For the uninitiated, it would take more work to appreciate what makes a vintage piece special. After all, the market, luxury watches included, is already saturated with choices promising precision and accuracy. But some models tend to age wonderfully, the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 among them. Even if you’re not enticed by the quaint design, you can marvel at the update on the timepiece which exposes its secrets through the added sapphire dial.
Compare Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Prices Online
Release date: 2015
Price: US$16,000.00 (stainless steel) | US$33,800.00 (gold)
Despite the “vintage” in the name, the limited pieces are not actually from the days of yore. Instead, the watch takes after the classic design of one of Girard-Perregaux’s most recognizable watches. It remains largely unchanged, still charming with the art deco style and elegant shape, but with a few tweaks to reveal to the world the inner workings in the Vintage 1945. The priceless watch can be strapped around your wrist in either alligator leather or pink gold, which can make all the difference, especially in price point.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 36.95 x 36.00 mm
- Height :12.77 mm
- Water resistance: 30 meters (100 feet)
- Caseback: Sapphire crystal secured by 4 screws
- Movement: Girard-Perregaux GP03300
- Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h (4 Hz)
- Caliber : 11 ½’’’
- Power reserve : Min. 46 hours
- Jewels: 47
- Functions: hour, minute, small second, chronograph
Pros
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945’s main selling point is its allure. Featuring a curved square case that looks exquisite when fitted on the wrist, it also has a symmetrical dial and Breguet-style hour markers that can take you back in time, even when you have not lived through it. The hands are curved, agreeing with both the dial and case, and gives an interesting view.
What differentiates the recent release from the 1945 version is the transparent sapphire dial that’s been processed with a smoky finish, a great contrast to the Dauphine hands, and lets you in with a peek into the watch’s work. The update also comes with a date display and a moon-phase dial which are nice touches, and a caseback that shows the winding mechanism. There’s no undermining the watch, too, as it comes with a 46-hour reserve and a water resistance capacity of up to 30 meters.
Cons
There aren’t many drawbacks to the reissue of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945. But if we’d have to quibble, there would be two. First, the unidirectional rotor can be wobbly when rotating freely. Second, the watch isn’t made for your everyday use, probably best reserved for special and formal occasions where its beauty can really shine.
Compare With
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph – 26331ST
- Rolex Yacht-Master II Watch
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39
- TAG Heuer Men’s Kirium F1 Watch
Image credits: World’s Best (featured image), JamesEdition, Watch Collecting Lifestyle, Luopiosity, iWatches, Luxury Watches Online UK, Touch of Modern.
