Girard Perregaux

The Sea Hawk has been in the GP catalogue for a long time. From being a small classic watch to the modern Sea Hawk model that has a very strong character.

It is big (44mm) and deep (17,80mm) with a very modern look.

Hard to really understand and appreciate in computer renderings or photos… But, once you see it live, you will start to appreciate it more!

Me, I am no big fan of very big watches or black cases… So you can understand I was a bit skeptical at first.

Then I got to see this “all black” version in real, my mind started to soften.

Despite its volume it is not a very heavy watch; the ceramic case helps of course.

What might be difficult to realize from pics is how complex the case really is, layer by layer with different angles and details.

Makes me think of a Stealth fighter …!

The slightly doomed crystal gives a magnifying effect on the dial.

Three dimensional dial - Another detail that is hard to see from pics. Big applied index, minute track is more on the inside of the case than on the dial.

Even the pattern on the dial is in 3D!

A somewhat nontraditional dial layout; Date between 1 and 2, Power reserve (46h) at six and Sub second between 10 and 11.

Inside is the automatic caliber 11 ½ ’’’, 28800 vph.

Very coherent with its black rubber strap and ceramic covered PVD titanium buckle.

Slightly doomed crystal.

3D dial.

 

Easy to read.

Crown at four which makes it very comfortable to wear.

Yes, it is a big watch – but I must say it is very cool big watch!

Best

Blomman

This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-03-15 14:56:24

As a mix of the Evo, the RD 01 and the Laureato, I didn't like the Sea Haw, on pictures. I found it too big, too thick, and was not convinced at all.

Seeing it in the real made me change my feelings.

Not my favourite Watch from GP, but much cooler in the real.

A good alternative for those who want to go off the beaten paths of the Royal Oak Off Shores, or other big watches.

The shape of the case, its unsual angular look, pleases me a lot.

As well as the dial, the pattern, the Reserve de Marche which is not a bad idea for such a toolwatch ( imagine you are diving, and that your Watch doesn't have enough power reserve during your dive and stops... ), the big and legible hands.

Not a bad idea, either, to rationalize the collection, and to avoid offering watches which were maybe too close ( Evo, Laureato and RD 01 ).

Cool article, Blomman!

Here a picture ( or tow )  of the white dialed one.

 

Best, Mr Moderator!

Nicolas

I think we agree on this one...

This steel/white dial Ref 49960 is a great alternative for the "all black".

Personally I prefer this case before the ceramic, might be due to I am a very traditional guy...!

I also think the organge minute hand adds an extra coolness to this version.

Best

Blomman

And on the wrist, a pleasant surprise. Cool.

I thikn we'll have big fun discussing GP watches!

Best!

Nico

This is just the beginning...

Soon all the Basel novelties will come!

Best

Blomman

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Crown at 4 means that the whole case is drooping down. Not a very positive watch at all.  Asian culture would prefer pointing up to heaven. I understand that crown at 4 might be comfortable, but the same goes for crown at 2.

Dean

GP didn't really take cultre differances into calculation when they choose the crown position.

I agree that crown at 2 would make a "happier" profile.

But, to be fair - I think GP made the right choice here to go for function first.

Crown at 4 is much easier to operate if you wear the watch on your left wrist, which most people do. 

If you wear it on your right, I guess crown at 2 or 4 doesn't really matter - difficult to operate either way...

Dean, I think your point is valid: a Manufacturer have to consider different cultures and traditions to be successful globally!

Sad/happy profile, lucky/unlucky nombers...

Thank you for your input.

Best

Blomman

but I must be honest and tell you that I

From a design perspective - I agree, the design is not for everybody.

After seeing this one in the "ceramic" and discussed with the technical team - from a technical perspective this is not a weak watch!

On the contrary!

Best, my friend

Blomman 

reminds me a little the AP RO, interesting. Although not really a watch I would wear, I can imagine it been very practical and useful for a professional diver. Very legible and the crown at 4-5 is an astute design for the purpose.

Cheers

Francois from Down Under

I guess that the Genta legacy are strongly rooted in our minds...

Any octagon shaped case will bring your mind towards the RO.

But if you look closer you will see two very different watches.

Thank you for your comments, Francois!

Best

Blomman

created in the mid 70s and a lot of watches, even not designed by Genta shared a lot of these aesthetic trends like the octogonal case/bezel.

Fx

My point was more that most of us watch nuts can't see a octagon shape without thinking of Genta...


Best
Blomman

Sure it has a powerful design and it remains a successful black style watch. But I find it a too bulky, especially when it comes to its height.

Thanks for the review!

Fx

But I must say that I saw another version, not all black that made me fall for it....


Best
Blomman