Posts filed under Girard-Perregaux

News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Girard-Perregaux Presents the New Chrono Hawk Steel Bracelet. A Well Needed Addition to the Hawk Collection.

A steel bracelet for the Chrono Hawk collection. The Chrono Hawk line is now available with a stainless steel bracelet in a design and perfect finish that once again demonstrates Girard-Perregaux’s excellence.
The new bracelet of Girard-Perregaux’s Chrono Hawk line instills power and elegance into this resolutely masculine range. Its links form a pattern of remarkable purity and their lines epitomize contemporary watch design. This aesthetic is matched by equally advanced technical qualities, honing the multiple connections between these steel parts for optimum comfort when wearing. This new bracelet has a distinctive functional geometric style combining two types of links ; the first type generates a powerful line running along the middle, while the second surrounds the first. Subtly interwoven, they also exhibit alternating polished and satin finishes on the two outer bevels of the central links.

The fusion between these two types of links forms a finely balanced and well-proportioned ribbon, making a perfect fit with the strong lines of the Hawk Collection’s watch cases. The bracelet closes easily with a secure folding clasp and features a micro-adjustment system to ensure wearing comfort. Finally, it is interchangeable with the rubber version and can be ordered separately. The Hawk collection honors more than 130 years of technical watchmaking tradition, tracing back to 1880, when the Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds provided specially designed watches for the German Navy. Directly descended from the Sea Hawk line, launched in 1940 and adapted for diving in 1970, and the Laureato, a sport model introduced in 1975, the Chrono Hawk has both sleek and sporty lines. Its asymmetric case formed of successive planes is the mark of its modern character, unparalleled in high-end watchmaking. It is topped by a bezel divided into two parts, one circular and the other octagonal, creating a unique visual effect. The technical dial, perfectly
legible and built on several levels, is decorated with a pattern using the shape of the famous Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bridge.

In this all-steel version, it is available in two colors: silver as ref. 49970-11-133-11A and metallic blue as ref. 49970-11-431-11A. Inside, the exclusive mechanical self-winding caliber GP03300 displays hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph function.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CHRONO HAWK STEEL BRACELET
Case in steel
Diameter: 44.00 mm
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal, secured by 6 screws
Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
Girard-Perregaux movement
GP3300-0074 (metallic blue dial)
GP3300-0075 (silver dial)
Mechanical, self-winding movement
Diameter: 30.00 mm (13 ’’’)
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h - (4 Hz)
Power reserve: min. 46 hours
Jewels: 61
Functions: hour, minute, date, small second, chronograph
Steel bracelet with steel folding buckle micro-adjustable

For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.

Experience: H. Upmann Edición Limitada 2009. A Perfect Habano for the Winter Just Like This Girard-Perregaux on the Wrist.

Some people say that cigars are a summer treat and not meant for the cold months, we think that cigars can be enjoyed year round, especially when it comes to perfectly rolled Habanos rich in history and paired with a good whiskey or a nicely aged port.

Just like the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moon-phases, the H. Upmann cigars are full of history. H. Upmann cigars take their name from the German banker named Herman Upmann who loved Cuban cigars so much that decided to move to Havana in 1844 to work as a banker and also became a cigar maker. His bank closed in the early 1920s but his cigars live on as a fine example of an elegant light to medium-flavoured Habano.

This exceptional cigar brand is only made with leaves from the renowned region of 'Vuelta Abajo'. The H. Upmann Edición Limitada 2009 is a limited edition 'vitola' slightly shorter than the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1. While the Connoisseur measures 5" long with a 48 ring gauge, the Edición Limitada 2009 is shorter measuring 4.25" in length with the same 48 ring gauge. This delicious cigar presents notes of leather, caramel and some pepper. Exceptionally rich but medium flavored. The flavor profile stays even for the whole cigar. Around thirty minutes of burning time in a perfectly rolled cigar with perfect draw and extremely even burn. 

If you consider yourself a real cigar aficionado and watchlifestyler, this is a cigar that you need to try at least once in your lifetime.

Insider: Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk 'Mission of Mermaids' Special Edition. A Rugged and Robust Timepiece for True Divers.

