Girard Perregaux

Pre-SIHH preview 2006: What?s better than a WWTC? The WWTC Perpetual Calendar!!!

 

Dear enthusiasts,

i?m proud and happy to share some BIG news! A bit haphazard for the presentation you might be used to see on this forum, but since the word already out i hope you still may appreciate some impressions and thoughts.
And i believe it?s worth it, because this might be the most beautiful variant of a worldtimer GP ever did.

The World-Wide Time Control, or short "WW.TC", debuted in 2001; the initial relase of reference 49800 combined a chronograph with GP?s propietory "hours of the world" indication, resulting in the new caliber GP033C0. This made not only for a most unusual functionality, but a most unusual look also. The WW.TC soon became GP?s most successfull individual model, which is probably no surprise; to me it?s among the most modern interpretations of a worldtime indication and not only the fine and massive casework of surprising weight and heft, but also the design really sets the WW.TC apart.

ref. 49800 "WW.TC"
Case diameter 43.00 mm
Case height 13.40 mm



Movement GP 033C0, chronograph/world time
pictures courtesy of www.girard-perregaux.com

The model is much appreciated and was followed by a variety of mostly very rare limited editions, of which some (like the first 2 editions in steel) already became collector?s items hard to find.
The latest edition, introduced in October 2005, is a steel variant dubbed "USA-76" of the "Pour BMW Oracle Racing" line, which celebrates GP?s latest engagement with the world of race sailing.



our earlier coverage on the USA-76 edition, including an overview of some limited editions and rare variants of the WW.TC

Of course Girard-Perregaux did not rest on these laurels and initiated both by the brand?s creative spirit and a strong demand for a slightly smaller and less heavy alternative, the worltime chronograph was accompanied by reference 49850 "WW.TC Power Reserve" since April 2005.



ref. 49850 WW.TC "Power Reserve"
Case diameter: 41.00 mm
Case height: 10.95 mm



Movement GP 033G0, world time/power reserve
pictures courtesy of www.girard-perregaux.com

At the same time, the very first Haute Horlogerie model featuring a worldtime indication was introduced; the beautiful ref. 99350 "WW.TC Tourbillon", which some regard one of the most outstanding applications of GP?s famous Tourbillon under Three Gold Bridges:



ref. 99350 "WW.TC Tourbillon"
Case diameter 43.00 mm
Case height 13.15 mm



Movement GP 098G0, worldtime/Three Gold Bridges Tourbillon
pictures courtesy of www.girard-perregaux.com

Today i?m happy to share preview impressions of the latest addition to the range of GP?s worldtimers:

The WW.TC Perpetual Calendar
reference 90280





As you see, the "WW.TC Perpetual Calendar" integrates GP?s wildly successfull worldtimer with a not less useful and stunning complication; ref. 90280 indicates the world time, but also the full calendar and the moon phases.
This all is achieved in a case of 12.3mm height, which is a thin watch for a piece with rotable inner bezel and a calendar complication added. Add the slightly reduced diameter and you get the idea: this is a classic watch in a very wearable and comfortable size that will be a perfect fit in any occasion.
Doing so of course requires a thin movement and in this regard, GP?s manufacture-made caliber GP3300 made for a great and well-tested base.

But these are not the only new features.
You might have noticed the slightly different bezel and the different crowns, which emphasize a more sleek and slender appearance than the chronograph counterparts. A new feature for the ref. 90280 is the completely new inner bezel for the world time indication, which (as you probably know well) makes use of two rotating cams. Unlike earlier models, these cams/discs are thinner and result in a much reduced "gap" between the dial surface and the discs; to me it?s a great improvement that makes for a most elegant look.
A closer view may reveal:





Personally i find this most beautiful and a lovely detail.

The ref. 90280 comes with a croc leather strap and a folding clasp of the same material as the case. And it would not be a GP if there wouldn?t be a nice variety to choose from; available case/dial combinations will be

- white gold/white dial
- white gold/grey dial
- rose gold/white dial
- rose gold/grey dial.

You will see right below this makes for a nice variety and probably a tough choice

The WW.TC Perpetual Calendar is scheduled to be available immediately after the SIHH fair in early April. It?s a genuine Haute Horlogerie watch by GP and the price is to be expected accordingly, in the region of 63,000 Swiss Francs.
But what a stunner it is

Hang in there for some high-res impressions in individual posts!
And please don?t hold back your thoughts and impressions!


With sincere thanks to "you know",

greetings from germany,

Peter