Girard Perregaux

Having been a watch fan for many years for some reason I have never found myself investigating any of the Girard Perregaux line up - this was until i noticed the GP 1966 Full Callendar.

I have read through the detailed review that is posted on this forum and it all confirms my initial view that this is a pukha watch that seems to tick all the boxes.

However, I have a few questions for forum members in relation to this watch. Specifically trying to further understand the quality and heritage of the GP3300 Caliber and also the history of the watch (ie is it an updated of an older model or is it a totally new model based on Robert Flemings description).

With regards to the brand itself - can it compare to the likes of Patek , Lange and Breguet? Whilst it seems to be a true Manufacturer (inhouse mechanisms etc) I do not understand why it doesn t attract all the attention that the likes of PP and Lange do? Are GP up there in terms of build quality, manufacturing technology, durability?

From my searches (wiki etc), it appears that GP is owned by one person rather than being part of a large group (LVMH, Richmont, Swatch etc), is GP the main brand of the Group and if so does the group supply other manufacturers with their mechanisms?

With regards to the GP3300 - does it include any non GP parts (Lemania / ETA etc..) or is it all purely in house?

I think its very good to see that GP make pieces from Palladium - something rather unique amongst the well know watch brands.

I have read a number of articles written by Nick Foulkes (GQ / Daily Mail etc) who seems to be a strong advocate of the watch and also claims to have persuaded Dottore Gino Macaluso to make it.

To me the new face lifted Patel 5396 looks almost identical but for nearly double the price - is this due to anything other than the brand? ie is the actual mechanism or watch likely to have cost more to manufacture?

With regards to price - whilst i wont go into the specifics a review of older watch publications reveals that this one was launched with a very very modest price but has since had two very very extreme price rises. The level of these price rises surprises me as they are substantially higher than those of the other major brands .

Apologies for the numerous questions - any assistance in enhancing my knowlegde of the brand and the specific watch would be greatly appreciated.

 

thanks in advance

Ben

Is anyone able to assist with this query please - any information on the brand and the 1966 Full Calander would be very useful

thanks

I am glad you are considering the 1966 Full Calendar as your next acquisition, as simply put, it is just a sublime watch.

As you very well noted in your post, Daos's superb review of the watch tackles some of the doubt you mention in your post, specially in regards to history of the watch and some technical aspects of the GP3300 caliber.

I am going to include the link once again, not only for easier reference for yourself, but for other people who might stumble upon this post, and as a result, develop a liking for the watch.

gp.watchprosite.com

Now, on to your questions.

Yes, the GP3300 caliber is made entirely in house, and it serves as the base caliber for several watches in the GP lineup. To this base caliber, GP then incorporates the chrono module, power reserve module, et al.

This particular watch is an evolution of the Classique 1966 line, which is a hommage to the 1966 Chronometer which won the Neuchatel Chronometric Trials, if memory serves me correctly, and which was launched in 2006 with the time and date version. The full calendar is just another evolution of the watch which now also includes a superb equation of time watch.

I normally avoid making comparisons with other brands as they all have merits and have the arguments to occupy the place in which they are. We all have our values and perceive things differently. With that in consideration I will say that GP is an honest watchmaker with a long heritage and history, which also turns out, is linked to the progress of La Chaux de Fonds.

In terms of quality and technology they utilize, and innovations they produce, they are top notch. I am including three links below these lines that will take you to a review I made last year when I had the opportunity to visit the Manufacture. I am sure they will help you a lot in being drawned even more into the allure and charm of Girard Perregaux.

gp.watchprosite.com

gp.watchprosite.com

gp.watchprosite.com

 

And, finally, you ask if they supply their movements to other brands? Indeed they do, and you might be surprised to whom they supply, one being Patek Philippe (for their quartz watches, I believe). Cartier, MB&F, Gerald Genta are also among the brands who rely on GP for the base movements in some of their watches.

 

I hope this info helps and please keep us posted on what you decide in the end.

Kind regards,

Alex

Welcome to the GP forum.  I'm glad you have found us and the GP 1966 Full Calendar has caught your eye.  IMO, it is a great watch, with a timeless appeal, and works equally well dressed up or down.  Alex has posted a response for you that contains some great information, so I hope you have an opportunity to peruse his post.  The watch you inquired about is inspired by vintage GP models from the 60s, but is fresh and contemporary in its 40mm case.  The pink gold version is lovely and warm, while the palladium (my favorite metal) is icy, and just brilliant.

GP is a great Manufacture, and part of Sowind Group, S.A.  Sowind Group also owns Jean Richard, and crafts bracelets and cases via their subsidiary Ateliers Bautte; manufactures movements through their Sowind Manufacture.  I'm no GP expert, but there are certainly other subsidiaries of the company.  

I don't really care to compare GP with other brands, as they all have their merits, and touch us in different ways.  Every watch aficionado values different things, and I would be proud to own and wear a GP because I think their watches are well-made, nicely finished, and have a wonderful air of elegance about them.  I particularly value the understated beauty of their 1966 Collection.

Cheers,

Daos

 

Thanks guys - I will be sure to read through the links when i have some time.

I am in the process of completing an acquisition of a PP and will then focus my attention to a GP '66 once my finances permit.

I will be sure to keep you posted.

...and I look forward to seeing photos on the Patek forum or in our Friday wristscans!

Cheers,

Daos

Hi Ben,

  Alex and Daos have given you very nice backgrounds on the history, the movement, and the design of the watch.

   Regarding your curiosity for the value of the 1966 and of GP in general, I can say that the compared to some other brands, GP offers a good value. The craftmanship and finishing are superb and on par with some of the very best in the industry, the movement is genuinely in-house and nicely finished. I love the 1966 for what it is and for the quality. If it had a "Patek" logo on it, the price would've doubled.

  Best of luck with your purchase decision.

Jon