This special edition Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk 'Mission of Mermaids' —MOM— ref. 49960-19-1305SFK6A was presented last September during a special event with the Rockefeller's at Cipriani in New York City. Designed in collaboration with Susan Rockefeller and named 'Mission of Mermaids' after Mrs. Rockefeller's most recent documentary —presented at Baselworld 2013—, the Sea Hawk ‘MOM’ is not a limited edition watch but a special edition one.

This rugged and robust diver's timepiece features green accents and a beautifully engraved case back. The 'Mission of Mermaids' just like the other stainless steel Sea Hawk watches, is fitted with a very robust case measuring 44mm in diameter and featuring an off-centered crown at 4 o'clock and date aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock.

The 'MOM' features a beautiful semi-gloss black honeycomb texturized dial with a recessed small seconds register with a small white mermaid at 10, applied power reserve indicator at 6 and sunken date aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock. The dial features raised round applied markers with luminous material, lime green minute track flange and slightly darker green hands for the minutes, seconds and power reserve. All hands with the exception of the seconds hand are treated with luminous material that is very bright in the dark. While most stock images depict this watch as having dark green accents, it is important to clarify that our pictures ware taken under natural light and accurately depict the real hue of green on the watch. While the dial offers unparalleled readability, we feel that the date is somewhat hard to to see.

This rugged and robust diver's watch is fitted with an uni-directional rotating bezel in stainless with rubber inlay and luminous dot at 12 o'clock. The bezel is easy to grip and rotate with or without gloves. The bezel setup sits on top of a black rubber octagonal base where it meets the case. This watch looks and feels exactly like a 'real' diver's watch should. It is so rugged, that once you put it on your wrist, you just feel eager to take it on a dive at the Great Barrier Reef. Gentleman, this is one amazing diving watch designed for its real purpose, with a depth rating of 1000m/3300ft and a helium-release valve at 9 o'clock on the case band.

The Sea Hawk Mission of Mermaids just like the other Sea Hawk watches, is fitted with a very comfortable rubber strap with deployant buckle. The strap is marked with Girard-Perregaux on the sides and the inside features an over-sized honeycomb texture. The strap length is very easy to adjust as necessary.

The 'Mission of Mermaids' is fitted with a solid case back carefully engraved with a green lacquered mermaid and the MOM motto: "Protect What is Precious". The MOM 15-minute documentary is a poetic ode to the sea, as well as a plea for its protection. In 2013, Susan and David Rockefeller established the 'Protect What is Precious' initiative to make the world a more loving, peaceful and healthy place by protecting family, art and nature. The 'Mission of Mermaids' will inspire people to reflect on the importance of preserving our environment and part of the proceeds from the sales of this watch will go to the Rockefeller's initiative. Protected by the case back the beating heart inside this watch is the automatic calibre GP03300-0074 with 27 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 46 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph.

To round out the look of this watch, Girard-Perregaux fitted the Sea Hawk line with an extremely thick domed sapphire crystal —unfortunately not treated with anti-reflective coating— and a very robust easy to use rubberized crown at 4 o'clock that is well protected by very thick angled crown guards.

On the wrist, this watch wears true to its size and quite comfortably considering its top heavy weight of approximately 188 grams —almost 20 grams heavier than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver on rubber strap. The wrist presence is unparalleled and anyone wearing this watch will immediately be recognized as a diver even if he's not. At the bottom of this post you will find the trailer for the 'Mission of Mermaids' documentary.

Sticker Price $13,800 USD. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here and for the 'Mission of Mermaids' initiative here.

News: Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. Selected 2013 Grand Prix "Aiguille d'Or" at The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.

November 15, 2013 — The 13th edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève —Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix— was held this evening at the Grand Théatre de Genève. Fourteen prizes were awarded to timepieces across different categories and a Special Jury Prize was given to Philippe Dufour. As most people in the industry were expecting, the Grand Prix "Aiguille d'Or" Watch of the Year Prize was given to the fascinating Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. The prize was received by the CEO of the Sowind Group —Girard-Perregaux and JEANRICHARD— Mr. Michele Sofisti. Congratulations!!!!

Here's a video produced by Girard-Perregaux, showing how this fascinating timepiece works so you can further understand why this watch won the Grand Prix.

