Review
Blomman Mr Blue offers a hands-on review of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Chronograph Ref. 25840, focusing on its design and dial layout. His observations highlight how this rectangular chronograph manages to integrate three sub-dials without appearing crowded, a common challenge for this case shape.
Friends,
At my local Girard-Perregaux AD I had the chance to see the Vintage 1945 XXL Chronograph with silver dial.
This is the three sub-dials version.
Often when you see a three sub-dial chrono the dial feels crowded. Especially if fitted in a rectangular case.
To me this is an exception.
If we look into details of the dial, we see the straight applied number and the minute track inside of them. This has a great harmony, but often when the minute track is on the inside, it makes the dial look a bit crowded.
To avoid this, GP opted for silver numerals on silver dial which makes the numbers much less pronounced and only to come out in certain angles. This makes the crowded feeling to go away and not to become overwhelming. IMO, brilliant!
The dark minute track goes like a train rail around the dial and by following the six o’clock sub-dial, it soften the rectangular shape.
The dark track matches nicely with the heated blue central second and sub-dial hands. Makes the chronograph very easy to read and testifies to the effort for quality Girard-Perregaux has put into this watch!
I have a very soft spot for heated blue hands…!
Sharp classic silver Dauphin hands. It matches great with the applied numerals and due to the facets on the hands the light reflects in all angles and makes the time easy to read.
The three sub-dial and the date at four thirty works very well together. Much better than the date at 13:30 as on the Traveller.
The red markers on top of each sub-dial and the red date make this classic looking dial to spark. Don’t know why but often when a dial is monochrome it falls flat and you get the feeling that it is missing one dimension! Here, it is just perfect, not too little, not too much…
The big XXL case – yes, we all already agreed on that the case is big, the question is if it is too big, I tend to think not…
Anyway, the XXL case is just a tad larger (37 x 36 mm) than on the XXL Blue (36.20 x 35.25 mm). The difference is so small that you don’t see it with the naked eye.
The typical Vintage 1945 case is superb with rectangular, flat pushers.
I just love the arc of the case! The steel has a colder hue to it than the white gold, goes great together with the black alligator. But I wonder, maybe a tan alligator for the summer would fit equally good?
Inside is the automatic movement Calibre GP33 C0. Honestly, the movement is nothing I get super exited to see. Yes, the rotor is very nice finished and decorated, but imagine to see a really nice manual chronograph movement under the crystal….?
The central crown is not recessed like on the XXL Blue.
Sorry for the bad wrist shot (the lightning condition was horrible).
It might be hard to see from this shot, but on the wrist the right feeling is there!
Good presence, the dial pops, the red details stands out; you can really see the depth in the dial…
Another great experience from GP!
A big thank you to the AD that let me play with this beauty!
Hope you enjoyed as much as I did! Hm, am I on the way to become a chronograph guy…?!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-08-08 00:16:40The Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 reference 25840 is a notable example from the brand's late 1990s output, embodying a design philosophy that drew inspiration from historical Girard Perregaux pieces. This particular reference, appearing around 1999-2000, is part of a series of "Vintage" models that reinterpreted classic aesthetics for a contemporary audience, distinguishing itself within the broader Vintage 1945 collection through its specific configuration and production period. It represents a continuation of Girard Perregaux's commitment to its heritage while offering modern watchmaking.
This reference typically features a rectangular case, characteristic of the Vintage 1945 line, crafted from a precious metal. The case houses an automatic movement, a common choice for Girard Perregaux's production watches of this era, providing reliable timekeeping. The crystal protecting the dial is generally sapphire, ensuring durability and clarity. The design emphasizes legibility and a refined presence, consistent with the brand's approach to its dressier complications.
For collectors, the reference 25840 appeals to those interested in Girard Perregaux's output from the turn of the millennium, particularly its vintage-inspired offerings. It fits within a period where the brand was exploring its archives to create new models that resonated with its history. The watch's design and mechanical execution make it a representative piece of Girard Perregaux's identity during this era, offering a blend of traditional watchmaking and late 20th-century design sensibilities.
First, the Vintage 45 is certainly one of the very nice looking rectangular Chronograph I know. Its cambered case is absolutely breathtaking. The XXL doesn't make exception to that, in my opinion. I much prefer 2 subdials configuration, but here, the 3 subdials looks config works, too. Now, the date... Honestly, I don't see what it does here... Its presence located at this place was not mandatory, in my opinion. No, the biggest issue with this version is that I own the 2499 from the end of the 9
I am not fully agree with you here. The red hint and the addition of date function adds up to something positive here for me. And the location works fine together with the sub-dials, IMO. Would I rather go for your version than this one - Yes I would but not due to the date... Best, my friend Blomman
it was very bad bad idea to make you GP mod ;) :) You are killing me softly :) What can I say in my defense? Vintage 1945 XXL is best big rectangular case out there for me Period Thank you very much for your yet another great review and the best part now I know perfect place to visit with you when and if in Sweden :) Yours Damjan
Not if, my friend - When you come to Sweden I will guide you! :) As for the Vintage 1945 XXL, yes this version is another great watch! :) If GP was the right place for me as a MOD....? I am still not sure, due to my health, I am not sure! ;) A brand with such rich knowledge and history as GP, I am doomed to loose my self.... I / We have seen it happen before... Is that a good or a bad thing? I am not sure.... ;) Best Blomman
it is as good as it gets ;) Yours D
.. quite balanced, the red accents a tad of color, supported by the Dauphine hands & applied indices . Although I'm also a bit hesitant whether I like the 4:30 date, and the 3-compax type, I find both tolerable & not distracting. Charming minute rail also, with that arc @6, I find. One Q be allowed : - What time period is it ( 1945 ?? - or just serial nr ?) Actually Im also attracted by the case-shape & type, a bit less by the look-through back !.. Indeed another nice one to me !! Thx for sharin
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