Vintage
blomman Mr Blue shares his long-awaited acquisition, the Girard-Perregaux Damier reference 7427, offering a historical perspective on GP's square and rectangular watches. This post highlights the brand's often-overlooked heritage in case design beyond the popular Vintage 1945 series, providing valuable context for collectors interested in vintage Girard-Perregaux.
Friends,
Not long ago CrownComfort showed us his Girard-Perregaux Damier reference 8004.
As I told you, I have been on the hunt for a Damier for a long time!
With help from dear friends I am now able to show you my GP Damier reference 7427 and give some background history of the watch.
But let’s start with a bit of history…
We all know the Vintage 1945 and it’s rectangular case but what might be lesser known is that GP have a long history of making both rectangular and square watches!
Only during the 1960’s there were several square case watches in the catalog.
Both manual like the 7427 and automatic like the Gyromatic 7838.
With or without date like the 7985. Nice detail with the cross hair dial.
Even Chronometer tested like the 7640.
And as always, GP had something for the ladies as well, like the 8037.
The 7427 came with several different dials, like this one (notice that blue has always been Girard-Perregaux signature color).
Several different square offerings, like the smaller 7721.
Notice the difference between the 7427 and 8046?
The lug tips are straight on the 8046 while the 7427 has angular…
Now, let’s focus on the 7427:
The reference 7427 was a very successful watch from Girard-Perregaux.
During its lifespan of 9 years, 1958-1967 a number of 18.650 pieces were made!
15.200 in stainless steel and out of which 5.000 with the Damier dial.
During the 9 years, three different calibers were used:
GP 18 based on caliber Peseux 300, GP 25-29 based on AS 1525 and GP 26-09 based on AS 1758.
My watch have the caliber GP 25-29 inside.
The caliber GP 25-29 were produced between 1959-1964,
so I guess my watch is from within that time period;
also the ad posted above is from 1965 with is in line with the assumption.
The case is 29 x 29 mm and 40 mm lug to lug. 18 mm between the lugs.
Snap on case back.
And as you may see here, the straight lugs are quite short and angulated to the case.
Time only, not even a running second hand.
The dial is very clean, only the square Damier pattern breaks the sunburst surface!
The GP logo discreet positioned on the lower right area of the dial.
With help from friend you may get a lucky find.
This one even had the original strap and buckle!
Here a side by side shot of the 8004 and 7427:
And on the wrist…. To me this is a kind of Dandy watch!
Pure, elegant and somewhat posh.
I know I know it is not a gold watch, but still I see this as a Dandy watch!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-09-24 01:09:24The 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.
I didn't know some of their rectangular watches, which I find very appealing. This Damier is really cool. Very Mid Sixties. Now, you have to find an E Type Jaguar to match! Great catch. Bravo. Best, Nicolas
Dandy, yes - but not exuberant.. More sort of quiet elegance; but with an avantgarde twist , almost elegant crazyness.. Thx for this lovely share ; another GP one to let me see & play with it ! Cheers, Mr GP-a ! (GP-a1 is our friend CC) Best, hs ) PS: BTW: love also the Crosshairs in the ads
I think this larger Steel with the curved plexi is a different character than my smaller gold and flat plexi version. I like both equally. Love all the old catalogue scans, another post to be bookmarked. CC
Like it very much Dandy for sure Best D
here it is in action Where do I ship it?
Yes, the E type and the Damier would be a perfect match! Best Blomman
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