New Release
Blomman Mr Blue introduces a significant development for Girard-Perregaux: the 1966 collection's debut in steel. This post highlights the brand's strategic move to make its iconic, minimalist design and manufacture movement more accessible, marking a new chapter for the historically significant 1966 line.
THE ICONIC GIRARD-PERREGAUX 1966 COLLECTION
AVAILABLE IN STEEL FOR THE FIRST TIME
GP 1966 - 40 MM STEEL
The Chaux-de-Fonds-based Manufacture presents unveils the Girard-Perregaux 1966, 40 mm steel, presented for the first time in steel in the history of the iconic 1966 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.
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" type 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 GP03300-0030 mechanical movement with automatic winding, 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.
Technical Specifications
Girard-Perregaux 1966 - 40 MM STEEL
Case
Material: steel
Diameter: 40.00 mm
Thickness: 8.90 mm
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
Dial: opaline silvered
"Leaf"-type hands
Case-back: antireflective sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Girard-Perregaux movement GP03300-0030
Mechanical with automatic winding
Diameter: 25.60 mm (11 1/2 ’’’)
Height: 3.20 mm
Frequency: 28,800 vph - (4 Hz)
Power reserve: min. 46 hours
Jewels: 27
Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, date at 3 o'clock
Strap
Material: Black alligator with stitching
Reference: 49555-11-131-BB60
Materials: steel
Reference: 49555-11-131-11A
I can't wait to see some dateless versions. But it is a very good move from GP to introduce a steel case in this line. The diameter, too, is good. To be followed, I am pretty sure. Best, Nicolas
having played with the prototype, I must say this is a very convincing offer from GP, no need to give our usual PuristS complaints… Date, small movement, sold case back. The overall package as it is, works very well for the targeted customers of this watch. CC
I love it, and now I believe I will finally add a 1966 to my stable.
- Hope that little general inquiry is still within Forum rules; if not, pls PM me.. Best, hs
Who knows... Next without date...? After that manual movement....? Best Blomman
Will come back with a full review tomorrow... Best, my friend Blomman
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