Girard Perregaux

There are two types of watches in my possession : ones that I have planned, saved and lusted for and those that I was attracted to at first sight and became a spontaneous acquisition.

This one belongs to the latter category and I know quite well the dangers of these impulsive buys as sometimes the excitement fizzles and you then ask yourself ….why?

However, there are times when I feel a quick decision has paid off; when I have grown to appreciate and cherish the ownership of such pieces. Usually, they are relatively inexpensive, so it's more or less a spur of the moment thing, which does not involve making an appointment with my bank manager. An expensive watch doesn't necessarily mean it's a good watch and vice versa. However, most times you get what you pay for, even if it is just the perception.

Here's one that popped up on my radar screen ( or more appropriately on the CM screen ) recently - a GP classic chrono. There's something about the dial that immediately drew my attention: no date, no superfluous writing, no truncated indices or dials, blued feuille hands and touches of red on certain numerals. As tri-compax chronograph dial goes, this looks very clean and beautiful to me. The case is the typical GP classic style with the brushed curved sides incorporating the lugs and a slightly domed crystal. The mushroom pushers and the sizeable crown adds to the overall look.

There wasn't much information about the watch to begin with, as it's not a regular production model but further investigation revealed it to be a commissioned watch by a car manufacturer for its long serving employees. Some have obviously come on to the market, for whatever reasons.

I have no problem with that, as long as it's authentic and if I ever get mistaken for one of their employees, so be it.

I wasn't able to find any information about the movement either but I suspect it to be ETA. I have to say the chronograph function and time keeping performs way above my expectations. No stutter, no jumping hands, returns precisely to start and winds very smoothly.

I do appreciate haute horlogerie but sometimes it's watches like this that make my day!

I want to emphasise that this is just my own personal view of timepieces in general and sharing other viewpoints and opinions here are most welcome.

Enough said, on to the pics.

 

 

Thanks for looking and a great week-end to all!

Best

Fernando

 

Parts, just because they are cool. And this one in undisputably cool!

Gorgeous dial and very nice case.

And yes, it doesn't house the in house modular chrono movement.

Best,

Nicolas

You're a genius! I should have checked with you first regarding the movement instead of blindly searching over the internet.

Best

fernando

excellent buy, I also love the dial design, never mind that Ref 4948 is a FIAT edition and does not have the inhouse movement. Neither is visible when it is on the wrist. Nice combo with the brown strap. These are really good value for money and I totally agree that some of those rare finds that don't have to cost a fortune but hit all the buttons to make one happy are the best finds of a collector. I'm eyeing two possible GP acquisitions in the same category right now, hopefully I can report on them soon.

Yes, there's really no good reason to look at the back.

Looking forward to seeing the new one(s).

Best

fernando

from an important house in horology. What's not to like? Excellent score, Fernando!

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Without being a fundamentalist.

I'm hooked on chronographs and, of course, chronograph movements.

I had a time where everything must be "in house" until I learned that even the "in house" manufacturers sources parts (balance, springs etc.) from others.

Enjoy your beautiful GP. Gorgeous dial, absolute perfect hands.

Cheers,

Nilo

and these ones with the reliable workhorse movements requiring little or low maintenance.

Thanks Nilo.

Best

fernando

Very understated manufacture

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Winner! 

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these GP case a absolutely beautiful and so comfortable, this dial and the blued feuilles hands makes it irresistible. Oh and I very much agree your introduction

Cheers

Francois from Down Under

 

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I also own this watch, the finishing to the case and numbers/indices on the watch is top notch. One thing that I was disappointed by were the blue hands. From what I can tell they are not blued steel, they look plastic to me.

Enjoy it anyway. Look forward to reading more from you!

cheers

fernando

I see what you mean. Both the hour and minute hand have a glossy finish with lighter edges around the perimeter mainly due to lighting. If you look at the tip of the hands especially the seconds hand it doesn't look like plastic. There isn't one area even under strong light where you can actually see right through the hands.

GP has many models using the same type of hands and I would be surprised if they specially made plastic ones for this model, unless they are all made of plastic, which I doubt.

Cheers

fernando

I have checked this watch with my watchmaker, the movement & the dial, everything is perfect. Hard to believe for this price indeed! The hands are in steel. I have seen them on an other very precious GP...

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Love the color combination of the blue hands, dial, and polished case and chrono pushers.  Simply elegant!

Is this specific model a current production piece?  I don't see it on GP's website.

Cheers,
Anthony

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-12-09 18:24:00

Made for Fiat for 30 anniversary in 2011 I believe.

cheers

fernando

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