CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND APPRAISAL
1 YEAR MECHANICAL WARRANTY
About
While the history of quartz movements is probably beyond the scope of this website, it’s impossible to talk about today’s 1974 Girard-Perregaux without an abridged summary.
Although Seiko was the first to bring quartz watches to market in 1969, around the same time a number of Swiss makers (including Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe) had formed a group (Centre Electronique Horlogerto, or CEH) with the goal of manufacturing their own quartz movement called the Beta21. Notably absent from the Swiss group was Girard-Perregaux, which (with additional funding from Jaeger LeCoultre) decided to develop its own quartz technology.
Launched in 1971, the Girard-Perregaux Caliber 350 arguably set the standard for a new era of watchmaking. Not only did it have an improved battery life compared to the Beta21, which was notoriously power hungry, but it was also far more accurate, since the Beta21 ran at 8,192 Hz while the GP at 32,768 Hz, still the market standard today.
All of this is to say that these early quartz Girard-Perregaux models have a unique place in horological history. And while the movement is certainly special, today’s example also features a super cool 1970s cushion case and rare satin blue dial. Since this one came to us from the original owner, it even has the original and exceedingly hard-to-find GP bracelet made by Champion.
On a final interesting note, a quirk with these movements is that the production date is typically stamped on the Motorola circuit board (yes, that Motorola) so we can say that this one was manufactured in the 6th week of 1974.
Details
Reference:
9515kh
Movement:
Quartz: Girard-Perregaux Caliber 354-016
New battery installed. Movement has been inspected and keeps accurate time. Quickset date works smoothly. One year mechanical warranty included.
Case:
37.5mm (not including crown) stainless steel case and back
Bracelet:
Original USA-made Champion bracelet produced for Girard-Perregaux
Overall condition:
Case in good condition, with honest wear, some minor scratches and dings. Minimal evidence of polish, original sunburst finish present. Back with strong script (and also someone's small, rough engraving of "S1985", perhaps a service date) and some tool marks, original circular finish. New acrylic crystal. Original signed crown. Satin blue dial is clean. Intact matching tritium hour plots and hands with nice creamy patina.
