By Osheen Arakelian
For the first time in Girard Perregaux’s illustrious history, the mechanical heartbeart of the Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 will be on display through the use of an amazing curved sapphire crystal dial. What this does is offer the wearer and amazing glimpse into the various movements and mechanical intricacies of a luxury mechanical wristwatch. The gears, display disks, screws, levers and wheels are all completely visible and transform the watch into a beautiful spectacle.
The fascinating and probably most wonderful thing about the transparent dial is the depth and spaces that are intermingled creating a coordinated display of transparent structures. The dial both reveals the watch mechanism and also showcases the hour markers and Arabic numeral appliques that provide clear and rapid reading of the indications.
The case design is also a thing of beauty with the art-deco styling contrasting nicely with the mechanical workings going on inside. It resembles the iconic Girard-Perregaux classic timepieces presented in the past with its square case and sleek lines making it very enjoyable on the eyes.
The movement itself is the GP 03300-0105/0062 calibre automatic movement manufactured to fit exactly within the confines of the case, which is highly unusual for watches with such distinctive case shapes. The various features of the movement include a large jumping date function at 12 o’clock, displayed by a tandem of two adjacent disks. Also included on the dial is a beautiful moon-phase indicator at 6 o’clock providing both visual balance and adding a touch of colour to the overall look of the dial. Operating on the same axis is the small seconds hand, which functions discreetly between the two moon phase symbols that appear to alternate on the micro-dial.
The Gigard Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date and Moon Phase is a beautiful and innovative timepiece that’s available in either stainless steel or pink gold versions. For more info, please visit girard-perregaux.com
Dimensions: 36.10 x 35.25 mm
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
Dial: Smoked sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal, secured by 4 screws
Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0105/0062 movement
Automatic mechanical movement
Diameter: 25.60 mm (11 1/2 ’’’)
Frequency: 28,800 vph – (4 Hz)
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Jewels: 32
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, large date, indicator for moon phases
Black alligator strap
Reference: 25882-11-223-BB6B (Steel case)
Reference: 25882-52-222-BB6B (Pink gold case)
Osheen Arakelian – Contributing Editor
Drawing on a lifelong love of horology and a more recent introduction to appreciation of fine whisky, Osheen brought the two together with watch & whisky. He is proprietor of the site, which covers everything related to watches and whisky. In between completing a degree in commercial law and supporting a rich social life, he is out and about attending all the latest watch and whisky events Sydney has to offer. His passion has also taken him around Australia attending a number of events and he hopes to continue his career in the watch industry on a more serious level after he graduates. Read his articles here.
