A Great Example of Aesthetics, Proportion, Functionality and True Blue-Blood Fine Watchmaking

- Girard Perregaux Classique Elegance Moon Phase Ref. 49530 in White Gold.

by Z3

It is not often that we find a design that is timeless. When we do see one, however, we would have that vague warm fuzzy - the watch would speak to us and resonate with our sense of aesthetics...

Here is a great example that touches me in this way. I've had it for some years, and just took it out of the safe the other day to take some photos.

It is from the Classique Elegance collection. Now I believe it is discontinued, as the company is focusing the dress models on the 1966 collection.

How can one not love this? -  A classic dress watch with a contemporary twist; High polished silver leaflet hands with raised silver indices that are unassumingly slim; A beautiful deep blue dial with a appropriate splash of white (date window) and shiny yellow (moon phase); Two interesting functions, the moonphase is of aesthetics, the big date of functionality. There's nothing superfluous, and every little detail seems so in place...

I love the legibility of the date, and especially the and crispiness and richness of the date font. In fact, if you get a chance, check out the beautiful date fonts on the 1966 collection. They are some of the most elegantly designs fonts that happen on date wheels.

The 18K white case is nicely polished. Polished bezel and lugs, brushed sides. Nothing super intricate, just well done.

The sapphire cyrstal back showcases the GP Calibre 3330 movement (internally designated as 3306 by GP), completely designed and manufactured by the house of Girard Perregaux - a company with a rich tradition of in-house movements. The movement is nicely decorated with Cote-de-Geneve, Perlage and Anglage.

At 40mm diameter and 8mm thick. A versatile size that would please both the Patek-clad conservative pillars of finance and law, as well as the bold spirits among us, who look to take a break from their Offshores, Panerais and Hublots. The curved lugs are comfortable on the wrist.

The new pieces from the 1966 series, although around the same diameter, have slimmer and more "dashing" silhouettes. They exhibit many of the same great qualities such respect for proportion, beautiful balance of functionality and simplicity, and great craftmanship. A lot of great things are happening nowadays to GP.

Hope you've enjoyed the photos.

Yours truly,

Z3 (Jon Z.)