Chronograph production at Girard-Perregaux began when this complication emerged during the 19th century. These instruments evolved over the decades until they moved on to the wrist in the 1920s and 1930s. In the ‘50s, Girard-Perregaux produced chronographs intended to meet the needs of engineers. Then, in the early ‘60s, the brand launched instruments for measuring short time intervals that were more ostensibly “sporty,” intended to win over the younger generations looking for timepieces capable of measuring individual performances. At the time, the three-counter chronograph then known as the “Ready-Go,” which was intended specifically for rally drivers or motorcyclists, was met with great success.
This year, to maintain this tradition and highlight its enthusiasm for automobile racing, the brand is launching its first two chronographs with automatic winding as part of the new “Sport Competizione” collection. We are focusing today on the first model named “Stradale”.
Girard-Perregaux chose to enclose the Stradale chronograph within a 42 mm diameter steel case. This contemporary size, combined with a classic design inspired by that of the best products of the golden age of the wristwatch, ensures that this piece united elements of elegance and dynamism and therefore will always remain completely timeless. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the case-band features long, subtly rounded lugs that follow the natural curve of the wrist. It also presents “mushroom-type” push-pieces that are visually identical to those used during the ‘50s, and is adorned with a transparent sapphire crystal case-back, which enables aesthetes to admire the sight of the finishes of the GP03300 reference manufacture movement.
The manufacture calibre is beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, while enjoying an autonomy of 46 hours once the movement is wound. In addition to indicating the classic time information, the dial, available as silvered or black, displays the times measured at the tip of the long central sweep seconds, as well as the elapsed minutes and hours in the additional counters, which are subtly sunken and delicately snailed. Available with a black or silvered dial, this timepiece is available on an alligator strap fastened by an initialed folding clasp or on a steel bracelet.
