1960s Girard-Perregaux 18ct Pink Gold Square Art-Deco Auto
Ref: 83000138
Specification
Lugs : 17mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : 18ct Pink/Rose Gold
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and, therefore, comes with no original Girard-Perregaux box or paperwork. It comes paired with a well-suited leather strap, and the original GP 17mm leather strap and gold-plated GP pin buckle are included. The watch is from the 1960s and is sold in vintage condition, but overall, it is in fair condition for its age, as you can see. These movements are notoriously hard to wind manually, so keep that in mind: wind to get going and wear and let the rotor do the rest of the work on your wrist. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g5nPvMbDM3vOSKpnOmrhnwmZPa7uhqu9?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 13:20 - https://youtu.be/wx86ZfP2KZo
The Watch
Here, we have a beautifully sculpted 1960s Girard-Perregaux automatic with an 18ct pink gold square art-deco case that sits on your wrist with decorative lugs. The straight flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 39mm and a case thickness of 9.5mm, ensuring a comfortable fit. On the right side, there is a coin-edged crown. The top of the case has a faceted, radiating, textured pattern with applied Onyx-filled batons at the cardinal points. At 3 o’clock, a matching hidden date window perfectly balances the intricate case design. Its square, chamfered crystal sits proudly on the case above a sunburst silver dial, elegant pink gold sword hands are complemented by a tapered second hand, and at noon, we have the Girard-Perregaux motif completing this incredible 1960s art-deco infused timepiece. On the reverse, a snap-off square 18ct pink gold case back with the details of the watch engraved and the GP in the centre, inside an automatic 39-jewel Gyromatic, 39 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour, the movement was a joint development of Doxa, Eberhard, Favre-Leuba, Girard-Perregaux, and Zodiac. Invented by a Swiss Horology engineer, it has a bidirectional rotor with roller Ruby bearings that capture every movement of the wearer, according to Girard-Perregaux. It comes paired with a well-suited leather strap, and the original GP 17mm leather strap and gold-plated GP pin buckle are included.
Personal Note
Some watches come your way, and you know they are special, so special you'll likely never see one again, and it becomes a difficult decision to let go. This incredible Girard-Perregaux is one of those watches. Cased in 18ct pink gold and featuring one of the most impressive art-deco designs I have seen in a watch, square faceted, radiating, textured pattern with applied Onyx-filled batons at the cardinal points and a clever hidden date at 3 o'clock in the same shape as the onyx batons, you'd easily miss it at a glance. This is one I would snap up today whilst you can, as unless this one finds its way back to me in the future, I suspect we'll never see another!
The Brand
The illustrious history of Girard-Perregaux traces back to the picturesque city of Geneva, Switzerland, in the year 1791. It was here that Jean-François Bautte, a master craftsman renowned for his exquisite pocket watches and goldsmithing skills, established his workshops, laying the groundwork for a brand that would become synonymous with luxury and precision. One of its most celebrated creations, the historic Tourbillon adorned with three stunning gold bridges, garnered prestigious recognition when it was awarded a gold medal at the 1889 International Exposition in Paris, shortly after its debut. A significant turning point in the brand's evolution occurred in 1906 when Constant Girard-Gallet acquired the Bautte company from its owner, Jacques Bautte. This pivotal merger led to the birth of the modern Girard-Perregaux, as the name itself was officially established in 1856 in the renowned watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. This branding emerged from the union of Constant Girard and Marie Perregaux, marking the beginning of a legacy that continues to thrive. In 1965, Girard-Perregaux made waves in horological innovation by designing the first mechanical movement with an extraordinary high frequency, featuring a balance that beat at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour, known as the Gyromatic HF. In 1999, the company further solidified its heritage by inaugurating the Girard-Perregaux Museum near its headquarters in Villa Marguerite, showcasing the brand's storied past and artistry. Fast forward to 2012, Girard-Perregaux celebrated its creative spirit by launching the Le Corbusier Watch Trilogy, a remarkable tribute to the legendary architect whose designs have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture. In a strategic collaboration, 2021 saw Girard-Perregaux partner with the prestigious luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, combining the realms of haute horlogerie and high-performance automotive excellence. However, a significant shift occurred in 2022 when the French luxury group Kering sold off its ownership stake in Sowind Group SA, the parent company of Girard-Perregaux, through a management buyout, marking a new chapter in the brand's rich narrative.