Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Watch Collection

Published by Pierre-Paul Godts

 

 

Vintage 1945 XXL large date, Moon-Phases and Vintage 1945 XXL Chronograph

New faces, new bracelets: the XXL Collection branches out

These are watches with a mechanism to measure time, and a design that goes way beyond mere mechanical measurement. The Vintage 1945 XXL Collection combines proven techniques with uncluttered aesthetics to give its time indications their maximum impact. These two new models carved in steel, one with its large date and moon-phases indicator, the other with its chronograph function, are thus added to a watch line that has succeeded in imposing its own style right from the first.

An iron fist in a velvet glove: the aesthetic approach adopted by the new Vintage 1945 XXL models makes for a look that is rich in contrasts. The charcoal-gray color of the spherical dial is softened by a vertically-applied satin finish, while the steel bracelet has a very contemporary look to it, with its stylish links showcased by an alternating polished and satin finish. The bracelet can be made longer by a folding triple steel clasp equipped with a security catch. The velvet surface of the dial is highlighted by the discreet relief of the applied Breguet numerals and also of the counters, whose fitted circles and azure decorative features attract the light.

The Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases model indicates, as well as the hours and minutes, the date and lunar quarters also. Situated on opposite sides of the dial at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock respectively, the large date fixes the framework for the phases of the moon. Nothing else is added: here time is expressed in the purest classic watchmaking tradition. The large date is displayed by means of two extremely thin disks, one for the tens, and the other for the units. The date change takes place instantly, in one ten-thousandth of a second.

The Vintage 1945 XXL Chronograph model follows the same line. The uncluttered aesthetic approach so typical of this collection is well represented here by the two chronograph counters facing each other. Their hands match that of the central sweep seconds with their rhodium-plated brass, while the hours and minute hands keep their usual Dauphine faceted form.

Carved out of steel, the Collection’s characteristic rectangular case is beautifully ergonomic, despite its generous proportions. Cambered in both directions, it perfectly matches the wrist’s contours so that its presence is barely noticed. Its finishes capture the light all the better to reflect it, detailing in relief and clearly communicating the information shown on the similarly spherical dial. If harmony is a feature of all the finest creations, here is a prime example. Its straight lines and curves perfectly complement one another to pay a vibrant tribute to the aesthetic heritage of the early 20th century. The spirit of a period rich in creativity here reaches its fullest expression. The decorative arts, which have become a trademark feature for Girard-Perregaux, endow the Vintage 1945 Collection with an enduring legitimacy.

These two new Girard-Perregaux timepieces beat to the rhythm of the GP03300 caliber, the delicate workmanship of which can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. Entirely designed, manufactured and assembled in the firm’s workshops at La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, the automatic mechanical movement is decorated in keeping with the time-honored requirements of watchmaking tradition.