Girard-Perregaux Richeville History Overview
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Girard-Perregaux Richeville History Overview

By blomman Mr Blue · Dec 29, 2014 · 47 replies
blomman Mr Blue
WPS member · Girard Perregaux forum
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Blomman Mr Blue delves into the intriguing history of the Girard-Perregaux Richeville line, a promise fulfilled after a period of personal stress. This introductory article explores the origins of the Richeville name, its initial logo, and the early references like the 8444. It uncovers fascinating details about production numbers, movement variations, and the unexpected reason behind the line's temporary discontinuation, offering a rare glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Girard-Perregaux's heritage.

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Friends,

Earlier this year I promised you to talk about the Richeville family and the origin of the line...
As you know, my autumn/winter was quite stressful and the time for deeper research was not allowed.

But, a promise is a promise, so I would like to share with you the information I got so far.

The Richeville name and logo was registered by Girard-Perregaux in 1964. 

The Richeville logo: Interesting is that on the initial logo Richeville was spelled with only one “e”.

[Sorry for the small pic]





But on the watches it was spelled Richeville, with two “e”.

The first series of Richeville was only produced during a couple of years before it was stopped. The reason GP stopped the line was that they got aware of the American expression “coming from Richville” which is not very positive…

Which reference that was the very first Richeville I am not sure and also not how many different there were. Hope to find out one day…

One of the first, if not the first was the reference 8444. 




It was released in 1964 and produced during a couple of years. 
Silver burst dial with applied steel makers, also applied Tower logo and the name. Automatic movement, no date. 

Total production was 5000 in steel, 500 in gold plated and 100 in solid gold.




First batch had the Caliber GP 31-09, based on the caliber AS 1649 and later on the Caliber GP 31-19, based on the AS 1737, was used.




Another interesting detail is that on the dial it says “Automatic” instead of “Gyromatic” which was much more commonly see on automatic GP’s from this time. But even if it says "Automatic" on the dial, on the movement it says “Gyromatic”.

The reference 8444 also came with Chronometer certification. 




Unfortunately there are no records of how many that was Chronometer certified. Different dial design with “pie-pan” dial and luminous on the hands.




Same movement inside, Caliber GP 31-19. You see the extra Chronometer number below the balance wheel in this shot.





There were a Richeville with date as well, reference 8445. 




I have no production numbers, but the watch was produced at the same time as the reference 8444.
Same dial design as the no date Chronometer which leads me to suspect that the pie-pan dial was used for the Chronometers while the “flat” dial design was for the non-Chronometers. Another detail I have not been able to confirm…

Another guess is that the reference 8445 also existed as non-Chronometer… I still have to find one to be sure!
smile




Inside is the Caliber GP 32-19, based on the Caliber AS 1738.





So, my Richeville story so far, Automatic, Automatic Chronometer and Automatic Date Chronometer.





As you can see, they all share the same case shape.





The evolution of this watch/case we all know very well… The Chronometer HF!
You see the resemblance clearly. The C-shape has come to a full C on the Chronometer HF.





Please see this post as a first step in uncovering the Richeville history. I will return when I found out more…

FYI, the modern Richeville line was introduced in 1993, another chapter in the Girard-Perregaux history we will for sure discuss here in the future!
smile


Best wishes for the year end
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-12-29 01:08:59

About the Girard-Perregaux Richeville Ref. 8445

The Girard-Perregaux Richeville reference 8445 is a distinctive tonneau-cased timepiece from the brand's Richeville collection. This particular reference is notable for its unique dial configuration, featuring inverted arrow indexes that contribute to its visual identity. It represents a period where Girard-Perregaux explored diverse case shapes and dial designs, moving beyond traditional round forms to offer collectors more varied aesthetic choices within its catalog. The Richeville line, in general, is recognized for its curvilinear profiles and sophisticated presence.

This reference houses an automatic movement, characteristic of Girard-Perregaux's commitment to in-house horology. The case is crafted from stainless steel, presenting a polished finish that accentuates its tonneau shape. The crystal protecting the dial is sapphire, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance. The watch is designed for daily wear, offering a balance of robustness and refined aesthetics.

For collectors, the Richeville 8445 appeals to those who appreciate Girard-Perregaux's less common designs and its historical exploration of form. The inverted arrow indexes on the dial are a specific detail that collectors often seek out, distinguishing it from other Richeville variants. It fits within the brand's broader output as an example of its capacity for design innovation during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Specifications

Caliber
GP3300
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
35 x 44 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30 m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
CR
crown comfort
Dec 29, 2014
Thank you

my friend for all those details you found. Another report to print out and store in my archive. I have had a few attempts to get a steel vintage Richeville, even one Chronometer, but did not get it at the end. I do have my gold-plated Richeville. The only thing, I'm now fairly sure the hands are not orginal on my watch (I already know the crystal is a replacement). Best, CC

BL
blomman Mr Blue
Dec 29, 2014
The Richeville is hard to find....

Especially in good condition. Like many other vintage GP's... Hopefully I will find more information during 2015! Best, my friend Blomman

CR
crown comfort
Dec 29, 2014
Agreed on the difficulty

to find one of those vintage Richevilles, but as always patience will pay off in the end. My very last buy this year was a vintage GP, not a Richeville but with the same classic case. I'm very thrilled on that but I will not say more for now. ;) One of my other last 2014 purchases was a Richeville, but a modern Richeville Lady with a lot of bling bling for my daughter. Will also report back when it has arrived. CC

BL
blomman Mr Blue
Dec 29, 2014
Intriguing! :)

So, you started to influence your family! :) Looking forward to the reports! Best Blomman

CR
crown comfort
Dec 29, 2014
For sure!

if anything there's got to be something to learn from Dad ;) First daughter already was given a Vintage 45 Lady this year, and in May the second one will receive her first GP!

BL
blomman Mr Blue
Dec 29, 2014
OK, you have my vote for Father of the Year! :) [nt]

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