Girard Perregaux

Possible new model and movement by Girard-Perregaux: Classique Elegance 49570 / GP1900

 

G'day,

who says there?s no BIG surprise here and then?

This is initiated by several private questions and frankly i can?t share more than a few guesses for now. Ironically the first pictures i see go back to an unauthorized dealer?s website, so naturally all and any input does have to be taken with quite a grain of salt.

Apparently GP introduced a new model, the Classique Elegance ref. 49570.
We featured a prototype earlier in 2004 during the SIHH show and now it seems the final model is out:

ref. 49570.0.11.644


ref. 49570.1.11.644


prototype
click here to enlarge

As it seems this model is going to replace the discontinued ref. 49520 small seconds and round up GP?s portfolio in terms of a basic three-hands watch with central seconds, with a more affordable price and, according to the reference codes mentioned, a steel case/bracelet.
The earlier prototype came with a case measuring 38mm in width and about 11mm in height; if comparing the dial layout and date window position, i?m tempted to believe the new 49570 does have the same measurements.

As to the inner works, this might be the second watch to sport a new movement by GP.

Those who visited the Girard-Perregaux Exhibition in Cologne last year were the first to see it and receipients of the 2005 catalogue may noticed: it?s the ref. 49540 "F1 052" Pour Ferrari chronograph that comes with an automatic chronograph movement GP 019C0, a 62-jewels module chronograph of 11.5 ligne with a Dubois-Depraz module (like with any other GP chronograph) and a GP1900 base movement.

The "F1 052" is a rare model and reportedly a limited edition of 200 pieces only; i?m not aware of limitations for the new 49570, but can?t see any hints for being such.

Concluding from the protype and dial layout, the new 49570 is likely to sport a GP1900 caliber.
This new movement was already mentioned in articles, although it was not "officially" released until now.
It is GP?s variant of the JeanRichard JR1000 caliber; basically unchanged, the GP variant comes with a new barrel bridge of a slightly different look. It may be different in other details, although the escapement section of the "F1 052" and earlier variants was exactly the same (such as the use of an ETACHRON regulation).



Because i?m not aware of an "official" introduction or release of this new model, i can?t refer to the price range.
Apparently the list price for the steel/bracelet variant is 10% below the IWC Ingenieur Automatic, the same as a GP "Kingsize" Vintage45 in steel and slightly above the JeanRichard Paramount models.
As such, it would represent a new "entry-level" model by GP and it certainly is the only round three-hands watch currently offered (and, i may add, badly missed in the portfolio so far).

Naturally all of this is a guess only and commenting at this point is pretty difficult, but a few thoughts:

From the pictures the bracelet seems to be roughly the same as the Sea Hawk II bracelet, which is well known for being comfortable and sporty. This would be an excellent addition and my recommendation over the strap model; each owner of a bracelet Sea Hawk or earlier GP chronograph such as the the ref. 49460/49560 might confirm it?s truly a pleasure on the wrist.

A detail which might be regarded a design flaw is the use of differently sized numerals; the same goes for the use of a non-matching date ring and mismatching type fonts for the numerals, date window and logo/inscriptions.



Of course the movement would need to be seen in nature; the JeanRichard JR1000 is a sturdy construction featuring some interesting details, but it is probably more intended to be a reliable base for module chronographs due to the double wheel it features. This construction might allow to work around a "skipping" seconds hand when releasing the chronograph, a well-known problem and partial to many modular chronograph movements around. The first visual impression (and that?s all at hand) suggests the GP1900 is not an elaborate addition for GP?s higher-end lines but more of a basic addition in the affordable range. Thus the more plain and more "technical" decoration, which results in a somewhat "industrial" look, might be justified for a more entry-level watch.
The movement features a moderately thrilling ETACHRON regulation, an attached outer weight for the rotor and "plain" polished steel/metal parts and screws; the picture suggest the decorative/finishing standard may equal the corresponding models by JeanRichard (please see our earlier in-depth review of the JeanRichard Paramount and JR1000 caliber for details).
So one might wish for a more "tweaked" movement in terms of the fine work, even if this would not allow for a cost-effective offering. But then, the final piece might be different and of course it needs to see one in nature.
I can?t answer the question, but there may be good reasons for GP to make use of the same movement as JeanRichard.

On the other hand, it is probably not the utmost affordable model and it will meet some tough competition in this price range.
Because the list price might be roughly the same as the current Vintage45 "KingSize" models with GP?s own GP3300 caliber, these might be perceived to represent a bit more elaborate finishing and details.
The JeanRichard Paramount models offer a very attractive and unique range of watches, the same for the "TV Screen" models which can be had with a JR1000 caliber since 2005. This might be a consideration for those not strictly limited to round watches and not afraid of wearing a more massive piece.
As to others, the IWC Ingenieur comes to mind, although that watch is significantly larger. A more classic model might be the Rolex Submariner or the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Home Time and Compressor range of models.

An interesting detail might be the case size; it seems this model is less than 40mm, which might go back to an increased demand for smaller cased watches. Personally i?d welcome such dimensions; it makes for a sufficiently large, but very wearable and legible piece especially when taking the strong contrast of hands and dials into consideration.

So for now, the best thing to do is to check back with your GP dealer nearby and check the availability of the references above. There already might be some around, although frankly i?ve not seen any of these in the wild or aware of a new model at all.

Greetings from germany,

Peter