By Jovan Krstevski
For this write-up episode, let’s celebrate a legendary watchmaker’s success for continuously giving us perfect timepieces. So without further ado, let’s all wish Girard-Perregaux a happy 225th anniversary. For this celebration all of us horology fans have something to binge on – in the form of a beautiful tribute to the brand’s Gyromatic watches from the 1960s. During this period, self-winding was the norm for watches and of course, the GP 1957 Gyromatic watch sports stylistic tributes to the early models featuring the technical solution by Girard-Perregaux that greatly improved automatic winding efficiency. We are talking about simple yet classically styled watch that Girard-Perregaux is known for. Certainly, the GP 1957 Gyromatic watch is a cool celebratory treat.
What’s this technical solution you say? The Girard-Perregaux’s Gyromatic system substituted roller-equipped unidirectional clutches for ratchet wheels. This reduces the idle travel of the oscillating weight thereby increases its efficiency. The 1957 included on the watch title for the 2016 model commemorates the year that this technology was first incorporated into a movement. Well, I’m not so worried about the years present on the watch since 1791 pretty much stands out on the dial tracing the company’s roots way back in the 19th century. Who cares, the watch is lovely and with all due respect, GP knows what they’re doing with their production names.
If you can take a look at the classic Gyromatic watch from the ‘60s you will notice some changes which is very good in my opinion. ‘60s kind of old to be honest so I prefer the 2016’s design especially on the case that is a couple of mm bigger at 40mm. This thinness is an attribute of the Gyromatic system that yields compact solutions. Plus the case sports 30-meter water resistance with polished and brushed finish on the sides. The crown also appears bigger but the finish of the lugs and the case body are what really stands out from the previous model, just wow. The bezel looks bigger too all the while preserving the real classy appeal of the older model.
Now for the dial, what more can I say, I love it. This GP watch sports the traditional three-hand layout with a basic black-on-white date wheel at 3 o’clock. This is simplicity at its best folks. This is so familiar to any of us so yeah, I like it. The finishing textures really brings nostalgia too which is what the design is intended for. Plus the raised crystal looks great and it’s pretty much a modern sapphire. I also like the retro appeal of the gold dial against the silvery hands.
What powers the Girard-Perregaux 1957 Gyromatic is the in-house GP03300–0130 automatic movement. It is made of 218 parts beating at a standard 4Hz with 46 hours of power reserve. It sports the Geneva stripes and circular graining on its main plate and rotor that can partly be seen through the exhibition caseback. It goes on a lovely black alligator strap with stitches. For more info, please visit girard-perregaux.com