The rest of the winners of this edition of the Grand Prix are the following:

Grande Complication Prize and Public Prize - A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar

Men's Complications Watch Prize - Romain Gauthier Logical One

Men's Watch Prize - Voutilainen V-8R

Innovation Prize - Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon

Sports Watch Prize - Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th

Horological Revelation Prize - Ressence Type 3

Revival Prize - Tudor Heritage Black Bay

"Petite Aiguille" Prize - Habring2 Jumping Second Pilot

Jewelry Watch Prize - Chopard L'Heure du Diamant

Ladies' Complications Watch Prize - Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Ballerine Enchantée

Artistic Crafts Watch Prize - Chanel Mademoiselle Privé Camélia Brodé

Ladies' Watch Prize - DeLaneau Rondo Translucent Champagne

For more info the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève click here.

Insider: Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moon Phases. An Iconic Art Deco Inspired Timepiece.

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.

Macros: Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Worldtimer Chronograph. A Sporty but Serious Complication.

Since we are suckers for Girard-Perregaux Worldtimers, we decided to work on this set of images to showcase one of the most beautiful and sporty looking Worldtimer watches ever made by this manufacture.

For those watchlifestylers that love the functionality and complication of a worldtimer but hate their classic and very 'Wall Street' look, this is a perfect option for you to wear along with jeans or a bespoke suit.  

Offering the ability to tell time across twenty-four cities with its 24-hour rotating ring with night/day indicators, a red pointer to show the 9am opening time of the stock markets and a rotating disc with 24 global stock market trading cities, this watch also features a 12-hour chronograph. This is a serious complication in a very sporty looking titanium case fitted with a rubber strap with deployant buckle. 

Now enjoy the eye candy! 

Sticker Price $14,650 USD. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.  

Insider: Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Power Reserve. One of Our Favorite World Timers.

The Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Power Reserve World Timer ref. 49850-11-152-BA6A in stainless steel has a case diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 11 mm. This watch is fitted with a sapphire display case back and calibre GP033G0 with a power-reserve of 46 hours and 27 jewels.

The dial features a power-reserve indicator, a 24-hour rotating ring with night/day indicators, a red pointer to show the 9am opening time of the stock markets and a rotating disc with 24 global stock market trading cities. The cities' disc is rotated via the crown located at 9 o'clock and the Financial function indicates when these stock markets are open for business. To indicate the opening times, each city has been placed on the disc in a particular order based on their timezone location.

This watch is very useful in telling time across 24 different cities but is not complicated to use as most people would think. Let's now explain how it works.

 

The first thing that needs to be done before setting the time on the hands, is to rotate the cities' disc —via the crown at 9 o'clock— and align your location with the 12 o'clock marker. Then —via the crown at 3 o'clock— set the hands to the correct time while making sure that the hour displayed on the 24-hour night/day ring underneath your location shows the correct number matching the military time. i.e. The watch in the pictures is set to 10:10am New York City time which means that the city indicator showing New York should be aligned with the 12 and the hour disc underneath it shows 10 instead of 22 as it is 10:10 in the morning and not 10:10 at night. 

The movement in a World Timer complication like this will automatically rotate the 24-hour ring counter-clockwise as time advances in order to make sure that the hands and time shown on the ring are always synchronized. That way, when you want to tell the time for other cities, the numbers on the ring will always show the time in those cities. 

For instance, if it's 10:10am in New York City and we want to know what time it is in Chicago and in Rio de Janeiro, we just need to look at the 24-hour ring and see what number is displayed under these cities. Based on the picture below, we now know that it's 9:10am in Chicago —red pointer indicates 9am— and 12:10 pm in Rio de Janeiro —sun icon indicates it's noon.  

The red pointer on the 24-hour ring will always point at the city that will be opening their stock market next at 9 in the morning.  

The dial is very nicely finished with an anthracite center with applied Arabic numerals  at 12, 3 and 6 and luminous dot markers. It has a very unique sunburst effect and provides different hues from dark blue to a grayish blue depending on the lighting conditions. The running seconds and power-reserve indicators include white hands and a combination of red and white accents that provide a very nice contrast.

The 24-hour ring features a black and white night/day indicator, a golden moon indicating midnight and a golden sun indicating noon.

