WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
April 28, 2015
Girard-Perregaux | BASELWORLD 2015 Live Report | GIRARD-PERREGAUX
GIRARD-PERREGAUX
The Enduring Vintage 1945 Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary (1)
2015 marks the 70th anniversary of Girard-Perregaux's iconic rectangular model, the "Vintage 1945." A number of limited editions will be released, including models exclusive to Japan. This commemorative year offers a perfect opportunity to experience a brand that upholds the tradition of Swiss watchmaking.
Photographs by NAGASHIMA TohruText by KAWADA Akinori
Art Deco's Legacy Reimagined for the Modern Era
Wristwatches emerged in the early 20th century, and by the mid-century, their designs were heavily influenced by the prevailing Art Deco style.
Girard-Perregaux's Vintage 1945The basic design of the "Vintage 1945" was also influenced by Art Deco, with its emphasis on geometric lines.
This year, numerous limited editions are available, featuring commemorative emblems on the case back and elsewhere. This report will focus primarily on these special releases.
Recreating Original Aesthetics with Luxurious Style
The rectangular case of the "Vintage 1945" itself is a product of Art Deco's pursuit of simple functional beauty, symbolizing the aesthetic tradition of watches from the mid-20th century. This timepiece is replete with Art Deco elements that further enhance the case's functional elegance.
The case is elegantly curved to conform to the wrist. By using different materials for the bezel and case—a combination of gold and steel—the case's structure is accentuated. The dial, shaped to follow the case's curve, features designs like railway tracks, and the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock has a rectangular recess, further emphasizing the rectangular style.
While it incorporates many classical rectangular design elements from the 1940s, it feels entirely contemporary. The gold-finished applied indices and dauphine hands exude a sense of luxury. This rare model, limited to 100 pieces worldwide, is a fitting tribute to the 70th anniversary.
Vintage 1945 Small Seconds 70th Anniversary Model
Case: Stainless steel + 18K pink gold bezel
Size: 36.2 x 35.25 mm
Movement: Automatic (Cal. GP03300-0051)
Strap: Alligator
Water Resistance: 30m
Limited Edition: 100 pieces
Release: Scheduled for June
Estimated Price: ¥1,414,800
GIRARD-PERREGAUX
The Enduring Vintage 1945 Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary (2)
A Classic Commemorative Model, Exclusive to Japan
This watch also carries forward the fine Art Deco style of a bygone era. It is a precious timepiece available only in Japan, with a limited production of just 45 pieces.
It is powered by the Cal. GP03000-0035, a self-winding movement from this esteemed manufacture, equipped with a date display making it suitable for daily wear. This contemporary movement is skillfully integrated with a vintage aesthetic.
The date window is discreetly placed at 2 o'clock, and the small seconds at 3 o'clock are also compact. This keeps the dial clean, allowing the simple Art Deco-inspired details, such as the railway track minute markers, to stand out. The beige dial evokes the look of a silver dial that has gracefully aged over time. It possesses an aura that suggests a well-preserved antique model from the 1940s, making it a piece for true connoisseurs.
Vintage 1945 Date & Small Seconds
70th Anniversary Japan Limited Model
Case: Stainless steel
Size: 33 x 32.45 mm
Movement: Automatic (Cal. GP03000-0035)
Functions: Date display
Strap: Alligator
Water Resistance: 30m
Release: Scheduled for June
Estimated Price: ¥1,155,600
A Dazzling Chronograph in Blue and Gold
This model features blue, the accent color of the brand, which is also used on the Girard-Perregaux headquarters building. Its combination with the lustrous color creates a pleasing contrast. The pink gold case also forms a beautiful harmony with the blue dial and strap.
In an era where watches are increasingly large, the case, measuring under 40mm in both height and width, is remarkably compact. This size, combined with the prestige of gold, accentuates the "vintage" aspect of the "Vintage 1945." The deep blue evokes the sea, making it a style that suits luxury resorts and activities like yachting.
The Cal. 03300-0064, housed within, is a sophisticated in-house chronograph movement perfectly suited for the compact case, reminding us of the essence of watchmaking's pursuit of miniaturization and thinness. With only seven pieces available in Japan, this is not only a rare chronograph but one that allows for the experience of true luxury.
Vintage 1945 Chronograph 70th Anniversary Japan Limited Model
Case: 18K pink gold
Size: 36.95 x 36 mm
Movement: Automatic (Cal. 03300-0064)
Strap: Alligator
Water Resistance: 30m
Limited Edition: 7 pieces
Release: Scheduled for June
Estimated Price: ¥3,585,600
Girard-Perregaux / Sowind Japan
Tel. 03-5211-1791
http://www.girard-perregaux.com/




