Review
Blomman Mr Blue's review of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, released for its 70th anniversary at BaselWorld 2015, highlights a significant milestone for the brand. This piece, featuring a precious metal XXL case and a monochrome aesthetic, demonstrates Girard-Perregaux's commitment to its iconic complication within a contemporary design. The article explores how this anniversary edition balances heritage with modern horological preferences.
BaselWorld 2015: Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 – Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, 70th anniversary edition – Review and Live shots
Friends,
We all knew that Girard-Perregaux would release an Anniversary edition of the Vintage 1945 due to the 70 th anniversary this year!
And that GP choose a Three Golden Bridges movement for the celebration can’t have come as a big chock for anyone.
Precious metal XXL case – White Gold, 36,10 x 35,25 mm feels like a natural choice. Personally I think that the Three Golden Bridges looks even more balanced in a rectangular case than in a round case.
The option of monochrome case/dial makes the “pallet” for the Three Golden Bridges even more focused! Nothing to distract or disturb your eyes…
And the contrast of the Pink gold hands and bridges makes the purity and “simplicity” of the design stands out even more.
For me this IS Haute Horlogerie in its most beautiful art form!
One detail that differentiates the Three Golden Bridges version from the regular version of the Vintage 1945 is that the dial does not follow the curve of the case. As you can see the surface of the dial where the bridges are mounted on is flat.
The Art Deco case is still curved to follow your wrist in a beautiful arc and so are the crystal and case back.
Small Second; Special edition, Three Golden Bridges; Limited Edition of 18 pieces and the diamond cut version; Limited Edition of 8 pieces.
There will be 24 lucky guys (or girls) that will be able to wear one of these on regular basis…!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2015-08-16 00:11:22The 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.
the Three Golden Bridges better than a round one. The current fad for two-toned coloured objects is also served. I prefer the Plain Jane version....... :-) You wrote: Small Second; Special edition, Three Golden Bridges; Limited Edition of 18 pieces and the diamond cut version; Limited Edition of 8 pieces. There will be 24 lucky guys (or girls) that will be able to wear one of these on regular basis…! Isn't that 26 lucky boys and girls? Regards, MTF
Na, you are correct, MTF! I confess to my bad math skills... ;) The Plain Jane would also be my first choice! Best Blomman
Something which makes me dream a lot. I was never able to know which I prefer, between the round and the rectangular. THE high end Tourbillon by nature. And I am not a Tourbillon guy, but here, it is difficult to not love it. Best, my friend. Nicolas
This is a watch that will be in my dreams for a very long time....! :) Best Blomman
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