PeterCDE
10167
pre-SIHH 2006 preview: The beautiful Cat?s Eye "bi-retrograde"
Dear enthusiasts and GP addicts,
i?m proud and happy to share some insights in another model to be unveiled during the upcoming Geneva fair:
The Cat?s Eye bi-retrograde
Launched in April 2004, the Cat?s Eye model rapidly turned into a corner-stone of GP?s portfolio for lady enthusiasts of fine timepieces.
The Cat?s Eye is unusual in many aspects; not only the exceptional design, but the high craftsmanship and the sole use of manufacture-made movements up to GP?s tourbillon make it a most special watch for very special customers. This didn?t go unnoticed and within just months after introduction, the Cat?s Eye already won a variety of prices. This included the probably most prestigious award of all, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie" in Geneva and "Watch Of The Year" in Japan.
Cat?s Eye moon phases, ref. 80490
Cat?s Eye power reserve, ref. 80480
images courtesy of www.girard-perregaux.com
The Cat?s Eye represents a very modern approach, in that it leaves the well-known path of "miniaturizing" men?s models. It is a lady-sized and decidedly feminine model, but still substantial and precious. While the movements are shared with some men?s models, the difference is apparent: the movement?s decorative elements differ from those found in corresponding calibers for men?s models.
This is certainly not an easy task to accomplish and GP outdid themselves in this regard, which is apparent by the fact the Cat?s Eye turned into one of GP?s most cherished models world-wide and enjoys a constantly increasing demand from lady collectors and enthusiasts all over.
Therefore a closer look is recommendable, preferrably so in nature. But if you can?t wait, you may enjoy the great "360 degree" rotatable visualization to be found on GP?s website; click here to get magically transported there. But our male readers shall look out - the ladies easily fall for a Cat?s Eye on first sight
The year of 2005 did see several variations for both basic Cat?s Eye models and a truly wonderful addition:
Cat?s Eye Tourbillon, ref. 99490
image courtesy of www.girard-perregaux.com
To me the Cat?s Eye Tourbillon still is one of the most beautiful ladies models, not only in the range of Haute Horlogerie pieces. It?s both modern and classic, with a long heritage and outstanding pedigree in terms of the movement and a creative implementation into the unusual casework. The Cat?s Eye Tourbillon is pure beauty, which is an impression shared by all who had the pleasure to see it (and the comments to our earlier coverage of the SIHH 2005 presentations may speak for themselves).
That said, the Cat?s Eye is here to stay and in 2006, another member of this family will be unveiled:
You may have noticed the outer dimensions are still unchanged, while this new addition for the first time sports bi-retrograde indications.
Both the calendar and the seconds are indicated by hands which perform the gentle curve of a half circle, just to skip back and start from the beginning once a new week starts or the movement is fully wound.
That?s a novelty for Girard-Perregaux, where retrograde indications are rarely found so far. And it makes for a very attractive alternative, particularly with the oval-shaped case and dial. A very nice complication and yet a lady-like look that is promising to become a highlight within the Cat?s Eye range of models.
A closer view of the retrograde indications, the MOP dial and the gem-set precious metal case reveals the fine-ness:
So it?s easy to become moon-struck with such a beautiful watch
The Cat?s Eye "bi-retrograde" will be available in white gold and rose gold cases with matching dial colours, which allow for a variety of choices:
I?m confident the Cat?s Eye "bi-retrograde" will find a lot of enthusiasts and whether our lady collectors and enthusiasts treat themselves a very special watch or a precious gift is due, you can?t do wrong with one of these!
With sincere thanks to GP Switzerland!
Greetings from germany,
Peter