This watch wears smaller than 41 mm and comes with a black alligator strap with a very comfortable and easy to use deployant buckle.  

Overall, this watch has a lovely wrist presence that is not only reserved to those watchlifestylers in the financial sector, but also very suitable for any watchlifestyler in search of a useful complication that is easy to use. It will most definitely become a conversation piece wherever you travel.

This watch is one of our favorite top three World Timers along with the Patek Philippe ref. 5110 and the new Frédérique Constant World Timer. Now, to us the biggest downside of this timepiece is the lack of a date display.

Sticker Price $14,200. For more info click here.  

Insider: Girard-Perregaux Monte Carlo 1970 Limited Edition Flyback Chronograph. Only 250 Pieces Ever Made.

Since many of you are Formula 1 fans —just like us—, we decided to feature this gorgeous and understated Girard-Perregaux Monte Carlo 1970 Limited Edition Flyback Chronograph in honor of this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco. As you all know, the race takes place around the streets of Monte Carlo in the Principality of Monaco.

The Girard-Perregaux Monte Carlo 1970 Limited Edition ref. 49581, is a flyback chronograph that gives homage to one of the most famous rallies in motor racing history. In 1970, Björn Waldegaard and Lars Helmer —drove and navigated respectively— their Porsche 911 S with the number 6 through a notoriously difficult icy course to claim victory at the legendary stage of the Monte Carlo Rally that year. Their names along with the car model and number are engraved on the case back to commemorate their win.

Photo Courtesy of Early 911S Registry

The Girard-Perregaux Monte Carlo 1970 was released several years ago in a limited edition of 250 pieces. This timepiece clearly evokes the look of chronographs from the 60s and 70s —very lightweight, comfortable on the wrist, precise at timekeeping and bold looking. The Girard-Perregaux Monte Carlo 1970 Limited Edition, comes with a lustrous black dial with contrasting white Arabic numerals and plenty of red accents matching the color of the legendary #6 911 S. The red accents are present in the words 'Monte Carlo 1970', the chrono hands, the font on the calendar wheel and even in some of the numbers along the tachymetre scale. In our opinion, a very well balanced dial that is easy to read and worthy of admiration.

The watch is fitted with Girard-Perregaux's in-house automatic calibre 337A —with a power-reserve of 46 hours and 63 jewels— and a black alligator strap with deployant buckle. While the stainless steel case measures 40mm, this watch definitely wears a little bit smaller than that, but still quite nice, elegant and for sure not a run-of-the-mill chronograph.

If you can still find one at an authorized dealer, take it as you won't regret it. Sticker price $9,350. For more info click here.

Baselworld: Girard-Perregaux. The Return to Baselworld.

After leaving the SIHH—Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie—, Girard-Perregaux is kicking-off its return to Baselworld, with a small but tasteful pavilion located towards the back of the exhibition hall 1.0 next to its sister company Jeanrichard—both companies part of the Sowind Group. This beautiful pavilion includes a wide display of historical pieces from their museum, as well as two horologists on duty, one working on movements and the other on dials and designs. Additionally, there was a special screening of the documentary 'Mission of Mermaids' funded by Susan and David Rockefeller. This 15-minute call to action documentary explores the issues of ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution and advocates for the need for ocean protection and environment preservation, all seen through the eyes of the mythical mermaid.

This year, Girard-Perregaux unveiled eight new models: the Constant Escapement—a true technical revolution that stunned connoisseurs when prototypes of the innovative mechanism were first presented, the Constant Escapement is now integrated into the movements driving the new models of Girard-Perregaux’s Haute Horlogerie collection—, the 1966 Integrated Chrono, the 1966 Lady 38mm, the Chrono Hawk Ceramic, the Sea Hawk Ceramic, the Traveller Moonphases, the Traveller WW.TC and the Vintage 1945 Lady. For more info on these models click here. Please check the video under the images for the new pieces to see how the Constant Escapement works.  

Some of the historical pieces displayed at the pavilion include a Hunter pocket watch from 1860 and a Sea Hawk from 1965 amongst other rare vintage pieces from the mid-1900s. For sure Girard-Perregaux's return to Baselworld was a nice surprise full of horological innovation, rich history and very interesting new product launches.