Friends,

One of the novelties of 2016 is the Girard-Perregaux 1966 in 44mm case, reference 49551.

My first reaction when I heard this news was “too big”…

The GP 1966 is a classic, elegant, line.

The need of super-sized watch is not within this line.

Then I saw the watch in real…

My first reaction was “what a stunning dial”!

The dial is big which I think is a strength here.

We all know the classic GP 1966 which are often in the sizes of 38mm or 40mm.

Here, another 4-6mm is added to the diameter which is a lot!

But by doing that GP has given the dial room to “breath”.

Actually, I should start with telling you that the dial is not the normal “plain” dial.

It’s a beautiful decorated Guilloche silver dial!

Some will of course think that the date and the “AUTOMATIC” text intrude on the pattern.

Yes, it does but since the size is large, it doesn’t ruin the dial, IMO.

The “AUTOMATIC” text on the lower part of the dial gives a nice balance to the GP/1791.

At first glance, seeing the watch like this, it is easy to mistake for any of the smaller sized GP 1966, due to the proportions are held intact.

Or rather the balance of the proportions!

The bezel is thinner and the hour markings are longer.

Naturally the gold leaf hands are longer as well.

The Guilloche pattern makes the dial full of life!

In every angle, it shifts, plays with light and shadows in a beautiful way.

And due to its size, you really get to fully appreciate the pattern!

Here are a couple of comparison shots together with the reference 49555, 40mm case.

Now you really see the difference.

Two 44mm versions released this year with this Guilloche dial, one in Pink Gold and one in White Gold.

One warm and cold, both stunning!

Inside is the automatic movement, calibre GP 01800.

Beautiful decorated with Côtes de Genève, circular graining and bevelling.

One comment often read here is that the movement is too small for the case.

Yes, the movement is still a bit small, but compared with, again the reference 49555, 40mm case, the proportions are better.

Or put in other words, the opening shows more of the movement.

The calibre GP 03300 inside the reference 49555 is 4.60mm smaller than the GP 01800.

My biggest surprise with this watch was not how much I liked the dial, but how the watch fit my wrist!

OK, in my book a 44mm sports watch is a large watch.

So, in my mind I was prepared for a large watch…

But once on my wrist it didn’t feel like a large watch…

It felt… Perfect!

This revelation made me stunned!

Like going to a heavy metal concert expecting some big loud music, just to find a solo violinist on the stage…

OK, I like both heavy metal and classic music, but are most of the time able to tell the difference by the cover …

The feeling of this 44mm watch on the wrist is more like 40!

Again, the way the lugs of the GP 1966 case have proven to be perfectly shaped.

Just look at this profile shot.

No big gaps, no lugs overpowering the wrist…

And the way the Guilloche dial plays with the light…

Yes, another stunning watch of this year!

Now I am really curious to know what will GP have for us in 2017!?

Best

Blomman