INTRODUCING: The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Dual Time

Felix Scholz

The 1966 collection from Girard-Perregaux is the brand’s most popular, and most conservatively good looking, collection. So it’s natural that GP continue to add to the collection. The latest evolution is the 1966 Dual Time, which incorporates a new in-house movement and a second timezone into the understated 1966 design mix.

It’s a good looking watch with really well executed dial symmetry and balance – it’s easy to go overboard embellishing a simple design like the 1966, but GP have kept it restrained, yet readable and functional (clear date and second time zone numerals), with enough details – like the red leaf second time zone hand, and the noticeably raised indices to keep it interesting. Honestly, it’s a design that wouldn’t look out of place if it read ‘Patek Philippe’ on the dial. High praise indeed.

One point that is a little odd about this watch are the two pushers at 2 and 4… Because this watch ain’t no chronograph. Turns out these are used to alter the second time, either forwards or backwards. Maybe if I was flying to Perth every second day I’d find this sort of on the fly quick change handy, but I suspect most people will just end up fiddling with it in meetings – it seems a little gimmicky on an otherwise elegant and refined watch. I would have preferred either a single quick-advance pusher, or having to change the second time zone the old fashioned way, with the crown.

This minor quibble aside (and FYI, I’ll probably wish I had one in the next boring meeting) it’s a super wearable looking watch, coming in at the 40mm sweet spot and having the superb finishing that we’ve come to expect from GP. And really, it’s all about that harmonious and somehow calming dial. The dial either comes in anthracite grey or off white. A blue dial will be on my GP Christmas list. It is the season.

The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Dual Time has an Australian RRP of $33,650.