The "Casquette," manufactured from 1976 to 1978 and featuring a tubular LED display, was a cutting-edge timepiece of its era. Now, the "Casquette 2.0," which retains the original design while adding new functions, has become available in a limited edition of 820 pieces.

In 1976, Girard-Perregaux unveiled the "Casquette," a state-of-the-art timepiece with a tubular LED display. This original model was produced in 8,200 units between 1976 and 1978. Embracing the spirit of 1970s watchmaking, its appearance was a stark departure from traditional two-hand watches of the time. Equipped with a high-precision quartz movement, it established an avant-garde style, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, day, and date on its tubular LED display.

Although this watch was not officially called the "Casquette" at the time and was sold under its reference number, watch collectors affectionately began to refer to it by the nickname "Casquette." This moniker has remained in horological terminology, and the watch has enjoyed enduring popularity among enthusiasts and the fashion-conscious for many years. Its retro-futuristic design continues to exude an undeniable, timeless allure.

Then, in 2022, a new model named "Casquette 2.0" emerged. While preserving the original design language, it is housed in a highly scratch-resistant ceramic case, with a Grade 5 titanium case back. Both titanium and ceramic are lightweight and hypoallergenic, contributing to the exceptional lightness of the watch at 107 grams, further enhancing wearing comfort. Completing the style of this lightweight timepiece are titanium push-buttons and a titanium badge on the top of the watch, bearing the original GP logo.

While the original featured hours, minutes, seconds, day, and date functions powered by a high-precision quartz movement, the new model adds several functions, including month, year, chronograph, second time zone, and secret date display. The secret date function allows the wearer to save a memorable date, such as a wedding anniversary, which can then be displayed daily at a time chosen by the wearer. The movement powering the new "Casquette 2.0" is the Caliber GP03980, the same movement used in the unique piece Girard-Perregaux created in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department in 2021 to support the "Only Watch" charity auction.

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, stated, "Not all watches retain their appearance and appeal over time. However, even after the production of the original Casquette ended in 1978, interest in this watch never waned. We received inquiries regularly and observed its significant attention, with the model selling for ten times its original price on the pre-owned market. One wishes that the value of everything one buys would increase so dramatically. In essence, the original Casquette further solidifies our reputation for designing watches with timeless appeal. We wholeheartedly welcome the revival of the Casquette, a stylish watch promising eternal charm."

The "Casquette 2.0" maintains battery life by allowing the wearer to display the time only when needed. Assuming an average of 20 button presses per day, the battery is expected to last for two years. The integrated ceramic bracelet features an inner rubber lining, ensuring flexibility and comfort. Girard-Perregaux is releasing the new "Casquette 2.0" in a limited edition of 820 pieces, a nod to the 8,200 units of the original Casquette that were produced.