Girard-Perregaux 1966 Blue Dial Chronograph
THIS YEAR, TO CELEBRATE ITS 220TH ANNIVERSARY, THE GIRARD-PERREGAUX MANUFACTURE HAS ADDED AN ELEGANT TOUCH OF BLUE TO THE WHITE GOLD CHRONOGRAPH IN ITS GIRARD-PERREGAUX 1966 COLLECTION. THIS CLASSIC WATCH CHARACTERISES THE TECHNICAL AND STYLISTIC EXPERTISE OF A BRAND FOREVER IN PURSUIT OF PERFECTION.
GIRARD-PERREGAUX 1966
BLUE DIAL CHRONOGRAPH
In 1966, Girard-Perregaux received the Centenary Prize from the Neuchâtel Observatory in recognition of its research in the field of precision. The Girard-Perregaux 1966 collection pays tribute to this spirit of innovation, and has become an icon of the Brand.
The clean lines of this model belie a sophisticated design and production process. Conceived in the Brand's workshops, the case and its lugs are designed for perfect comfort on the wrist and painstakingly finished to reveal the exquisite lustre of the white gold. The sunray brushed intense blue dial illuminates the applied numerals while the snailed engraved counters offer excellent readability.
Girard-Perregaux opted for a column wheel chronograph with a 30-minute counter and a central second hand. A tachymeter scale reinforces the character of the model. The complexity of the movement can be admired through the transparent case-back. Comprising 338 components, this assiduously finished calibre was entirely developed and produced by the Manufacture.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
White gold case
Diameter: 40 mm
Crystal : antireflective sapphire
Case-back: sapphire
Water resistance: 30 metres
Girard-Perregaux GP030C0
Mechanical, automatic winding
Calibre: 10 ½ '''
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 38
Power reserve: 36 hours minimum
Functions: hours, minutes, small second, column wheel chronograph, tachymeter scale
Black alligator strap
Buckle: white gold ardillon
press release
Hommage ? :-(
Like said on another forum ...
I like GP and they have some very nice movements and watches
But this ?? This is bad
They really try to hard to use the succes of the Patek 5070. The first 1966 chrono looked like a 5070R, Now this white metal with a blue dial. come on, this is a 5070P
They could have used 50 different colors which would look good (beige, black, salmon., ...) But it had to be blue
I think can do better. They don't need to copy other succesfull watches
Not at all, IMO ...
Not the same case, different lugs, bezel, movement, no " eaten " numbers, much larger tachymeter scale, not the same dimension, nbor the same price...
AFAIK, the PP 5070, and its predecessor, weren't the only ones to use this aesthetic...
Would you say that Rolex copied the Fifty Fathoms when they released their Submariner?
That Cartier copied the JLC Uniplan with their Tank?
That Panerai copied Rolex with the Radiomir? 
That Bretiling copied the Omega Chrono for the RCAF?
...
Thought for thought.
Best, Bruno.
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-21 13:40:09Agree with all your points Nico, but have to admit, when I first saw this I thought 5070
The beveled bezel is certainly different, and the 'blue' color a different shade than the 5070P but certainly very similar...
Agree the 5070 wasn't the first to use that look, but right or wrong, that 'look' is now irrevocably tied to the 5070.
Regardless however, a very attractive watch at a much more reasonable price point.
At first look, yes, Eric.
That is the charm of these watches.
How are you, byt the way?
Long time no talk!
Best, my friend.
Nicolas.
Live picture has interesting blue color...
That blue color is nice, but not quite the "tealish" blue that is utilized in the Patek Philippe platinum WorldTime, the Nautilus models, and the famous 5070P.
Thanks for the picture Nicolas, I would be interested to see this watch in person someday.
Well, I would say that it is a nice watch as it is, yet, which could be sublimated ...
With a manual Rattrapante Chronograph?
And a movement which would be bigger in size...
I strongly believe that it has its won personality, with its flaws and qualities, which are much more than a PP copy, IMHO.
Best, Patrick.
Nicolas.
Very nice watch but
When it comes to GP, I would be more prudent in making no exception abouit auto movements.
What about a Tourbillon with 3 Gold Bridges?
Best,
Nicolas.
I like the dial
but it is not for me because of the mismatch of the case with the small movement (10 1/2!). That is a problem with the entire 1966 line for me.
Best
Andreas
You have a point, Andreas ...
And a strong one.
Wish it could be bigger, much bigger!
Best,
Nicolas.
I like it!
I'm normally not a huge fan of blue dial watches but I have to say this one strikes my fancy.
Nice color dial !
Best
SamEE
Clutch mechanism for 1966 chrono
Could anyone advise me whether the 1966 chrono is based on the vertical or horizontal clutch mechanism?
Thanks!
Dan
