Girard Perregaux

[Baco Noir]

I've recently discovered this brand and the craftsmanship of their modern watches is amazing. They have a long history, were independently owned until 2011 when they were bought by the Kering Group (owns UN too), and make everything in house - haute horology in my book. While not having the same name recognition as PP, AP, ALS and VC, I'd say from my reading they are very close to the same level.

I've been looking for a new GMT and saw the Traveller Large Date Moon Phase GMT (long name I know) and was captivated by it's beauty. Typing this out, I just realized they spell Traveler with 2 "L's", which is what I always try to do until spell check corrects me - maybe I've been doing it correctly all these years, but with a European spin!

At 44mm x 12mm and with curved lugs, it looks like the perfect size for me on paper. The moon phase on a GMT is a bonus for me - I've always wanted one, but would never buy one just for the moon phase. The styling looks like it can go from casual to dress easily. I can get an OEM black croc strap for $150 to dress it up for wearing with a grey suit.

I've looked at many other brands and nothing else jumps out at me and says "try me on". Most are overly complicated on the dial or overly blingy for my tastes. While this dial has a lot going on, the symmetry and simplicity in how it is laid out works for me.

I know that if I tired of it, it would take a longer to sell than a Rolex or other more common luxury brand watch as they are not common and the resale price would be poor compared to the MSRP, so I am going in eyes wide open on these issues. There are a few things that I would like feedback on to help with the decision. What's are your thoughts on:

1) the brand reputation and quality?
2) the reputation of their service department in the US?

[DVR]

I have visited the GP/JR manufacture and they are indeed among the top. I own a a few JR's and the workmanship is very good.
Buy well (good discount) and you will not suffer if you ever want to sell.

[Israguard]

That is a very handsome watch. I like the size, the easiness of telling the time and the GMT really takes no effort.. The moon phase is such a nice bonus. Get it and enjoy it. We live once and can't always focus on resale.. I doubt you will flip this.

[Baco Noir]

I'm flying in to take a look at it tomorrow. I'm hoping it looks at good IRL.

[ELITEVIDEOGAMES]

I think a lot of the new GP's look great.
Go for it!

[joli160]

It looks very good

[Il-Re]

Girard Perregaux are a fantastic brand. The quality of the pieces are superb and the finishing on both cases and movements are outstanding. Thye many not have the same brand cache as PP, VC and AP but in terms of quality they are up there. They also have a rich and interesting history, being one of the oldest watch manufacturers. Never buy at retail, get a very good discount if you are buying from an AD. Buying used would mean you can flip it without making a loss providing you buy smart.

[Baco Noir]

Thanks. I believe this one is a new release as the news stories on multiple blogs discussing initial impressions were in Oct 2014. I have been talking to an AD and have an agreed price that works for me assuming I like it IRL as much as I do in the photos.


Sent from my iPhone and I blame autocorrect for any spellin' errs!

[GB-man]

Don't know much about GP but felt compelled to chime in and say that's a beauty!

[p_mcgee]

I like some GPs, but this one bugs me because the guilloche pattern is shamelessly lifted off the Aquanaut.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

I like some GPs, but this one bugs me because the guilloche pattern is shamelessly lifted off the Aquanaut.

cartier has used that pattern on it's GMTs for as long as I can remember.

As long as you buy it right, hard to argue against GP as far as quality is concerned.

[Baco Noir]

Not going to happen. Beautiful watch...


...but major design flaw. The button at 4 o'clock changes the time on the small GMT subdial and not the main hour hand.


Sent from my iPhone and I blame autocorrect for any spellin' errs!

[MP5]

Bout how much is it? I like it and I usually wouldnt like a watch like that

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by MP5

Bout how much is it? I like it and I usually wouldnt like a watch like that

MSRP is $15k but discounts are available.


Sent from my iPhone and I blame autocorrect for any spellin' errs!

[Xenophon]

I like GP and am considering the Mission of Mermaids Sea Hawk. By the way I noticed that in the US had one "l" in traveller and we have two "ll"s here in the UK too.

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by Xenophon

I like GP and am considering the Mission of Mermaids Sea Hawk. By the way I noticed that in the US had one "l" in traveller and we have two "ll"s here in the UK too.

Saw that Sea Hawk yesterday and it was gorgeous!


Sent from my iPhone and I blame autocorrect for any spellin' errs!

[Israguard]

To the OP.. What is your issue with the button @ 4pm?. Just curious what bothers you so much with the button changing the GMT zone?.
Tks

[Baco Noir]

When I travel I want the local time to be read at quick glance on the main hour / minute hands of the watch. My Blancpain as well as the Rolex GMTs have the jump hour hand on the main dial to do the time zone adjustments and the GMT hand shows home time.

On the GP, the GMT adjustment button moves the small hour indicator on the subdial rather than the main hour hand on the watch. As a result, you have to change the time in the main dial manually by rotating the minute hand to set the local time. Kind of defeats the purpose of the GMT function IMHO.


Sent from my iPhone and I blame autocorrect for any spellin' errs!