By Jovan Krstevski
I’ve always been a big fan of elegant watches particularly the ones released by Girard-Perregaux. Personally, I think they have championed the art of making sophisticated watches and making them look like simple watches at first glance at least. Back in 2014, Girard-Perregaux released the first version of Traveller Large Date, Moon Phases & GMT targeting the jet lag junkies and those looking for sophistication on their watches.
The new Girard-Perregaux Traveller Large Date, Moon Phases & GMT features a transparent dial and a more accurate moon phase dial. Before we go to the details, let’s first assume you didn’t buy the first release in 2014. Aside from the transparent dial, nothing has changed drastically so if you already own one, chances are you’re going to get shocked by the transparent dial. Personally, I like the original version but then, we all have different preferences.
The new Girard-Perregaux timepiece comes either in sophisticated stainless steel or in classic pink gold. I have a strong inclination to choose the former since I love classy watches and cold steel not only reverberates manliness, but it just makes everything simpler especially for this kind of complicated watch. If you like colorful watches then go for the gold, it’s also elegant in its own way. For now, let’s go to the visible details and try to see if this watch indeed lives up the hype for the jet lag folks.
The strong character 44 mm case is a testament to Girard-Perregaux excellent engineering wisdom. It has subtle lines and retains the curvy lines common to sophisticated watches. You can see it on the lug design and the protruding crown. Fortunately, the bezel compliments the otherwise bland appeal giving a much-streamlined look for the satisfaction of people like me who like it clean and sharp. The crown is just perfect with a subtle pusher at the 4 o’clock.
The dial is where Girard-Perregaux made new innovations. A transparent dial is achieved by the juxtaposition of two disks integrated into the calibre. Why is it relevant? For horology fans, seeing is believing and being proud of what you’re wearing. The superimposed disks create an illusion of grandeur making you feel like you’re looking at your watch’s internal movement when in fact you’re just gazing at the transparent 0.10 mm Folanorm sheet. Nonetheless, it does make the watch incredibly informative and sort of international since it displays the earth’s grid lines. Branding is subtle and exquisite and can be found at the 9 and 12 o’clock. The central wide arrow tipped Super-Luminova coated hands are also exquisite in nature including the bevel applied markers.
Included in the dial is the great looking realistic Moon Phase between the 7 and 8 o’clock. You will find the circular satin-bushed ring encircling it as incredibly appealing. It features high accuracy by directly attaching the moon phase indication to the barrel. Just next to it is the second time zone in a sub-dial between the 4 and 5 o’clock. It signifies urgency by strategically merging the earth’s parallels into the sapphire crystal making it more inviting to the international travelers.
Behind the exhibition, case-back is an in-house automatic movement featuring an oscillating weight inspired by the shape of the Girard-Perregaux tourbillon bridge. For now, we know that it provides 46 hours of power reserve and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It is also water resistant up to 100 m. Of course, you get to wear it in a classy alligator skin strap. For more info, please visit girard-perregaux.com
JOVAN KRSTEVSKI – FOUNDER, PROPRIETOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Watch collector, aficionado and an Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ His passion jump started in his early teens when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches! Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. Read his articles here.
