP 03300-0105/0062 manufactured caliber exactly match those of the case, which is highly unusual for watches with distinctive shapes. Its technical sophistication is now clearly on display to one and all.
Among the first features to be noticed is the large jumping date at 12 o’clock, displayed by a tandem of two adjacent disks. In terms of technical performance, this patented mechanism impresses by the rapidity of its operation: a date change is completed in under 5 milliseconds when triggered. It is also noteworthy for its display on the same level, achieved thanks to an ingenious mechanism. The transparent disk bearing the numerals indicating the units, placed on top and with a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm, has its numerals inscribed on its back, contrary to usual practice. The level difference is thus imperceptible in relation to the black disk positioned underneath that bears the numerals indicating the tens. The two numerals thus give the appearance of being displayed naturally side by side, without any line of demarcation. Following conventional lines and yet imbued with a strong poetic element, the moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock both provides visual balance and adds a colorful note. The large jumping date in particular can be rapidly set through the crown, while the moonphases
are controlled by a side corrector discreetly merged into the caseband. Equipped with a minimum 46-hour power-reserve, its frequency is fixed at 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases watch is available in either a stainless steel or pink gold version.
Sticker Price $16,000 USD for stainless steel and $33,800 USD for pink gold. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.
Technical Specifications of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date and Moon Phases Squelette Reference: 25882-11-223-BB6B
Case: Stainless Steel case measuring 36.10 x 35.25 mm with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Dial: Smoked sapphire.
Case back: sapphire crystal, secured by 4 screws.
Water resistance: 30 meters.
Movement: Automatic Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0062 movement beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, 32 jewels and 46 hour power reserve.
Strap: Black alligator strap with folding stainless steel buckle.
Technical Specifications of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date and Moon Phases Squelette Reference: 25882-52-222-BB6B
Case: 18K Pink gold measuring 36.10 x 35.25 mm with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Dial: Smoked sapphire.
Case back: sapphire crystal, secured by 4 screws.
Water resistance: 30 meters.
Movement: Automatic Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0062 movement beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, 32 jewels and 46 hour power reserve.
Strap: Black alligator strap with folding 18K pink gold buckle.
