Girard-Perregaux 1966 collection, launched in 1996, is an homage paid to the year in which the La Chaux-de-Fond based company received the Centenary of Neuchâtel Observatory’s prize as a sign of recognition for its product’s quality and performance. Indeed, the Swiss watch maker’s contribution to the field of precision research is remarkable as Girard-Perregaux was among the first manufacturers of this kind to have an R&D department.

Until last year, this collection was represented by a series of three models: a very sober “three hands”; a very elegant “small second” displaying the date, day of the week, month and moon phases; an “annual calendar and equation of time”. The Swiss factory completed this elegant collection in 2011 by the arrival of a column-wheel chronograph crafted from pink or white gold and boasting a total number of 38 jewels. There are not too many sapphires and not too few either. The same goes for the dial’s diameter – 42 mm. Not too large so that it does not become ostentatious; not too small so that the functions can be easily read – an ideal size that will certainly beat the fads and trends of the up-coming years. Its curvature and horns were studied carefully for a perfect adaptation to the wrist.

The whole line has a classical look featured by simplicity of the design and drawing the attention on the watches’ technical specs. In order to perfect this model’s timeless design, Girard-Perregaux opted for a traditional chronograph with a 30-minute and seconds hand symmetrically displayed in the center of the main dial. The date can be read on a small case positioned at 6 o’clock. This new display provides a perfect balance of the design and aids readability, while a tachymeter scale featuring the outer edge of dial enhances this model’s technical look.

The result of a long experience (over 200 years) its chronograph movement with column wheel belongs to the 3000 family – the foundation stone of this mythical collection. Made up of 304 elements, it was entirely developed and produced in-house.  The complexity of the mechanism and the quality of its finishes are revealed to the eyes of this piece’s happy owner by the transparent background of the watch.