Girard-Perregaux 1966 Small Seconds - Review of a Convert

flamenco

Do you remember the last time you gasped when you saw a beautiful timepiece... This is the story of my journey into the world of GP.

While GP as a company has a long (over 220 years of watchmaking), and celebrated history of creating chronometric watches, it has been largely over looked by many collectors for several reasons (not restricted),

- Quality of finishing in relation to ALS, PP, VC amongst others. This of course arguable if u reach the upper echlons of Golden Bridges (which becomes out of reach of mere mortals)

- Price of GP watches often fall on the wrong side of a Lange (for example)

- Poor residual value (which of course is a general observation)

- Designs that harks back to dayz of classics which may not appeal to many today, influenced by the big, heft and brutish

All of the above are common feedback when I asked about why do u not already own a GP in your vast collection ...

Naturally, I had the same train of thought, until ...... this very special piece came along .....

Poetry, balance, harmony, beauty are the most common terms associated with this watch. To which I all agree and more...

Its quite simply a work of art and IMO the best of GP in decades

Casework:-

Pink gold case
Diameter: 40 mm
Antireflective sapphire crystal
Sapphire case-back
Water resistance: 30 meters

40mm of well crafted pose gold.

Due to the size of the movement, the watch has a relatively thick bezel.

Well designed lugs make for a very comfortable feel on the wrist.

Side profile reveals a slimness that would woo anyone looking for a perfect dress watch.

Easy to fit under shirt cuffs. Very understated and unobtrusive with a tuxedo.

Beautiful fluted crown. Perfectly sized and well engineered to the touch.

Dial:-

The magic of this piece obviously lies in the Grand Feu Dial. A dial like no other.

Enamel and hand painted. My first enamel and can now appreciate the fuss over such a dial.

While its not very apparent, the hands are blued to perfection and classic GP. The markers work very well on the enamel dial

The rail dial lends a vintage and nostalgic feel. The way I like my dress watches .... Classic !

Movement:-

Girard-Perregaux GP03300-50 mechanical self-winding movement
Caliber: 11 ½ ’’’
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Jewels: 32

The business end of the watch needs little introduction. A well and truly tested workhorse.

Buckle:-

Ardillon and in Pink Gold

With the GP logo nicely etched. Off centre, nice touch.

Conclusions:-

I truly think I have found my perfect dress watch. That Grand Feu dial, the caswork and the ergonomics all adds up to an excellent timepice, bar none !

If you are on the fence about this watch, I strongly suggest u give it a serious consideration.

U will be charmed ..... as I have .....

This message has been edited by dxboon on 2013-01-27 20:16:31 This message has been edited by dxboon on 2013-01-30 07:14:00

Comments:

dxboon January 27th, 2013-20:38

Great catch! This is one of my favorite pieces in the GP portfolio. Very elegant, very classy. :-) The dial is just right for my taste and the movement is a proven winner. You are going to have a long love affair with this watch, methinks! Enjoy your new beauty! Thank...

flamenco January 27th, 2013-21:25

Thanks Sista ! My way of contributing to the GP board, which admittedly, have been more of a spectator sport for me :) Never been this excited for a long time, and this is magical ! And you truly know what I mean. The list of "I will never sell" jus grew ever so slightl...

JMan January 27th, 2013-22:23

Thx for the write up.... It is such a classic watch. I am in love with the enameled dial. One of these days, I have to pull the trigger on it..... J.

flamenco January 28th, 2013-01:15

Sooner the better ! Yes indeed a timeless classic. One that needs to be seen to truly be appreciated. Let us know when it rests on your wrist.

amanico January 27th, 2013-23:08

Superb review on a lovely watch, Flamenco. It was a great morning pleasure to read you. The plain enamel dial and the nicely shaped case are tow major assets of this watch, for sure. The pin buckle brings a lot of wear comfort, once the watch on the wrist. I understand how happy you can be! Best, ...

flamenco January 28th, 2013-01:20

Thank you ! And the pleasure is all mine :) As you put it , comfort and beauty are hallmarks of this timpiece. I am not just happy , I am ecstatic ! My only regret .... not getting the watch earlier ! Now that I am opened to the world of GP , the chrono (which Andrew...

amanico January 28th, 2013-01:23

The good news is that the Basel Fair is not too far. And I am pretty sure that we'll have some delicious surprises.... Like you, I am on a roll with GP. I think that this year I will get my 3rd... Best, Nicolas

flamenco January 28th, 2013-01:53

U read my mind :) Coming from you .... I am sure there will be delightful surprises in store. Am watching this space ! For now 1966 looks like a golden year ! In the mean time, I am occupying myself with Andrew review :D

amanico January 28th, 2013-01:56

Well, my 3rd GP will not come soon, but I am working hard on it. I think it is reasonable to wait and see what the Basel Fair will reserve to us. I already have one bor two ideas, though. ;) Hmmm how exciting the hunt and the wait is! Best, my friend. Nicolas

fernando January 28th, 2013-04:34

It's about time! I was wondering why no one here has pulled the trigger on this beauty! I'm glad it's you flamenco and some nice pics. to show. I had a hard time trying to decide if I preferred the RG or WG but in the metal the RG stood out more and seemed more appropriat...

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AndrewD

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater with Annual Calendar and EOT

AndrewD

We have been promising big things from GP in 2013 and before we have even recovered from the new year, GP has released an impressive piece of haute horlogerie in the 1966 Minute Repeater with Annual Calendar and EOT. Those of us who fell in love with the movement of the 1966 Minute Repeater from last year will love this addition to the 1966 range. We now have a discreet pointer date, month indicator and the quirky equation of time complication to balance the dial. I took these photos of the prototype at the ...

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