Manufacture
Blomman Mr Blue concludes his "Le Corbusier Trilogy" with a focus on the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Marseille edition. This article delves into how GP ingeniously translated the raw concrete aesthetic of Le Corbusier's Cité radieuse into a watch dial, showcasing the brand's innovative approach to materials and design.
Friends,
It has come to the third and last part of the Le Corbusier Trilogy, Marseille.
[Photo credit: Fx]
With the Marseille piece, GP once again show there “think outside the box” ability!
By choosing Marseille as the third city to honor Le Corbusier’s work they had the challenge of material.
[Photo credit: Fondation Le Corbusier]
Le Corbusier’s most famous work in Marseille is the Cité radieuse (Radiant City). Built between 1947 to 1952. Significant for the style is the raw cast concrete surfaces of the houses.
[Photo credit: Fondation Le Corbusier]
These leads to the third watch having a concrete dial!
A dial with the same raw grey surface. Engraved with Le Corbusier’s Modulor system of architectural proportion, based on the male figure. Same as with the material, the motif was not selected by chance…
The male figure you also find on the walls in the Radiant City.
[Photo credit: Fondation Le Corbusier]
The raw dial is just amazing! One detail I really like is that GP opted for the logo on the crystal instead of on the dial. Gives the watch an extra depth and do not interfere with the motif as if it would have been put on the dial.
On the back is says “125 eme Anniversaire Marseille”. The 125 anniversary referring to Le Corbusier’s birth in 1887.
[Photo credit: Fx]
A visionary that still influence us today! In architecture, city planning, furniture design… The list goes on.
Lego even made an homage model: Villa Savoye which even was posted here in our forum by jporos!
[Photo credit: jporos]
On the wrist, the steel hands give a good contrast to the raw concrete surface.
[Photo credit: Fx]
I am not sure if Marseille or Paris is my favorite of the three…
But one thing I am sure of is that there are some very lucky owners with these watches on their wrist!
15 watches in total (5 x La Chaux-de-Fonds, 5x Paris and 5 x Marseille).
Thank you for following me back to 2012! So many marvels to rediscover…
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-06-30 23:45:27The 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.
especially when I can read reports like this. This Trilogy is one of the finest from GP, unique design and superb craftsmanship. My favourite? Between Paris and Marseille, cannot decide. CC
I have never seen these GPs on pics or in the metal! Thanks for sharing Blomman. You always make me realize there is so much to learn from his maison of such rich history! Cheers Robin
Thursday means the weekend is soon here! ;) Yes, this trilogy is among the finest! But wait, I might find more marvels to present here on Thursdays... ;) Thank you, my friend. Best Blomman
Both from long back and more recent! :) One of the big appeal for me! Thank you, my friend Best Blomman
Hi Blomman, Thank you for a great post to share the beautiful timepieces that GP made as a fitting tribute to a legendary architect. I ranked Le Corbusier amongst my favorites along with Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright. Cheers, Ken
I am able to find som fun for you! :) Best Blomman
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