Girard Perregaux

For some years I have been reading posts on this forum, though never posted myself. My interest in Girard-Perregaux goes back some years. Initially ignited by an ad in Robb Report (June 1998) featuring a Traveller II, although, back then, I thought it was one of the ugliest watches ever produced. Four years later, apparently having developed a more grown up sense of style, I flipped through the same magazine. This time, the Traveller II had put on the face of an eccentric, extremely appealing timepiece. And a short time thereafter, I was the lucky owner of No. 635. After some years of everyday wear and –pleasure, it was time for service. At that time, my AD did not do the servicing locally, but had it send to Germany. On its way, the envelope was incised, the watch snatched and the envelope nicely taped. My AD was indeed very professional as he would substitute the stolen watch without any kind of arguement. When being presented with the fact that I had to find a GP timepiece as compensation for the stolen one, just short of one hundered hours was spent on Your forum and other websites. Bottom line, I wanted the big date, arabic numerals and preferably (on Peters advice) a Vintage 1945 case. It all added up to the ref. 25800, king size, big date, moon phase. Reading the wonderful in-deapth review of cal 3300 with large date by ThomasM 2003, just nailed my choice. Though, as my AD did not have this model in at the moment, but offered me the 25805 with black dial and Breguet numerals (limited ed /250) instead, I became the proud owner of the latter. As my AD did not stock the original, honey-brown, clasped strap, I got a black spare until the original one arrives (hence the strap on the pictures).

Ok, sorry for bothering You with my GP story. What I really wanted to post is my experience with ref. 25805 as an everyday wearer. I always have to spend some time ”breaking the watch in”,- e.g. getting used to the feel on my wrist and the different sounds from the caliber. Now, after having had it for 3 months, I feel it has become part of me and that I have the basis for sharing some impressions. At first I thought the dial was a bit crowded and busy and the Breguet numerals a bit to classical, compared with the 25800. But these things have really grown on me, and I now appreciate the wonderfully executed numerals as one of the top details of this watch. Only one thing I haven’t got to cope 100% with yet,- the painted white GP-logo and the frame of the large date. As for the date, it is absolutely wonderful. Nothing more to say. The case is even more impressive than expected. In particular, I fancy the machined sunken crystal back, the case-curvature and the wonderful double-curvature sapphire.

The caliber 3300 functions seemlessly, keeping time very good indeed. And it is a stunning view. All other aspects caliber-wise are out of my competence and available in the before mentioned in-deapth review by ThomasM. As a sum up, I really have got to appreciate this wonderful timepiece, and it certainly beholds the quality of getting more impressive as time goes by. Understated and thoughtfully executed. Since buying the Traveller II, and every day thereafter, the ritual of checking what time it is has become something more. A treat for myself, a feast for the eye. Reminding me, through the skillful work of the GP watchmakers, of what standard my work should maintain. Thanks for reading. V.

I fully understand your enthusiasm for this piece, Vsellensen .

How can we resist to this curved shaped case, the curved crystal, the superb dial???

Although I'm more found of the smaller case, I have to admit that yours is a sublime watch.

What a post!

Wouldn't end my answer without welcoming you, and looking forward to hear more from you.

Best,

Nicolas

Very nice watch. In your review you mentioned "the wonderful in-deapth review of cal 3300 with large date by ThomasM". Could you give the link? Thanks.

Zdenek

Hi

I think the OP meant this review

Best Regards