Thanks for the write up

Oct 16, 2015,06:37 AM
 

Blomman, quality review as always. I feel that this is an appealing and versatile iteration. Sans the "automatic" like you, I reckon this is a bit of a winner.

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Review of the Girard-Perregaux Novelty 2015: GP 1966 in Steel

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-00:06
Friends, We have been discussing this a lot here in the forum and now it is finally here: a Girard-Perregaux 1966 in Steel! I know we are many here that prefer white metal cases. Yes, the GP 1966 is available in White Gold, but that will drive the price p...  

Looks quite nice.

 
 By: dr.kol : October 15th, 2015-00:16
I have two issues with this watch: - Like you said, the text "Automatic". Who needs it? - The base movement 3300 is quite small and "boring". I find the small amount of base movements a real handicap of GP. The watch comes to the hot "medium category". Th... 

The GP 03300 is a good movement...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-08:57
Is it an exciting movement? Maybe not. But how many brands offer a really exciting movement in their entry level watches? Best Blomman

Correct.

 
 By: dr.kol : October 15th, 2015-23:30
I did not say that there would be anything wrong with the movement. My point was that with 3300 the watch is one among many others in the high medium range category. Best, Kari

Point taken, Kari! [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 16th, 2015-00:16

In fact I just

 
 By: dr.kol : October 18th, 2015-00:08
noted something. It wasn't a real point. Mvh, Kari

:) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 18th, 2015-01:06

:) [nt]

 
 By: dr.kol : October 18th, 2015-04:06

Thinner bezel, 40 mm case and steel are a good move.

 
 By: amanico : October 15th, 2015-00:39
Now, The date is futile in that watch, as well as the wording. I agree with you on the heated blue hands. It would have been great to see them. I am waiting for dateless iterations. Best, Nicolas

Here I don't mind the date

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-09:02
I don't find it disturbing the rest of the dial, especially with matching date wheel color! But I am not allergic as you! Best Blomman

What about the target for this watch?

 
 By: heartbreaker : October 15th, 2015-02:22
Thank you for the in-depth presentation. You've defined this watch "a winner". If I've understood correctly, it should be "a winner", commercially speaking. If so, I've a question for you: what about the target for this new release? You really find it irr... 

Re: target

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-09:57
Dear Elio, We all know that GP is capable of much more than this! Just look at some of the other novelties of this year: Minute Repeater with Golden Bridges Vintage 1945 Three Golden Bridges Anniversary Neo-Tourbillon Ti/DLC Tri-Axial Tourbillon in White ... 

I confess ......

 
 By: colinwillsher : October 15th, 2015-02:23
to being increasingly attracted to the ( some say ) simplicity of the basic style of the thin 3 hand watch with a narrow bezel, For me the date can be useful, but I agree that the automatic designation is not needed. I have other, larger, heavier, more co... 

Taste evolve...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-10:10
through time we all go through different phases in life and also in watches! Not long ago I was a no chronograph guy.... Now I am trying to put together a Olimpico chronograph theme! If downsizing to only one watch... The GP 1966 is not a bad choice! Best... 

Aside from one line of text...

 
 By: rnaden : October 15th, 2015-02:37
...the word "automatic", I like this entire package. Steel and at a 40mm size makes this go near the top of my shopping list for next year. There is little not to like - an honest, well made watch, and very much within my taste and requirements. Thanks fo... 

Good to hear, Richard! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-10:12
Yes, this GP 1966 would compliment your Vintage 1945 perfectly! Best Blomman

This makes 3

 
 By: rnaden : October 15th, 2015-17:41
And it is hard to make a choice of one at a time The other two being the 1945XXL time only with the blue dial, and the 1945 small seconds and date in grey. Decisions, decisions

Sweet dilemma! ;) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 16th, 2015-00:41

Very nice write-up, Blomman.

 
 By: crown comfort : October 15th, 2015-03:15
We share the same thoughts on this one. Love the various side-by-side photos, they really put the new Steel 1966 into perspective. Best, CC

Thank you, CC!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-10:13
Yes, you already had the chance to see this one in the metal! Best Blomman

What shall one say ?.. Well, yes - a 3-hands piece, reduced & quite balanced.. The date here does not deterr me.. ;))

 
 By: hs111 : October 15th, 2015-06:01
+1 on questioning the necessity of "Automatic".. - on the other hand there would have been a pretty large blank space.. My problem here is, that this piece has a certain level of - sorry to say- lack of Excitement, some design twist ( eg.: such as blued h... 

Dear HS...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 15th, 2015-10:29
You are spoiled, my friend! You can't compare this three hand watch with a World Time - true second or not...! I think a common problem we have here in the forum is that we all look at so many watches each day and expect excitement and turn on's around ea... 

Points well taken, thx.. Still I also would assume the GP entry prices for the SS 1966 will be above JLCs Master Control series.. ;))

 
 By: hs111 : October 16th, 2015-01:53
Really something to consider for (younger) clientele, maybe (?). Again, a balanced piece; but that\'s about it, I\'m afraid , for humble me at least.. Thx again for sharing, Best, hs

There may be some whose taste will welcome...

 
 By: masterspiece : October 15th, 2015-10:48
the simple, nostalgic sophistication of this piece. It is a simple, classic design. Too simple? For some, perhaps. Could just a little more be done to give it a little more pizazz? Sure. All has been said above. As for the extraneous type, I never underst... 

Aloha Bob!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 16th, 2015-00:38
I think entry level clientele have a mix of arguments while searching for a new watch - A beautiful high quality watch at a price point which is inside of the budget. And I guess brand and price are part of this equation. Yes, many will go down the beaten... 

My first was not even any of those...

 
 By: masterspiece : October 16th, 2015-11:06
as an entry level. Knowing nothing about watches at the time, I opted for a $1800 Rado with ceramic bezel and bracelet. I loved it and still have it but hardly, if ever, wear it. I hope GP's strategy works but it will definitely depend on their target aud... 

Me too! :) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 17th, 2015-00:09

Thanks for the write up

 
 By: ongch : October 16th, 2015-06:37
Blomman, quality review as always. I feel that this is an appealing and versatile iteration. Sans the "automatic" like you, I reckon this is a bit of a winner.

Thank you for the compliment! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 17th, 2015-00:17
Yes, the Automatic feels a bit redundant here.... Best Blomman

Great review thanks Blomman!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : October 16th, 2015-20:40
Definitely a great move to have the 1966 in steel! Like you, I feel if the hands are in blued steel, it would have been a lot nicer Cheers Robin

Let's hope GP reads us here! ;)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 17th, 2015-00:18
Thank you, Robin for your input. Best Blomman

Thanks a lot for this excellent review Blomman. It leads to a great discussion...

 
 By: foversta : October 18th, 2015-12:24
... not about the watch by itself but about the strategy from GP. And I think it is a right move for two main reasons: - the price (below 8.000 euros here in France) - the aesthetic changes To be frank with you, I find this SS version much more exciting t... 

Yes, I have to agree with you....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : October 19th, 2015-13:18
It is a good start but maybe not enough. But let's hope GP follow this path to compete with some of the other big brands in this category. As for the design - I am torn... I love the simplicity of the gold versions! But in the same time I think that by ad...