Girard Perregaux

Friends,

It is my great pleasure to present to you the third part of this “Vintage GP journey, Summer Edition”.

For those of you who don’t know the reference GP 8846 N, the number refers to the first generation of Girard-Perregaux Olimpico chronograph.

According to my contact at the Manufacture, the idea for the Olimpico chronograph came from one of the GP Agents in Mexico at that time, Guido de Angelis, who saw an opportunity to sell more watches during the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.

From a watch perspective the 1968 Olympic Games was a very interesting game. This was the first time in the Olympic Games history that an electronic timekeeping was officially used!

The official timekeeper of the Olympic Games was Omega, but that didn’t stop others to use the Olympic Games from a promotional perspective.

A lot of research and development in the timekeeping area was introduced during the Mexico Games. For the first time “touch pads” was used to time swimmers, the “Swim Eight-O-Matic” timer.

As mentioned the Girard-Perregaux Olimpico series started with the Mexico Olympic Game. After that several Olimpico references has been released. Some speculations on the internet claims that the Olimpico already was introduced in the 1950’s, but I have to decline these speculations based on the information received directly from the Manufacture.

I have no information on when GP stopped the Olimpico series for the first time but I do know there were no Olimpico watches released in 1980 and 1984.

Another missing information is exact which years GP released different Olimpico models. Some may have been release even in non-Olympic years… Will try to find out more.

In 1988 Girard-Perregaux re-launched the Olimpico series with the reference 4910 and followed up with the reference 1030 to the 1992 Olympic Games. The last Olimpico chronograph was released in 1996, the Laureato reference 8017. At that point Girard-Perregaux received a letter from the Olympic Committee saying that the name was protected and …

That was the end of the Olimpico chronograph series and I don’t think we can expect a rebirth.

So, back to this watch, the GP 8846 N, in 1968, 500 pieces were made of this reference. The price at that time was CHF 450.-

From what I understand there were two dial colors, one silver and one black. Sorry, I can’t show you any photo of the black version right now.

I find the silver version is just stunning!

Tachymetre, Base 200 scale in red and blue. Three sub-dials, 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12 hour counter at 6 o’clock and running second at 9. Chronograph central seconds.

Inside is the GP caliber 07-3, based on the Excelsior Park P40. A true work horse, Girard-Perregaux started to use the GP caliber 07-3 in 1966 and the last piece with that caliber was sold in 1976.

The case is very classic, short, slightly curved lugs, polished upper, brushed sides - sounds familiar?

Screw down case back.

The first generation Olimpico came in at least two references, here the reference 8862.

Notice the different pushers and the non-luminous hands and dial on the 8862.

The Olimpico also existed in three different metal versions: SS, Gold Plated 20 microns and 18K Gold.

On the wrist the 8846 is heavenly!

With a diameter of 37.5 – 38 mm it sits perfect on the wrist!

I have to confess that in the last few of month, this one has received a lot of wrist time. Who knew that a no-chrono guy like me could fall so completely in love with a chronograph…?

I fear what can of worms that this will open for me…

Friends, I hope you have enjoyed this part #1 of the GP Olimpico 8846!

This topic is so big and interesting that I will have to divide this post into a two parted series (minimum), hope you don’t mind. Even if I promised you a three parted summer menu, I guess no one will object that we prolong the summer and continue…?

 

 

Best

Blomman

This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-08-03 12:37:30

Firstly, congratulations on yet another GP into your collection. You move very very fast indeed. With this chronograph, you have not only a great piece of GP history but also a watch that is aesthetically beautiful and ....in stunning condition. I love those curved lugs by the way.....really nice.

LOL! Yes, maybe this time... But no speed Gonzales!


This one I have hold back for several month now....
Yes, a piece of the GP history!
Hopefully I will be able to uncover some more on this topic soon.

Thank you, my friend

Best
Blomman

another stunning GP from the late 60ties/early 70ties. Especially love the beautiful condition of the watch. You almost got me there, I'm already looking at some GPs from the era...ah nooooo, I have been blommanised.
CC

This is music to my ears!

Looking forward to see you entering the vintage stage, CC!
So many marvels to discover!

Thank you for this compliment!


Best
Blomman

..has been no surprise to me, any more ( what about the DSA-Chrono , hmm?);
Such nice balance of a classical, Vintage appearance !

Slowly but steadily, your "reservation" vs Chronos, becomes a piece of history,
meanwhile and days to come, I trustfully assume..


Best, hs

PS:
Next time we meet, pls bring it along, and let me have
a "look & play" in the real..

Honestly, I have a couple of more chronos hidden right now (yes, I will post soon)...

You are unstoppable now with the GP craze and we are the better for it. Your background history of each specimen is delightful to read and so very informative!

Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next episode.

cheers

fernando

Throw me a bone and I will chase it to the end of the World!

Top Class and housing a very nice movement.

And tis one seems to be in super  condition, too.

Bravo, my friend, and thanks for this very interesting post.

Nicolas

Thank you, my friend!

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and very nice post!  thanks my friend

Very happy to have found!

and very nice post!  thanks my friend

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Very beautiful!! Congratulations!!

Best

 

Alberto

So many marvels hidden when it comes to GP!

Of course I like also most of their current offerings, but when you look at vintage pieces, then you realize that there are so many amazing gems in GP's history!

Makes me wish I could chase them all!!

Best,

 

Alberto

Like me!

I can only dream of becoming a collector like you..!

Believe me when I say that life is easier if you don't....
To be like me and many other collectors is a constant pain!!


Best
Blomman

Do you first find catalogs and then match watches with them or vice versa

Some watches I get aware of by posts from other members, friends telling me, information found in books or on the Internet.

But some watches I get aware of by finding a document... Once I have the document, I have my shopping list!

 

Damjan, you asked me earlier if I became interested of GP before or after I become GP Moderator.

I am planning to write a post on the subject, but to give you a short answer here: to be able to move fast, you need to be prepared...

So yes, my interest for GP started long before my MOD role here.

Due to other surcomstances and involvment in other brands, no names, the MOD role was the ignition that made me act on my GP interest!

 

Thank you, my dear friend - next time we meet, Grappa on me!

 

Best

Blomman

I was into GP long ago you become mod

I will try to keep up the pace so that this place will become a lively and vibrent mecca for all GP freaks!

 

Best

Blomman

A most interesting piece and a history to match.  Thanks for the insights blomman!

It is a much greater pleasure to know the history of the watch you wear than not...!

 

Best

Blomman

.....I think I find the Olympico the most appealing.... and in this condition....compulsory.  ;