Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second
Angus Davies provides a detailed hands-on review of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second with a newly released blue dial. This art-deco watch, launched very recently at Baselworld 2014, is the epitome of grace. After two-weeks temporary ownership, Angus will miss its notable charm.
This detailed review of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second includes live images and specification details.
I feel sad this morning as I write this review. The time has come to hand back the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second which has adorned my wrist for the last two weeks. The “hands-on” encounter has been an absolute joy but, like all good things, it ultimately had to come to an end.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second is not a new model, however the blue dial is a new dial option for 2014. Recently, whilst attending Baselworld, in common with many journalists, I visited numerous brands and shortlisted those products I wanted to review over the coming months. While I had only the briefest association with this horological beauty at the annual watch and jewellery fair I knew immediately I wanted to spend more time in its company.
The Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second is a wonderful exemplar of Art Deco styling prowess. It has pure, elegant lines which exhibit a classicism that will retain eye appeal for generations to come.
The dial
The rectangular dial is not festooned with excessive detail or superfluous design elements. Each aspect of this dial’s composition is measured, calculated and refined to perfection.
Silver-coloured Dauphine-style hands eloquently convey time with their faceted form. Close examination reveals each hand is curved, following the cambered contour of the dial and engaging with light in a comely courtship ritual.
Image – courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
Hours are conveyed with silver-coloured applied Breguet numerals. They resplendently bask in ambient light and charmingly communicate with the fortunate wearer of this fabulous timepiece.
Framing the dispay is a white minute track which wonderfully contrasts with the sea-like hue of the gorgeous dial. A small seconds display resides at 6 o’clock.
There is a delightful subtlety to each element of the dial. The main dial canvas features a fine brush running north to south, whereas the small seconds display is snailed.
The case
A notable aspect of the Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second is the exquisite curving line of the case. It magnificently follows the profile of the wrist bestowing a cosseting embrace. Indeed, its delightful lines confer an exceptional degree of comfort which distinguishes this watch as special.
The stainless steel case measures 36.20 mm x 35.25 mm appearing optimally sized for my own arm. There is no undue protrusion from the wrist, yet the dial area is of sufficient size to facilitate user-friendly interpretation.
An exhibition caseback reveals the Girard-Perregaux self-winding movement, allowing the wearer to admire the added value which resides within the case.
The crown is neat with minimal protrusion from the case band. However, despite its narrow profile, I found the crown simple to operate when adjusting the hands or winding the mainspring.
Image – courtesy of Girard-Perregaux
This watch is available with a choice of blue strap or steel bracelet. I have not seen the bracelet, hence feel unable to pass comment. However, the blue alligator leather strap affixed to this watch exuded a palpable quality and the colour accentuated the blue dial canvas. Moreover, I found the blue tincture provided a multitude of opportunities to pair the watch with jeans and suits. A blue dial/strap combination has shown itself to be a highly practical ownership proposition.
The movement
The self-winding Girard-Perregaux movement GP03300-0051 has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), contains 32 jewels and a minimum power reserve of 46 hours. Produced in-house, the movement stands testament to the impressive vertical integration of this Swiss watch brand.
The oscillating mass and bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève motif. The main plate features petit perlage and blued screws are also in evidence. This is a beautifully executed movement, typical of Girard-Perregaux, a fine practitioner of haute horlogerie.
Closing remarks
Some watches grab attention with conspicuous gem-setting. Others capture a gaze with the seductive spectacle of a tourbillon carriage revolving centre-stage. This watch avoids both of these strategies. It dazzles with its refinement, curving lines and delightful details, executed to a high standard.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second won my heart with its vivid blue dial and strap. The in-house movement is infused with flawless finissage which differentiates this watch from some lesser brands. However, arguably the most compelling reason for acquiring this watch is that it is stylish, applicable to a multitude of social and professional settings and imbued with superb high quality construction synonymous with the world of high-end watchmaking.
Technical Specification
- Model: Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Second
- Reference: 25880-11-421-BB4A
- Case: Stainless steel; dimensions 36.20 mm x 35.25 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds.
- Movement: Girard-Perregaux movement GP03300-0051, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 32 jewels; power reserve minimum 46 hours.
- Strap: Blue alligator leather presented on a steel deployant
Acknowledgement
Images kindly provided by © Euan Davies 2014 except where indicated.
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