Girard Perregaux

PeterCDE
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That´s my impression either

G'day,

i´m a bit torn too - it´s always been a special for Girard-Perregaux and Jeanrichard to be privately family-owned brands.
But then, the new cooperation may not lead to apparent changes in first degree.

I´m not sure we´ll see much of an impact for the product, other than GP or JR movements to be used in other lines.
Boucheron already fitted a limited number of watches with SOWIND movements lately, which i suspect to be a chance for synergies.

On the design or production side, PPR probably will not be of great influence - aside the fact Gino Macaluso keeps the vast majority and control over the group.
There may be much more impact on the distribution side, simply because "Gucci" is a fortress in the luxury field outside watches. At least that´s my impression when passing by the local (quite large) Gucci store here in Berlin
Haute Couture is not a bad environment for luxury goods and the PPR brands didn´t venture in this field too much so far; i think there´s a definite place for GP and one that may be difficult to conquer without help of the PPR luxury group.

I´m relatively confident we´ll see a less wide portfolio by GP in the future, which is not directly tied to PPR but not a bad thing too.
GP maintains one of the largest range of models and variants in relation to the brand´s annual production. That´s reflecting the brand´s creativity, but can create some difficulties in terms of marketing, production and logistics. In the past 2-3 years we´ve seen quite some models and variants to be discontinued and GP focussing on the brand´s core strength, which i´m perfectly sure to be an excellent measure.
This may leave room to create something very nice in a limited field, without placing Girard-Perregaux in the "fashion watches" field.
What i´d really like to see is a piece designed by Gino Macaluso for Gucci; this well may be a stunning watch! And well in line with what the PPR luxury groups strength.

Aside this, the capital aspect is not to be overlooked.
That´s certainly a huge benefit for the SOWIND brands.

So all in all, i´d suspect there will be less impact on GP and JR in terms of products and production but more so on the distribution side.
And maybe some nice (limited) editions, which may represent a new and interesting expression of SOWIND´s creativity!

Cheers,

Peter