Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph now in 42 mm with Date

One of Girard-Perregaux’s classics, the 1966 Chronograph, is now also available in a slightly larger 42 mm case and with a date function.

Although larger, it still has the classic and timeless looks as other models from the GP 1966 Collection, like the 1966 Annual Calendar and EOT and the 1966 Full Calendar. Its case still shows the well-known elegant curves and features the short lugs, which are designed so the watch will hug your wrist. Sounds promising or are there also some other remarks?

Well yes, like our friends from Hodinkee already stated in their review of the 1966 Chronograph (the ‘regular’ 40 mm version), the movement’s dimensions aren’t really fit for a 40 mm size case. We agree that this sublime in-house movement would better fit in a smaller size case, say around 38 mm. Why? Call it a purist opinion, but I prefer a movement that perfectly fits in a case. On the other hand, enlarging the case’s diameter gives more room to the tachymeter scale and keeps the dial quite calm although there’s a lot to see.

The movement, caliber 3300-0057, is based on the Girard-Perregaux in-house caliber 3300. This caliber is used as base for many of their watches like the above mentioned and even for the Sea Hawk Pro 1000m we reviewed last year. It’s a beautiful, reliable and superbly finished movement.

Despite the puristic criticism, I must say that Girard-Perregaux again created an absolutely beautiful watch, that perfectly suits in the elegant GP 1966 Collection, which will come at a price of € 25.400 Euro.

• Here are the specifications:
• Pink gold case, 42 mm in diameter, 30 meters water resistant
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and case-back also with sapphire crystal
• Girard-Perregaux 3300-0057 Self-winding movement
• Functions: hour, minute, small second, chronograph, date
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations / hour (4 Hz)
• Jewels: 57
• Power reserve: minimum 46 hours

This article is written by Frank Geelen, executive editor of Monochrome Watches.