For most mechanical watches enthusiasts, the movement of a timepiece is not less fascinating than the exterior. The new Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases watch will entertain them because it unveils its movement not only through the transparent case back but also through a transparent dial carved in sapphire. With its unmistakable square shape and the way the conical lugs taper, in some ways it owes more to classic stately architecture than accepted watch design, but no matter, thanks to this enduring mix of classic and modern styling cues, which actually transcends what could be called Art Deco, the Vintage 1945 collection has been a resounding success sine its rebirth in 2004.
With its smoked-glass effect, the dial both reveals the watch mechanism and showcases the hour markers and applique Arabic numerals to ensure clear and easy legibility of the indications. Its gray colouring is obtained by surface metallization, while the seconds circle and the inscriptions have been created through printing.
The visible gears, display disks, screws, levers and wheels create an effect of three-dimensionality with the Dauphine-type hands, embossed and polished, to stand out in the foreground. The large jumping date and moon-phase functions complement the hour, minute and small second indications.
The rectangular Art Deco case (36.10 x 35.25 mm), first introduced in 1945, is a Girard-Perregaux classic with the crown merged into the case band, the typical lugs, and the harmoniously curved profile which makes the watch comfortable on the wrist.
The large GP 03300-0105/0062 manufactured calibre is wound automatically by an oscillating weight visible on the case-back side. The large jumping date can be set through the crown, while the moon-phases are controlled by a side corrector also merged into the case-band. Equipped with a minimum 46-hour power-reserve, the movement beats at 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases watch is available in stainless steel (ref. 25882-11-223-BB6B) or in pink gold (ref. 25882-52-222-BB6B) with retail prices of Euro 13,750 / US$ 16,000 and Euro 29,000 / US$ 33,800 respectively.
