Review
Blomman Mr Blue offers an in-depth review of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Anniversary Small Seconds, reference 25880-56-111-BBBA, following its BaselWorld 2015 debut. He focuses on the watch's unique dial color and how its two-tone case design contributes to its distinctive vintage appeal, providing crucial insights beyond initial press photos.
Friends,
Enjoy the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Anniversary Small Seconds Review and Live Shots. I hope you had a good rest during the Easter and now ready for more novelties reviews!
Since the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Anniversary Small Seconds, reference 25880-56-111-BBBA is very different from the other two Anniversary models; I will only cover the Small Seconds version here.
The most eye-catching about this watch is the dial. In the press photos, the dial looks almost white. In the press release it is described as beige…
In real the dial looks neither white nor beige. I would say more vanilla maybe with a hint of yellow. Not too much, just to make the dial warmer in tone. I was explained that the varnish on the dial has some pigment in it to make the tone.
A tone that is enhanced by the Pink Gold bezel, hands and applied numbers. That in contrast to the cold steel makes the whole watch look smaller to me.
The Art Deco style, the warmth of the gold and the tone of the dial makes this watch look very “Vintage”! Love it!
The steel case is of the XXL size: 36.20 x 35.25 mm. Yes, I know some are eager to see a somewhat smaller sized Vintage 1945… But not this time.
Here I find the size good, since the watch looks much smaller on the wrist due to the Pink Gold bezel.
The Vintage 1945 case is curved in both directions, that we all already learned. But did you know that the hands are cured as well? To follow the profile of the dial in the best way possible!
The cut-out for the small seconds really reveals how curved the dial really is.
The minute track and the seconds scale is not really black, very dark grey, which helps soften the feel of the watch.
Inside is the GP03300-0051 automatic movement, but here you can’t see the rotor through the case back. Instead GP opted for a solid case back with the Limited 70 th anniversary edition engraving.
I like it a lot. To me it is not that exciting to see a rotor go round and round. Yes, very nicely finished, but if see through case back I would prefer a nice manual movement or a complication.
To complete the watch Girard-Perregaux choose a tan alligator strap with steel folding buckle.
The tan strap with white stiches looks perfect on the watch!
Yes, you guessed it already – I love this watch!
I was a bit hesitant when I first saw the press photos, but in real…. No doubt about it. This will be another hit from La Chaux-de-Fonds!
Do you agree?
Best
Blomman
The 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.
great article and great watch. I also really like the dial colour and in combination with the pink gold bezel, very vintage indeed. One question from my side: what deployment buckle did GP use? Is it the new style like we see it on the Traveller or the Hawk or is it still the older style? Thanks, CC
It has an appeal of elegance in a leisurely composed " package": I guess, this model will find many friends.. I definitely will try to get an "in-real" experience, hopefully this year.. Thx for sharing, hs
The deployment buckle is the "old" style without the locks on the sides. Best Blomman
An impressive lineup for sure! :) This one I fear will be high up on your list...! ;) Best Blomman
I do think the old style fits better with a dressy look while the new style buckle is more of a sporty look, so perfect choice.
Not a two tone guy but this one looks fantastic, I love it :) François
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