Review
Friends, I had promised a more detailed view on the Heritage 1957 that was released at the beginning of the year. After I had the chance to see, try on and take some photos of most of the 2016 novelties, it is time to share some photos and my view. The most striking detail is the champagne sunburst
Friends,
I had promised a more detailed view on the Heritage 1957 that was released at the beginning of the year. After I had the chance to see, try on and take some photos of most of the 2016 novelties, it is time to share some photos and my view.
The most striking detail is the champagne sunburst dial. I hope my photos have captured the hue of the colour correctly. It does have a hint of orange tint but not too strong, but more towards the warm end then a gold sunburst dial. In combination with the polished steel case, this makes a striking combination.
The applied markers are also highly polished and play with the light. The Dauphine hands are a perfect match. The date window…no problem for me, it belongs to the historic context and also blends in well with the dial, much more than on photos.
What else? Well, the case, for me something I still trying to fully understand. It feels much bigger than the 40mm, maybe too big at least for me. The case provides for a masculine appeal, which in combination with the vintage-inspired elegant dial seems a bit odd. Also, so far, this case stands on its own among the GP catalogue. I could see this case could work well with complications that add details to the dial, but I’m doubtful if this will develop into a full line. I think it would have been a better solution, if GP would have taken the steel 40mm 1966 case and put the champagne dial as a heritage edition into this case. I think that would have been a perfect match.
A word to the strap. It is very thick and closes with the 19mm deployment clasp. I would have wished for a more tapered strap with 16mm pin buckle and maybe a dark brown would also have worked.
I did not take a photo of the backside. In this case, the movement looks really small. I’m not as militant to smallish movements in large watches even with see-through back, but here it is not harmonious. A solid case back would have been the better alternative.
So in summary. I still like the watch overall, perhaps it needs a bigger wrist than mine. However, I also think some potential has been lost, if this super-gorgeous dial would have been put into the 1966 steel case.
Finally some wristshots. I just recommend for everyone to look at this watch in the metal, this magic dial may just hit you and the size may be perfect for you.
The size looks okay to me. I guess I will have to see it in the metal. Excellent report, however. Great details.
there are a lot of things to like about this watch. For me personally, the size and look on my wrist did not give me that "I need to get this one asap" feeling. There was however another 2016 novelty that exactly sparked that feeling, approx. same price segment but it was just WOW WOW WOW, but more on that another time
but I know its' all down to personal preferences regarding sizes.
in general, 40mm is not big at all, but something with this case just was not compliant with my wrist. As I said, needs to be tried on and felt on the wrist and each will come to his own conclusion.
but 38mmor 39mm would be perfect with the tapered strap to 16mm as suggested. The dial would be much better without "Automatic; so unnecessary and time to start a campaign! The indexes are a little too wide and a seconds/minute track would be a real bonus, otherwise why have the central seconds hand? If you have to have a date, this one is unobtrusive. My few pence and thanks for the pictures and comments. Best Clive
it is always good to see if a watch sparks a discussion of pros and cons and personal views. We all have our preferences and that's good the way it is. That's why there is choice out there in the market and everyone should be able to find a watch that matches his or her preferences. The Heritage 1957 from GP is a good move and I'm confident it will find many happy owners. I may have other GPs in my collection reflecting my personal preferences Thanks, CC
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