Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Sapphire Dial

I saw Girard-Perregauxs new Vintage XXL Large Date Moon-phase with sapphire dial for the first time at a special event a retailer was hosting with GP last June. While I was expecting the novelties from Basel to be on hand from the carnet case, even if not for sale, I wasnt expecting to see model

I saw Girard-Perregaux’s new Vintage XXL Large Date Moon-phase with sapphire dial for the first time at a special event a retailer was hosting with GP last June. While I was expecting the novelties from Basel to be on hand from the “carnet case,” even if not for sale, I wasn’t expecting to see models that had not been announced. It was exciting to see the Vintage 1945 in steel with blue dial along with its cousin in the 1966 rose gold case, the Tourbillon Neo, and the impressive Constant Force, but the piece that really wowed me was the open dial XXL.

I already liked the model that this is based on, but crafting the dial from sapphire to showcase the movement was a brilliant stroke. I figured if GP was showing it at that collector event then I could photograph it and share it on the forum, which I did. Blomman was kind enough to leave up the photos even though the watch technically should have been under embargo: Better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission!

With Vacheron Constantin as the core of my collecting, this model instantly recalled my fondness for the Quai de l’Ile, which was launched in 2008, and an example of which I eventually acquired:

More akin to this GP was a Day-Date-Power Reserve model that really showcases Vacehron Constantin’s finishing:

While the QDI has never been one of Vacheron Constantin’s most popular models, it did have its passionate advocates. I attribute that lack of popularity mostly to its being priced at a very large premium to other models with the same movement. I give Girard-Perregaux credit for keeping these models at a reasonable premium compared with the solid dial pieces.

Like with the solid dial, it is offed in either stainless steel:

or rose gold:

Aspects of the design that I like include the mix of Arabic numbers and index markers, and the satin finishing on them as well as the hands:

I especially like the subtle touch of having the graining on the Arabic numbers run from 12 to 6, while the grain on the index markers points to the center of the dial.

Like with the VC QDI, I like the depth that having the open dial brings to the watch: We see the plate with the Geneva striping, the double disks for the calendar (with contrasting colors, the lower one being darker to give a background that contrasts with the numbers for easy legibility) and the disk for the moon-phase, then the applied markers, and then the hands floating above:

I think it is a sharp watch on the wrist in either color case:

and the size and design will allow it to work well either casual or dress attire. Like with all the 1945 models, the curvature of the case gives it a good fit on the wrist.

With the sapphire dial showcasing the movement from the top, it is also nice to see the movement from the back:

There are a lot of reasons to like this watch. The classic 1945 case combines well with the contemporary look of the sapphire dial. The case and movement are made in-house by Girard-Perregaux. And the value proposition is compelling. What’s not to like?

Bill