Vintage
blomman Mr Blue delves into the nuanced differences between the Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver 8867 V and 8867 W, offering a detailed comparison that enriches the understanding of this vintage reference. This post highlights the depth of knowledge within the GP collecting community, moving beyond general appreciation to specific batch distinctions.
Friends,
I have been talking a lot about the Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver reference 8867 over the past years…
And no wonder, it is such a cool and in the same time elegant watch!
While collectors of many other brands talk about different versions within the same reference, we GP collectors are happy to find just one watch, while many other brand collectors are able to build a collection just around one reference!
Starting to divide by year, batches, different details on the dial, etc. …
Mk I, Mk II, Mk III…. A special lingo is developed and in the end you need big books just to learn the basic!
Well, we haven’t seen this kind of development within vintage GP (yet).
Why? I am not sure but I do have my theories…
For one, not that watches around to begin with.
Yes, a lot of different watches/references, but not that many of each watch with distinguish trademarks to separate them apart!
Secondly, knowledge and information.
Not enough knowledge and information about the watch to be able to tell difference!
The first reason, we can’t do much about.
Take the 8867 as an example.
This reference was produced in a total of 1400 watches.
Two batches 1966: 8867 V, 400 pieces and 8867 W, 1000 watches.
In total that is much less that the Paul Newman production number, and the PN is considered quite rare.
Pic credit: Baron
In rarity the 8867 is just between the JLC Deep Sea Alarm, 1061 pieces…
And the JLC Polaris which was in production for 5 years, 1714 pieces!
Well, 1400 pieces are even less than some Limited Editions we see today!
BUT, the second reason we can at least try to do something about!
So, over the time I have study all the 8867 V and the 8867 W I have been able to locate to see some of the differences which I would like to share with you here!
If we start with basics, the case is the same for both, 39 mm in diameter, 48 mm lug to lug, 19 mm between the lugs and 10.5 mm thick.
The bezel is the same, the dials are identical and so are the crowns…
So, what is different?
As I showed in my review, documentations on the 8867 show two different sets of hands.
One with thinner hands and enhanced hour hand.
One with bigger straight hands.
When you see one of each you notice the differences, but you are not able to tell if it is just between these two or not…
After a while when you see more of each, you start to see a pattern!
The thin hands with enlarged hour hand, of all I have seen belongs to the first, 8867 V batch:
While all with the bigger straight hands belongs to the 8867 W batch:
As mentioned, the two share the same case.
Look at these beautiful curved lugs, the facets and angles with different polished and brushed surfaces!
8867 V:
8867 W:
So much the alike but the difference of hands gives them very different characters!
While the “V” looks thin and elegant, the “W” looks more bold and butch.
OK, for a divers watch I find both very elegant, but I think you understand what I am getting at…
The second thing that differs is on the back. The case back.
Well, not so much the case back itself, because again they are the same, but the decoration of the case back!
While the screw down case back of the “V” is just plain…
The case back of the “W” has the Trident engraving (which BTW is my avatar)!
Other differences I haven’t been able to spot…
But if I ever find one, be sure I will report it here!
But now we GP collectors are able to start our own lingo…
The Mk I and the Mk II of the 8867!
Personally I see these differences as logical improvements.
The bigger hands with larger luminous material are much better from a practical view for visibility, especially visibility in low light!
The Trident on the back – how to make a beautiful watch even more beautiful?!
Hope you enjoyed this post and will follow us here while we go “deep” into the details of the vintage Girard-Perregaux collection!
Best
Blomman
PS. Over at HoMe, Damjan started a Divers Roll Call. Please come
joinus and represent GP!
The Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver, specifically reference 7897, represents an early foray into professional diving watches by the manufacture. Positioned as a robust yet accessible tool watch, it was featured in the 1963 German catalog, highlighting its water resistance and automatic movement. This model is notable for its distinct design elements and limited production run, making it a point of interest for collectors of vintage sports watches.
Measuring 35mm in diameter, the steel case housed an automatic GP 31-0 caliber. It was rated water-resistant to 200 meters and featured a turning bezel. Dial options included black or white, with variations in hand designs, specifically luminous arrow-shaped tips or diamond-shaped luminous markers. The watch was offered with either a steel bracelet or a tropical strap.
Produced for only two years, 1961 and 1962, with a total of 1500 units, the Ref. 7897 is a relatively scarce vintage diver. Its short production span and variations in dial and hand configurations contribute to its collectibility, offering a glimpse into Girard-Perregaux's historical contributions to the dive watch genre.
I find the MK 1 even bit more interesting even the MK 2 has the Trident, but the hands on the MK 1 are very original and stunning. Well done, Mr, Pair! CC
but I find V and W much cooler names so W for me Excellent post Master Cheers D
Yes, to make the pair here feels natural! Even if same ref, the character of the two are very different. Best Blomman
Yes, I favour the W over the V.... Guess you can tell fromm my Avatar that I do! Best Blomman
Omega 2913, JLC E859 and these GP Deep Divers! Best Blomman
Thanks a lot for this latest entry
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