SIHH 2012 Preview: 1966 Small Second (Ltd. edition celebrating 220 years of GP)

Nov 15, 2011,07:20 AM
 

Press Release

A worthy heir to the brand’s streamlined style, the Girard-Perregaux 1966 collection illustrates its craftsmanship by
creating great watchmaking classics. Remaining faithful to its philosophy of innovation yet conscious of its heritage,
with this model Girard-Perregaux pays homage to the style of its 19th century pocket watches.

Purity and classicism are combined in this timepiece. With its hand-grained finish, the dial lends a timeless character to this Girard-Perregaux 1966 Small second. The “Maison fondée en 1791” (Founded in 1791) signature recalls the origins of Girard-Perregaux, while the elegant painted numerals regulate the course of the blued-steel hands, punctuated by a railway minute track.

Harmonious symmetry and ideal readability: thedial responds perfectly to the demands of a puredesign. The small second centred at 9 o’clock andthe date in its aperture at 3 o’clock give perfect balance to the piece.

Simple forms and classic lines are the distinctive features of refined watchmaking. The profile highlights its slender silhouette and domed sapphire crystal. The beautifully crafted 38 mm round case has been meticulously calibrated at the Manufacture workshops for a comfortable fit on the wrist.




 




At the heart of this discreetly elegant creation lies a calibre manufactured with great finesse: the GP3300 calibre.

The slightly curved case-back is adorned with delicate engraving commemorating two important dates: In 1889,
Girard-Perregaux won the Gold Medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris for its pocket watch later known as “La
Esmeralda”, the most famous example of Tourbillon with three gold Bridges. In 1900, this technical masterpiece
with its highly original architecture was judged to be without equal. Thus Girard-Perregaux did not participate
in the contest and was nominated as member of the jury at the Universal Exhibition.

Produced in a numbered, limited edition of 100 pieces, the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Small second loudly proclaims
the noble heritage of its name.





 





TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Pink gold case
Diameter: 38.00 mm
Height: 8.59 mm
Sapphire crystal
Full curved engraved case-back
Water-resistance: 30 metres
Girard-Perregaux GP03300 movement
Mechanical with automatic winding
Calibre: 11 ½ ’’’
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations / hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 28
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, date, small seconds
Alligator strap with pink gold pin buckle
Reference: 49526-52-111-BK6A
Numbered, limited edition of 100 pieces


This message has been edited by dxboon on 2011-11-15 07:21:09

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Why, oooh why do the brands always want to put a date on their dial???

 
 By: amanico : November 15th, 2011-07:22
They will say that it is for the balance of the dial, but hey... Without, it would have been even better! Thanks for sharing. Best, Nicolas.

We must've hit "reply" at the same time. Read my response to the release!

 
 By: dxboon : November 15th, 2011-07:30
I have come to believe that I must be weird, because I prefer a watch without a date. :-/ Perplexed, Daos

I am like a Sith disciple from Star Wars. :-) I must think...

 
 By: dxboon : November 15th, 2011-07:37
...about what my Darth name will be. Daos

Vlada. :)))

 
 By: amanico : November 15th, 2011-07:38

LOL!

 
 By: dxboon : November 15th, 2011-07:43
Nicolas! You make me *giggle*! I wonder if anyone else will chime in with their thoughts on this watch. Eh, that GP bi-axial tourbillon at Salon QP was something in person, I bet! Waiting for you, Oliver, FX et al. to report back with all the details! Dao... 

I wasn't there. Too many things to deal with in Paris.

 
 By: amanico : November 15th, 2011-07:47
BUT I already got an apponitment with GP for the SIHH... Hmmmm! All the best, Giggle Vlada. 666.

+1

 
 By: nitediver : January 20th, 2012-13:31
Less would have been more...

... And better. IMO.

 
 By: amanico : January 20th, 2012-13:45

My thoughts.

 
 By: dxboon : November 15th, 2011-07:28
Unfortunately, for my taste, I think this piece would've benefit from a "less is more" approach. IMO the date window distracts from the clean lines of the watch instead of balancing the dial as GP's press material suggests. Then there is the issue of the ... 

Seems like I am the strange one

 
 By: flamenco : November 15th, 2011-16:57
I LIKE it .... IMO GP has been doing some very right things in the last couple of years. And this is in the same vein. The date window does upset the balance slightly, but not enough for me to dispel the watch. Having said that, it would be interesting to... 

You're not strange!

 
 By: dxboon : November 17th, 2011-07:34
Most people LOVE a date display somewhere on the dial. You ask me a difficult question by comparing it against the Altiplano stylistically (Piagets and GPs are both priced quite competitively versus other brands of similar note IMO). Personally, I think I... 

Only in RG? Gosh....

 
 By: KIH : November 16th, 2011-16:18
... if they offer this one in the white metal, I might jump on it..... might.... Ken

Yeah? :-)

 
 By: dxboon : November 18th, 2011-07:36
Are you not a rose gold fan? There is a palladium small seconds, but it's a slightly different dial look. Cheers, Daos

Another LE for the collectors!

 
 By: fernando : November 17th, 2011-05:15
I much prefer the regular production 1966 with the Small Second at 6. However, haven't caught sight of one yet as with the 1966 tourby. Are they available, anywhere? Thanks for the post Daos. fernando

Aaah, the Vintage 66 Tourbillon with its gold bridge!

 
 By: amanico : November 17th, 2011-05:20
We have some very common tastes, my friend. Yes, I think some are still available. Good hunt! Best, Nicolas.

Hi, Fernando!

 
 By: dxboon : November 20th, 2011-09:39
Yes, I believe you will be able to find the tourby. Let me know if you need assistance. I have not yet seen the small seconds in person. I'm sure we can hunt one down for you! Thanks for reading! Cheers, Daos

Thank you Daos!

 
 By: fernando : November 21st, 2011-18:56
I'm hoping to see one in the metal first . They seem to be a bit slow in arriving to this part of the world. cheers fernando

I want to like this watch, but

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : January 16th, 2012-19:59
like you and Vlad, I wish it did not have the date window. I also think some of the aesthetic cues are maybe in disharmony, to me anyway. The lugs and bezel are fairly beefy, which I like, but the Breguet numerals are maybe too dainty for this case? And t... 

I might've liked...

 
 By: dxboon : January 16th, 2012-20:44
...plain Arabics better, also. I prefer leaf hands to Breguet hands though. I think the dial needs the substance of the leaf hands. The date window must go. Why does anyone need a date window on a watch like this? It ruins the purity of the time display. ...