Pre SIHH 2012 – Girard-Perregaux 1966 Small Second

Girard-Perregaux has started early with pre SIHH releases this year. The second pre release is an elegant watch with classic looks. The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Small Second.

But it isn’t a ‘normal’ 1966 Small Second, however a limited (and numbered) edition dedicated to the 220th anniversary of Girard-Perregaux and 220 years of watchmaking history.

The pink gold case has a ‘classical’ diameter of 38 mm and is only 8.59 mm thick. These sizes result in an incredibly comfortable watch. At the front a domed sapphire crystal protects the hand-grained dial highlighted with painted Arabic numerals.

At the lower part of the dial “Maison fondée en 1791” (translated: Founded in 1791) is printed and this signature recalls the origins of Girard-Perregaux. Around the dial a railway minute track reminds of 19th century old pocket watches. The blued-steel hands are also in style. 

At the three o’clock position is the date aperture and left of the center is the small second hand, giving the dial a nice balance.

A typical feature of the 1966 collection and in my opinion a sign that Girard-Perregaux strives for perfection and elegance, is the stitchless strap. This can also be found on the 1966 Annual Calendar & EOT and 1966 Full Calendar. The alligator strap with pink gold pin buckle has rounded ends which fit perfectly flush to the case. 

The slightly curved case-back is engraved with two important dates:

• In 1889 Girard-Perregaux won the Gold Medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris for its pocket watch later known as “La Esmeralda”, the most famous example of Tourbillon with three gold Bridges.
• In 1900, this technical masterpiece with its highly original architecture was judged to be without equal. Thus Girard-Perregaux did not participate in the contest and was nominated as member of the jury at the Universal Exhibition.

Every 1966 Small Second is limited and number to 100 pieces and the serial number is also engraved in the case back, as is the 220th anniversary of Girard-Perregaux.

Inside ticks caliber GP03300, a mechanical movement with automatic winding. It beats with a frequency of 28,800 v/h (4 Hz) amd has a power reserve of 46 hours. The photo below shows the beautiful finish of the movement, côtes de Genève on the bridges, circular spotting on the plate and a pink gold central rotor.

More information can be obtain through the Girard-Perregaux website.