Review
Blomman Mr Blue delivers an engaging "Field Mission Report" on the Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk II 4990, humorously detailing its performance during an outdoor adventure. This post, rich with evocative photography, frames the watch as a rugged "New Recruit" undergoing a real-world test alongside other robust timepieces. It offers a unique, experiential review that highlights the watch's durability and suitability for demanding environments.
Friends,
As you know, we all came back safe and sound from our mission.
You who read the mission specification, knows what we were facing…
Mission specification: www.watchprosite.com
For you who don’t remember, the mission: “The New Recruit” were an exercise to test a new watch in the field.
To see if it was made out of the “right stuff”!
Before I go into details of the results, let’s present the GOLF-PAPA team:
Team leader: The Sarge, aka Deep Diver 9076 C
The Scout, aka Deep Diver 8867 W
The Rookie, Sea Hawk II 4990
The Muscle, Deep Diver 9108 FA
Rookie stats -
Born: 2002
Measurements: 42 mm in diameter, 13.5 mm thick
Case: Titanium
Appearance: Black waffle dial, applied steel markers and big luminous hands
Functions: Hour, minute, central second, date and power reserve
Water resistant: 300 m/1000 ft
Movement: Automatic GP Calibre 033RO
Reference: 4990
*** DISCLAIMER ***
[For you who prefer only to read watch related stuff, please skip through and go straight to EVALUATION points]
REPORT: The New
Recruit
FIRST TASK: Marsh up to the top of mountain XXXXX to checkpoint CHARLIE.
Field conditions: Marshes and rough terrain. Steep inclination.
Weather conditions: +10 Celsius, no rain.
EVALUATION: Due to the heavy bags, rough uneven terrain and the steep uphill the team quickly worked up a sweat.
Even in these conditions, no problem of heat under the rubber strap.
The Rookie feels light and cool against the wrist.
The power reserve was charged quickly.
Easy to read time even if your eyes and body is tired.
Snapshot #1: The Rookie
Snapshot #2: Rough uneven terrain and the steep uphill to the mountain top
Snapshot #3: Checkpoint up ahead.
Snapshot #4: Cloudberries, unfortunately it is too late on the season so the taste is no good.
Snapshot #5: Water supply, the water in the streams are so clean you can drink it!
Actually it is far better than in most cities around the world…
At checkpoint CHARLIE it is time for lunch and some rest.
While securing the perimeter the team realize they are in the middle of nowhere.
Not a house as far as you can see in any direction!
Snapshot #6: Not any sign of any civilization.
Snapshot #7: The Rookie at checkpoint CHARLIE.
Snapshot #8: The Sarge setting out directions.
Snapshot #9: The Sniper secures the perimeter.
Snapshot #10: The Muscle catches his breath.
Snapshot #11: The GOLF-PAPA team at checkpoint CHARLIE.
SECOND TASK: Relocate to the basecamp ECHO at landmark XXXXX.
During relocation, at checkpoint DELTA, mountain sea XXXXX, secure food.
Field conditions: Thick brushwood. Steep downhill.
Weather conditions: Unchanged.
EVALUATION: Even with the thick brushwood and trees, no fear of scratching.
The hard Titanium case is very durable and don’t scratch easily.
The case surface is quite dark grey and no real fear of “bling effect” of unwanted reflections from the sun.
At checkpoint DELTA the Rookie proves himself within the hour.
Catches the largest red char I ever saw in the wide.
Way north of 1 kilo!
EVALUATION: The Rookie is a great fisher, no problem during contact with water.
The power reserve with its red tipped hand is easy to read.
Snapshot #12: Checkpoint DELTA.
Snapshot #13: First blood, Rookie catches red char well over 1 kilo.
Snapshot #14: Thick brushwood and trees.
When reaching basecamp ECHO, the Rookie is over enthusiastic and goes for a second kill.
This time a very nice trout.
The GOLF-PAPA team sets base at camp ECHO.
On the way in observations of elk and reindeer tracks, but no encounters so far.
No observations of bears or wolves in the region.
Before dinner the team is required to bath and clean themselves.
Snapshot #15: Catch of the day, red char and trout.
Snapshot #16: View from base camp ECHO.
Snapshot #17: Cleaning facilities at the camp includes a sauna. Guess even Kari would enjoy it here!
Snapshot #18: The mess hall provides some delicacies. Swedish caviar “löjrom” and Russian Vodka.
Snapshot #19: The Rookie celebrates the success of his first day.
Snapshot #20: Tired, but happy. Time for some chow.
DAY 2: Early rise, but no shine. Rain is in the air and the clouds are low.
Because today is the water test.
Time to synchronize the time and get started.
During the day the team is split up to do different sub-missions.
Since the Rookie have water training on the schedule, securing dinner falls on his responsibility.
EVALUATION: The power reserve is good, only a few percentage lost during the night.
Water resistance checks out. NATO strap feels natural, looks good and fits well for the case type.
Snapshot #21: Morning line-up.
Snapshot #22: The Sarge checks his camouflage.
Snapshot #23: Low clouds, the autumn is here.
Snapshot #24: The Rookie have another great fishing day in his Bond inspired NATO.
(We all know that book version of Bond used to wear Girard-Perregaux, that was before endorsement took over…)
Snapshot #25: Water training.
Snapshot #26: The Sarge look over the training exercises.
Snapshot #27: GOLF-PAPA team day two.
Snapshot #28: Dinner day two, fish, potatoes and some bubbles.
Snapshot #29: During the day a reindeer were sighted. Already in winter fur.
DAY 3: Time to pack up all the gears, time to go home.
This time the lower route over the sea is chosen.
Changed uniform to a green NATO which fits perfectly, especially in this surrounding.
EVALUATION: The black dial in combination with the grey titanium case gives the watch a lot of options when it comes to straps.
A green NATO makes the watch look like a natural outdoor watch.
There is also a titanium bracelet option, but was not included with this watch.
Snapshot #30: The Rookie with green NATO.
Snapshot #31: The Sea Hawk on the sea.
After the boat ride more marshes awaited us…
At least this time it wasn’t uphill!
One thing I never get used to is how fast the weather changes in the Swedish highlands.
One minute you have sunshine, the next rain will come down on you.
Well at home, already looking forward the next opportunity to return!
Snapshot #32: Marshes and more marshes.
Snapshot #33: One minute the sun is out.
Snapshot #34: The next rain is about to poor down.
FINAL EVALUATION: The Rookie, the Sea Hawk II reference 4990 is here to stay.
The overall impression is that it is a watch made for action!
Light weight, accurate, easy to read and fast to work up power reserve.
Can take any weather condition and a beating which makes it a “no worry” watch.
The crown guard integrated in the lower right lug is rounded and smooth.
No sharp corners or edges that can get stuck in things.
The comfort is A+ and wears smaller than its actual size.
I can easily see this one as my new daily beater!
Snapshot #35: The GOLF-PAPA team welcomes the new recruit!
Thank you for joining our Field Mission.
Hope you enjoyed!
Over and out
Blomman
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.
That's such a cool watch. I thought many times about getting one. Maybe one day? Best, Nicolas
Yes, its a super cool watch! One for your Italian summer vacations...? Best Blomman
I had not a moment of doubt that Golf-Papa Rookie will stand the test! CC
Thank you, my friend! Yes, perfect watch for the job! Best Blomman
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