Girard Perregaux - Vintage GP: The Prologue

Vintage GP: The Prologue – GP 9076C

Apr 09, 2014,13:45 PM

So, I promissed you that I would start talking about vintage GP here...

But, before I go in to detail about this perticular watch I would like to introduce you to my way of collecting...

For those of you that has not read my posts about vintage watches over at the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum should know that I LOVE vintage watches and basically everything about them!

Everything from the actuall watch, catalogue, ads and documentations. Boxes, buckles, original staps....

I collect “broad“... bits and pieces here and there... I don’t get beaten down if I don’t find a specific watch or part straight away. To me, stamina is a key word when it comes to vinatge watch collecting.

Some watches I found ten years ago but I didn’t find the missing part until yesterday, and in some cases I still haven’t found it yet. But it doesn’t matter because I know that one day I will be able to find the missing piece of the puzzle and will be able to put them together to something beautiful!

Within this “chaos“ of multiple collecting themes going on at the same time I try to stay organised, so I always follow the same routine.

I set the table.

Come into the right mood...

I remove the bracelet and clean the watch.

I go through my drawers to see if I can find some goodies.

OK, let’s examin the bracelet – signed buckle. As you can see, the bracelet is very well made, smooth and a bit flexibal.

Also signed on the inside.

OK, so which watch are we talking about here?

Well, I already told you in the title: Reference 9076 C also called Deep Diver.

This is a watch that facinates and intruges me... At first glance it looks very much the same as any other 70’s divers watch.

Big rotating bezel, bulky c-shaped case, baton hands, date...

But if you look closer you will notice this watch is much more solid built.

The multi layer case and three dimentional dial may remind you of something you have seen more recently...?

Single directional bezel, still distict and firm in the “ticks“ after almost 40 years, signed screwdown crown. Hard to see in this pic, but the reference is stamped between the lugs.

Screwdown case back. Case size 39 x 45 mm, lugs 20 mm. Mineral glass crystal.

The Deep Diver came in several different models, here is an ad of an earlier reference.

Both for men and ladies.

The Ref 9076 came originally both on bracelet, CHF 365.

And Tropical rubber strap, CHF 350.

In 1976, 1000 of the Ref 9076B and 500 of the Ref 9076C was made. I still haven’t figured out the differance between B and C...

As I stated in the beginning of this post – this is a watch that facinates and intruges me...

Depending on the light the dial and bezel shifts from bluish green...

To greenish-black...

Inside is the Cal 42-2, Gyromatic, 21.600 vph, 25 jewels (base AS 1843) – sorry, but I have no photo at this point.

So, I am not in the mood for bracelet or Tropical... Time to “Blommonize” this watch!

Hm, black-greyish or brown-yellowish…? Let’s go with the black.

You may wonder what’s in the boxes…?

Too narrow…

Yup, this will do – not from the correct time period, but it will do for now.

Oh, yes!

Now we’re talking!

We are ready for some mood shots…

Dark mood…

Look at this green…! Argh..! The Hulk!

From steel…

To Blommonized…

I am totally in love!

I call this post ”The Prologue” because for me this is the beginning of what will become a new chapter in my life as a watch collector.

Hope you enjoyed this "new beginning"...

Best

Blomman

Comments: view entire thread

Excellent. The Deep Diver is in my wish list. Now, the question is which one.

By: amanico : April 9th, 2014-13:52

Yours is superb. The B, too, with its funkier look and its internal bezel. The an earlier one, like our mexican friend's one, Alex Sunrise, is my priority. Without date! :) Well, I think I have some place for two! :) Bravo, my friend. I have the feeling w...

I would definitely have room for...

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 9th, 2014-23:45

An early version, like Alex's! :) As for the 9076 B - no it is not the one shown to the left in the ad. That is Ref 9108, which again is completly different with the bezel on the inside... Which I of course also would have room for! ;) Thank you, Nicolas ...

Ah, ok, thanks for the correction. [nt]

By: amanico : April 10th, 2014-00:21

Stunning !

By: Spellbound : April 9th, 2014-15:50

What a fabulous post ! And a great catch in both the gorgeous watch and the vintage buckles. I do wonder that the watch would have looked better on the lighter strap. Now it is time for me to seek out a Deep Diver. Dean

I will have to try...

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-04:48

Thank you, Dean! :) I will try the other strap when I come home tonight... Best Blomman

OK, I tried...

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-11:51

What do you think..? :) Best Blomman ...

Fabulous

By: crown comfort : April 10th, 2014-00:24

What a fabulous report, thank you very much. While I must admit that 70ties or 80ties vintage watches are not my cup of tea, I absulotely adore the passion and detail, the tray, the dealer sign, the old ads, the various straps and buckles in tin cases...L...

Re: collector's passion ...

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-04:58

Hey CC, Yes, for me - collector's passion what's it all about! :) About 70's and 80's design - well, not for everybody... Me I was growing up during hte 70's, so for me 70's Funky design is nostagic! :) Thank you, my friend! Best Blomman

It is quite unbelievable

By: Ares501 - Mr Green : April 10th, 2014-02:22

a) that we didn't spoke more about this great watch b) you have all this goodies around c) you are not banned from PPro already :) You just cause to much pain :) :) I'm absolutely in love with this one! The green of a watch is just marvelous for me Piece ...

As for point C, I will see what is doable. ;) [nt]

By: amanico : April 10th, 2014-03:00

Hey, Hey! Remember - I have a button too...! ;) [nt]

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-04:59

Button...like in....

By: Ares501 - Mr Green : April 10th, 2014-07:56

lyrics around 2:03 ;) Best my dear friend D

Exactly like that, my friend! :) [nt]

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-11:21

A: The answer is...

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-05:04

I really don't know why because it really cool watches! B: But of course... You know me, dear friend - I have ALWAYS goodies arround... ;) C: I ask myself the same question every day...! Thank you, Damjan - hopefully I will be able to share more like this...

The Prologue...

By: AlexSunrise : April 10th, 2014-08:14

Better described as "Killing my fellow Purists slowly" LOL!!! Simply speechless, Blomman! What a beautiful and most charming diver! Envious but oh so happy for you! :-) Thanks for sharing and I cannot wait to continue to enjoy what you have in store for u...

LOL! "Killing my fellow Purists slowly"

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2014-11:27

Well, Alex... You have been "killing me" softly with your Deep Diver for a long time now...! :) Time for me repay the favour... ;) Thank you, my friend - yes, I think we will have a really good time here in the GP forum! Best Blomman

I see, that the Saga is on the rolling.. Liked the "strong boy" by GP.. It is..

By: hs111 : April 11th, 2014-22:22

.. also interesting how these divers, or toolwatches by different brands have their similaritie, especially in the 60 - 70ies, I find. Thus, your collection history repeats itself, though with a different twist, which is really nice to see ! Therefore, wi...

Yes, history repeats it self....

By: blomman Mr Blue : April 12th, 2014-02:56

We often only look at watches from one brand. But if you zoom out and look cross brands - you will see that since the beginning brands have always followed each other... In design, functions and complications... Just have a look at these 1950's ads from J...