In the Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases watch, the movement goes beyond its merely functional role to become a full-time spectacle, unveiling all the secrets that give it its beauty and originality.
With its mechanical beating heart, the Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases watch accentuates an impression of depth combined with multiple contrasts. The dial features a mysterious smoked-glass effect, obtained by surface metallization, while the seconds circle and the inscriptions have been created through printing. The Dauphine-type hands, embossed and polished, stand out just as clearly, while continuing to allow the heart of the watch mechanism to be seen.
Designed in the purest Art Deco style, the rectangular «1945» case (named for the year of its creation) forms part of the repertoire of iconic Girard-Perregaux classics. Its profile, doubly curved both length-wise and width-wise, forms a combination of harmonious lines of convergence and gentle curves. The shape of the lugs, the presence of horizontal gadroons and the merging of the crown into the case-band further underline the watch’s elegance.
The dimensions of the GP 03300-0105/0062 manufactured automatic caliber exactly match those of the case, which is highly unusual for watches with distinctive shapes. This movement is equipped with a minimum 46-hour power-reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The large jumping date at 12 o’clock is displayed by a tandem of two adjacent disks. This patented mechanism is very rapid: a date change is completed in under 5 milliseconds when triggered! It is also noteworthy for its display on the same level, achieved thanks to an ingenious mechanism. The transparent disk bearing the numerals indicating the units, placed on top and with a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm, has its numerals inscribed on its back, contrary to usual practice. The level difference is thus imperceptible in relation to the black disk positioned underneath that bears the numerals indicating the tens. The two numerals thus give the appearance of being displayed naturally side by side, without any line of demarcation.
Operating on the same axis as the small seconds hand, the moon-phase indicator at 6 o’clock also has a discreetly concealed technical profile, marked particularly by the presence of two moon symbols that appear alternately on the micro-dial. Its indented perimeter and the heart that usually covers the lower part of the disk are thus converted into almost theatrical features. The caliber is very easy to set. The large jumping date can be rapidly set through the crown, while the moonphases are controlled by a side corrector discreetly merged into the case-band.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Large Date, Moon-Phases watch, either in pink gold or stainless steel, is equipped with a black alligator strap (with a folding buckle matching the material of the case).
