this_hobby_of_hours
3596
Welcome bro …
Not all of the archives have been lost entirely but a massive amount.
Here are a few examples:
1. Try to google for the laureato 8010 archives for the brand. Or for old advertisements. Nada.
2. Same for the laureato olimpico. I found two old press releases in europa news.
3. Who designed the first laureato in 1975? GP management today themselves are not entirely sure.
Why are there so few archives available?
- Olaf Graef and family owned GP from circa 1904 to 1979. And then it change ownership to Desco. Desco is quite a secretive company. They own part of AP up to today.
Then Desco sold to management circa 1985 or so. A chap called Mr. Basin who was the GM.
Then in 1990 to Luigi Macaluso. He was forward looking and more interested in created his own legacy than thinking too much about the past. He passed away suddenly in 2010.
Then Kering in 2011.
Then management buyout in 2022.
Multiple ownership and CEOs.
So along the way, either by design or circumstance, archives and such were lost. Some rumours are that they were destroyed. Who knows for sure.
🤝
Wearing my 38 mm GP Abarth Havana dial chronograph ref 4946 today
Some history: This was was a special commission in 2004 which saw 50 pieces made. Inside beats the GP in-house calibre 3370. Usually with a date, the exception was made to have the date removed. Former Girard-Perregaux owner and world champion race car dr...
Thank you Marc for the presentation
of this beautiful timepiece and for sharing your passion for GP. Even if I don’t really relate to the automotive background of this watch because I’m personally not into cars (just me of course), I find it very attractive. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks Emmanuel ☀️
Based on the name, I always figured you were a car guy and a Audi Quattro fan. 🤝
My username comes
from my LUC Quattro Spirit 25 which includes Chopard’s “quattro technology” used in caliber 98 (4 stacked barrels for 8 to 9 days of power reserve). And, as I’m not at all into cars, I realized only recently that this username could be interpreted in an a...
Ah, I see now
I understand the love for the LUC Quattro Spirit 25 with its “Quattro” technology. Apart from liking the models from LUC, I like the brand and it’s CEO. Family run. Sincere and genuine in their approach to collectors and Horology. 🤝
I completely agree with you on K.F. Scheufele's way
of leading the brand (as well as Ferdinand Berthoud)!
I met KF in Singapore once
with his sister. Had a nice long chat and he was so gracious. Almost like royalty. 🤝
Wonderful pictures and great info, as always 🙌🏻👌🏻
Really surprised by you saying that the GP archives have been lost. All of them or just a specific period?
Welcome bro …
Not all of the archives have been lost entirely but a massive amount. Here are a few examples: 1. Try to google for the laureato 8010 archives for the brand. Or for old advertisements. Nada. 2. Same for the laureato olimpico. I found two old press release...
I think it is rather the opposite: it is the rule that many great and old maisons lost the archives. And it is a gift that brands - as Longines - could preserve it entirely…
Exactly due to your given reasons - mostly change in ownership. AND in earlier days, as you say, people where more forward oriented. The past is old - the future is where we are heading to! Also nicely to see in architecture around the 1900… where much al...
Sometimes I wish more of them misplaced more of the archives…
And did more new or innovative designs instead 😂 Somewhat tongue in cheek but I guess you know what I mean. Longines indeed seems to have handled this aspect really well 👍🏻
That really is a stunning looking watch and the dial is sublime.
As I have said before I have a lot of respect for Girard Perregaux especially these neo vintage pieces that just seem to have a charm of their own. You seem to have an endless supply of them and so far I have liked all that you have posted. Wear and enjoy...
Thank you Marc 👏
We have the same name and the same sentiment for these neo-vintage pieces from GP. Do you have a GP in your collection yet? 🤝
I dare say this is the best looking GP you have posted.
Spectacular!! My only negative is the inclusion of the GALLERY ABARTH on the dial. I just never get why brands must do this. And this one has it prominently displayed on the back, too. But otherwise, just amazing. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Michael ☀️ In person, it looks even better
The details of the design…. dial text, hands, dial color, no date, breguet numbering were specified by the commissioning party. I think double signed dials are all that more special, no? 🤝
😊 I love the dial color
I can not think of another GP in recent years that has this color. Can you? 🤔
Salam Montres1 😊
Thanks I’m glad to see the continued love and recognition of these NEO-vintage beauties from GP. Enough is enough. It’s time for this period of GP to be celebrated and recognised by collectors. 🤝
Dear Marc!!!!
This might just be the most beautiful chronograph GP has ever made. Full stop. That Havana dial color? Absolutely outrageous – in the best possible way. I even forgive the “ABARTH” shout-out on the front… and that says a lot! 😎 And no (damn) date window i...
Thank you dear Thomas 🫶🏼
I am inclined to agree with you. The dial color, hands, Breguet indices… magic. As a special commission, the Abarth group requested that the date be removed. The 4946 usually has a date. I quite like the Abarth on the dial. Double signed dials can be extr...
Thank you MTR 🫶🏼
I fell off my chair when I heard it might have a chance to get it. 🤝