This year marks the 225th anniversary of the Swiss horology brand Girard-Perregaux. And among various timepieces they’ve issued this year are some vintage homage watches. These classically designed models are reminiscent of simpler times, as this new “Girard-Perregaux 1957 Gyromatic” exemplifies.
Improving automatic winding efficiency was a main goal for Girard-Perregaux, back in the day when this feature was still a novelty. They accomplished their objective by substituting roller-equipped unidirectional clutches for ratchet wheels. This modification would allow the oscillating wheel to travel a shorter distance and increase its efficiency.
Video courtesy of: Girard-Perreguax
This latest release has been named “1957” because that was the year GP implemented this enhanced mechanism. GP issued another commemorative timepiece this year with a similar movement, in their “Girard-Perregaux Laureato” model.
Girard-Perregaux-Laureato models * Image courtesy of: Girard-Perregaux
Some have even been joking about the confusing years being tossed around when describing this timepiece. The fact that it’s a 1960’s design; with a homage 1957 movement; and features the standard Girard-Perregaux logo which includes their founding year “1791” also visible on the dial, for a new edition 2016 watch! Misinformed horologists of the future may be quite dumbfounded if they encounter this watch with some patina and begin to try and decipher its origins.
Image courtesy of: Girard-Perregaux
The 40mm oval case is made of stainless-steel with a round bezel for a differentiated design. Its case has a polished top and brushed sides, for a nuanced look. Has a screw-in crown and its lugs are slightly curved for a nice fit on the wrist.The transparent caseback allows to view the inner workings of the movement, with its: “Côtes de Genève” and circular graining decorations on the main plate and the oscillating plate; and exposed blue steel screws. The thought in mind was to apply traditional finishes to the movement, like it was done in the 70’s.
