Review
Blomman Mr Blue explores the Girard-Perregaux 1966 'Blue Hour' in both 38mm and 41mm sizes, comparing the white gold and pink gold versions. This post offers a detailed look at how subtle changes in case size impact the dial's aesthetics and overall wearability. Readers will gain insights into the nuances of these elegant timepieces and the importance of size in collector preference.
Friends,
We have already agreed that for us GP fan, that the color of love is blue!
The importance of the blue color for Girard-Perregaux is already well established. Last year we saw the Blue Vintage 1945, the Blue Sea Hawk and the Blue GP 1966 in PG, 38 mm!
One of the last watches that were announced from GP last year was the Blue Hour GP 1966 41 mm in White Gold and in Pink Gold.
Not long ago I had the chance to see these two new blue additions and to try them on.
But let’s start with a recap of the 38 mm in Pink Gold. In photo like this, it is hard to tell the 38 mm and the 41 mm versions apart. 3 mm is not that big difference or is it?
What you may notice is that on the 38 mm version the dial is a bit tighter. Logo and texts are closer to indexes, hands has a bit rounder shape…
[38 mm in Pink Gold]
While the larger version has more space on the dial.
[41 mm in White Gold]
The larger diameter requires longer hands. Here I think GP made a perfect balanced resizing, keeping the leaf shaped hands but without making them too wide or too narrow!
The blue sunburst dial have the same blue tone as on the 38 mm Pink Gold version, but due to the White Gold case, the watch gets a more cold look and feel. I am bit torn which one I prefer, but think the combination of blue and white metal is a better match than with colored metal…
One detail that surprised me was the shorter index at three o’clock. Due to the larger diameter, if any changes, I would have expected the indexes to be longer…
Here, again, GP made a very nice move and changed the automatic movement from Caliber GP03300 (25.60 mm) to Caliber GP01800 (30.00 mm). How many times haven’t we seen larger versions of a watch where the Manufacture only changed the case size, but not the movement inside?
Here I give GP two big thumbs up!
OK, let’s go back to the 3 extra millimeters… Does it make such a big difference?
In my opinion, YES! It makes a big difference!
We have seen many Manufactures trying to enlarge a perfectly balanced watch to match todays fashion just by enlarge the diameter, with a miserable failure as the results.
Blowing the watch out of proportions and balance…
This is not the case with the Blue Hour!
From my point of view, the 41 mm version is still beautifully balanced and still holds the elegance, if not even more visual elegant than the 38 mm version!
Just have a look at this side-by-side shot.
[41 mm in Pink gold / 38 mm in Pink Gold]
The bigger Blue hour to the left has a more slender and sophisticated look than the smaller Blue Hour to the right…
I think GP found the perfect Golden Ration here and one of the key elements in my opinion is that the three extra millimeters are NOT located on the bezel!
I didn’t ask, but the bezel on the left looks even thinner than on the right… If it is an optical illusion or if it is thinner, I don’t know.
And on the wrist? Yes, the three extra millimeters do make a difference here as well…
Sorry for the poor shots (hope Fx has better wrist shots he can share with us here).
[41 mm in White Gold]
Cool, noticeable, but not too big! The curved lugs embrace the wrist perfectly!
Same goes for the Pink Gold… Warmer, a bit more eye catching, still not too big and the same perfect fit!
[41 mm in Pink Gold]
Compared with the 38 mm version, I must confess that the 38 mm is even more comfortable on the wrist. You remember my on the wrist review of the GP 1966 White dial in White Gold…
The watch is more like a second skin than the feel of wearing a watch! With the 41 mm I still feel I am wearing a watch, which I like. I like to feel “my watch is there” to remind me of what pleasure I have around my wrist also when I am not looking directly at the watch…
[38 mm in Pink Gold]
Is this the perfect dress watch? Is there nothing I would change?
Of course there are always thing you want to change…
One would be to change the date disk to matching blue instead of white (no I would not remove the date window).
Another thing would be to enter a manual movement version…
And to make the offer complete, a 38 mm White Gold version!
…
But, I think Girard-Perregaux preformed the enlargement of the Blue Hour GP 1966 admirably!
I would go as far as to say that both versions of this watch are equally beautiful!
This must be a first from my side; normally I always have a favorite… Here, I would be very happy with either one!
[41 mm in White Gold / 41 mm in Pink gold]
So, what do you think of this larger version? Yay or Nay?
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-02-03 00:20:36The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 line, introduced in 1994, draws inspiration from historical models, specifically a 1945 Art Deco piece. This collection is characterized by its rectangular or tonneau-shaped cases and a design language that evokes mid-20th century aesthetics. The Vintage 1945 series quickly became a cornerstone of Girard-Perregaux's offerings in the 1990s, reinterpreting classic forms with contemporary watchmaking standards. It represents a significant period for the brand in re-establishing its heritage-inspired collections.
Early models in the Vintage 1945 series typically featured stainless steel cases, though gold variants were also produced. The case dimensions varied depending on the specific model, often presenting a balanced profile suitable for dress wear. These watches were frequently equipped with automatic movements, showcasing Girard-Perregaux's in-house capabilities or finely finished outsourced calibers. The crystal was commonly sapphire, ensuring durability and legibility, while water resistance was generally suitable for daily wear rather than aquatic activities.
For collectors, the Vintage 1945 series appeals to those interested in neo-vintage watches that successfully blend historical design with modern execution. The 1994 introduction year marks it as one of the earlier and more influential lines from Girard-Perregaux's resurgence in the 1990s. Its various iterations, including time-only, small seconds, and later complicated versions, offer a range of choices for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive rectangular watch with a clear lineage.
that GP offers both sizes, so it's not a "yah" or "nay" but it is "YES, YES". So everyone can try and select the size he prefers. I agree that the way the 41mm is done is very harmonious which is visible that you cannot really tell which is 41 or 38 mm unless they are side-by-side. CC
.. which definitely means, if someone presents me with the 41mm, I'd trod very happily along.. Finally, I guess, also each of both in the real , on the wrist has importance.. Best, & thanks for the share, hs
And I agree that the date window would have been better being silver/white on blue. Also looks to me that the window and the font is larger on the 41mm version...that should be the same size on the 38mm, IMO, as that would make it readable and practical too.
You can always easily tell them apart... I.e. One will be in less good balance. Here I find both in perfect balance! :) Best Blomman
You will fall, my friend...! :) Best Blomman
Hm, I didn't notice this detail when I was trying these... To be honest, I think the size of the window wont be any issue... Let's hope a for a 38 mm WG versions soon! :) Best Blomman
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