Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph Manual Cal. 3800

As the title of this article suggests it, we are a lot to wait for a manual winding Chronograph from Girard-Perregaux.

These last years, there was a rumor which said that Girard-Perregaux was working on a project of this kind.

This is not a rumor anymore!

Honestly, the 1966 Chronograph, introduced a few years ago, was a pleasant surprise.

Its case and dial are eye catching, captivating:



But many of us complained about the show offered on the back side, with a small ( 10 1/2 "' ), modular and automatic movement:



Indeed, the 1966 Automatic Chronograph is, undisputably, a nice watch, but if you want to compete in the exclusive categroy of fine chrongraphs such as the Datograph, the Malte ( or the Patrimony, now ), the 5070 ( or the 5170, now ), and the Duometre, you need to offer a manual winding and well finished Chronograph movement, in my opinion.

Let's see if it fits the bill, now.

1/ The case:

The 1966 Chronograph lovers won't be disoriented, nor disappointed, as it is exactly the same case, for the manual winding Chronograph, than for the automatic chronograph.

The proportions are harmonious and elegant, with a diameter of 40 mm and a height of 11, 25 mm.

The case is totally polished, like on the Patek 5070, and at the contrary of the Datograph and Duometre, whose sides are brushed.

A matter of taste, here. Personally, I have a slight preference for the finish of the Duometre / Datograph, but it is not a big issue.

The lugs blend elegance and character, a rare compromise which I appreciate a lot.

The sapphire on the case back is flat, while it is slightly domed on the dial side.

Here is a picture of the case back:



To be complete, this new manual chronograph is available in rose gold, only.

Maybe we'll see some other evolutions, in the future, such as a white metal case?

I do hope so!

2/ The movement:



The Cal 3800 is, of course, a column wheel chronograph, whose dimensions are a tad bigger than the " automatic brother ", with a diameter of 25, 60 mm, and a restrained height ( 5, 40 mm ), which contributes to the relative thinness of this new Chronograph.

Made of 312 parts, this chronograph offers a power reserve of 58 hours, which is much better than the 36 hours of the automatic movement GP 030 C0.

The Microvar variable inertia balance wheel beats at the pace of 28 800 alternances per hour, featuring 6 gold screws for a good equilibrium and two weights to enable a fine adjustment of the movement.

More interesting, the minutes of the chronograph subdial JUMP.

The Chronograph fans will appreciate.

As they will certainly appreciate the care in the movement finishings, which respect the tradition of fine watchmaking, such as the beveled bridges, the Cotes De Genève, the heated blue screws...



A sober, but very pleasant outcome, at the opposite of a baroque Datograph movement.



A tad bigger would have been even more appreciable, as it would have better filled the case back, though.

The size of the movemen also have an impact on the dial, as we'll see right now.

3/ The dial.

I should have used the plural, here, as we have the choice between two dials.

Silver, more understatd:



Or anthracite, with a stronger presence:



Here again, it is a matter of taste. There is no doubt that each of them will find their fans.

Both have, of course, elements in common:

- The Hour markers are applied, and match with the color of the case ( rose gold ).

- A Tachymetric scale which not anymore located on the outside part of the dial, but centered, now.

- The Minutes track, which took the place of the tachymeter.

- The hands have been redsigned on the manual 1966 Chronograph, and are filled with luminova.

- A Date, above 6 o' clock. which is visible through a framed window.

- The 2 centered subdials, which is a remaining signature of the 1966 Automatic Chronograph. A Consequence of the movement size, or a dleiberate choice, or both?

- No more 12 and 6 applied numbers, for a more discrete look.

The look and the feel of this new dial makes a big difference, compared to its automatic brother.

It is difficult to put in words, but I think we go farther in the classicism and the elegance, even if I am, still, a ig fan of the automatic chronograph dial, which was, in my opinion, a bit more surranné.

CONCLUSION:

For those who are in search of a nice and fine chronograph, this last creation from GP has to be seriously considered.

Technically, we are not at the level of a Duometre or a Datograph, but we are not, either, in the same category of prices, the Duometre being slightly above, and the Datograph being largely more expensive.

For your information, the new 1966 Chronograph is priced around 35 000 CH Francs.

In terms of aesthetics and finishings, the new 1966 Chronograph is very interesting, and is a serious contender.

Personally, and it is just the reflect of my taste, I would love to see a white metal case, with a blue dial, and, most of all, a no date version of this opus.

And a tad bigger movement, but this is not a great issue, for me.I would have preferred, in an ideal world, to see the movement better fill the case back.

Cherry on the cake, a Rattrapante version would make me cry...

Of course, all these frst impressions have to be confirmed with a " in the real " experience, but I must say that this new chronograph makes me feel very happy.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-04-25 00:11:37 This message has been edited by AndrewD on 2013-04-26 04:56:36