Choices: 40mm or 42mm 1966 Chronograph?

AndrewD

We now have two options in the 1966 Chronograph line: the original 40 x 12.05 mm (Ref. 49539) in RG and WG (available with white or blue dial) which I have previously written in detail about [click here] and the 42 x 12.53 mm (Ref. 49542) introduced in April 2012 with the addition of a date display at 6 o’clock and some design changes to the dial.

The 40mm version houses the Cal. GP030C0: 10.5 ligne, 4Hz, automatic column-wheel chronograph movement with 38 jewels and a PR of 36 hours.

The 42mm version houses the Cal. GP3300-0057: 11.5 ligne, 4Hz, automatic chronograph movement with 57 jewels and a PR of 46 hours.

Personally I prefer the 40mm 1966 Chronograph on my wrist, but for some the larger size may be more appropriate. The addition of the date, while still retaining dial symmetry, may also be a useful complication for some owners.

The two subdials are a little less crowded around the centre of the watch in the 42mm version which I know some will also prefer.

And of course we have the addition of Arabic numerals on the 42mm 1966 Chrono. I prefer the less ‘busy’ original 40mm watch.

But you do get the same wonderful blued chronograph and seconds hands on either version.

The “miles per hour” on the tachometer scale may alienate markets using metric measures, but it is also a nice ‘nod’ to the chronograph designs of the 1940’s.

Do you have a preference?

Andrew

Comments:

amanico December 28th, 2012-03:34

40 mm for me. Not that the 42 mm case is ugly, not at all, but the presence of a date on such a dial is a pure NO GO for me. Best, Nicolas

nilomis December 28th, 2012-04:32

I will follow Vlad's choice. 40mm based on ... Movement, lack of date (that makes the dial more balanced) and the fact that it's a dressy chronograph (you may want to wear with long sleeve). Cheers, Nilo

crown comfort December 28th, 2012-04:37

Why chose? I would happily get both. I do think the 42 mm has its charme. I like the look of the sub-dials and the larger size for a Chronograph would not bother me. I also like the arabic numerals. Maybe a compromise would be to get the 40mm in WG blue dial and the...

AndrewD December 29th, 2012-15:09

Those Arabic numerals ... ... are actually rather delicious. It was particularly obvious to me when I uploaded the images for this thread. I would choose the 40mm based on the size for my wrist, but the 42mm is a beautiful watch. Andrew ...

Ares501 - Mr Green December 28th, 2012-05:10

I have preference....and it is toward.. GP as such :) This is dear Andrew one of toughest choices anyone made around PPro at least for me In the end I would go for 40mm not cos size matters but cos of no date ;) Sincerely Damjan

AndrewD December 29th, 2012-15:13

It's commendable that GP offered ... ... the choice of both 40mm and 42mm models, at least in RG. So at the moment we have the choice. I hope you can get the GP of your dreams one day, Damjan. Thanks for your loyal support of the brand. GP will impress you with some new offerings in 2013, I ...

Ares501 - Mr Green December 29th, 2012-15:53

Looking forward watching this place next year and great reports of Daos & You here Cheers Damjan

dxboon December 28th, 2012-07:39

40mm for sure! So much more elegant, and I (predictably) don't care for the inclusion of the date window. :-) Daos

VMM December 28th, 2012-09:04

No date for me.

Dje December 28th, 2012-09:48

40mm and blue dial, a gorgeous watch! nt Nt

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AndrewD

Interview with Michele Sofisti, CEO of Sowind Group

AndrewD

Michele Sofisti was appointed as CEO of Sowind Group (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) in August 2011, which followed PPR's acquisition of a majority (50.1%) shareholding in the Sowind Group in July 20 11. The Macaluso family own the remainder of the company and Stefano Macaluso is the Managing Director for GP and Massimo Macaluso the MD for JeanRichard. Michele also continues as CEO of Gucci. Looking on from outside, the links with PPR (who are involved with a number of luxury brands including Gucci, YSL, ...

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