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Girard-Perregaux’s Latest Timepiece is an Irresistible Exercise in Retro-Future Cool

In Partnership with The Hour Glass
Rob Edwards
By Rob Edwards - Sponsored

Published:

Readtime: 4 min

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With the ability to trace its roots as far back as 1791, Girard-Perregaux has an acute sense of its place in history. This awareness, channelled through signature collections like the Bridges and Laureato lines, has long seen the esteemed watchmaker craft immaculate timepieces that celebrate its legacy while maintaining a focus on the future. Now, much to the delight of its many devotees, the atelier has introduced a new limited-edition timepiece that perfectly embodies its uniquely ambitious approach to horology. 

The watch in question is the latest incarnation of Girard-Perregaux’s iconic Casquette, an unmistakable 1970s design that somehow manages to be both a product entirely of its time and eternally futuristic. The release follows the 2022 relaunch of the line in the form of the Casquette 2.0 in black ceramic and titanium, a release created in response to waves of requests from fans of the highly collectable original. 

Such was the warmth of that timepiece’s reception that Girard-Perregaux has followed its release with a remarkable new iteration of the Casquette 2.0, constructed using titanium and featuring an 18K 2N yellow gold GP logo and matching pushers to stunning effect.

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Casquette 2.0 Titanium & Gold | Image: Girard-Perregaux

Historic Futurism

The new Casquette 2.0 Titanium & Gold is the culmination of Girard-Perregaux’s centuries of watchmaking know-how (as well as more than 50 years harnessing the potential of quartz). To that point, the brand launched Switzerland’s first serially produced quartz watch in 1971, and its frequency of 32,768 Hz, as set by the brand, was subsequently adopted as the universal standard for quartz watches.

Five years later, Girard-Perregaux unveiled a head-turning new kind of timepiece that would go on to be known as the Casquette. Boasting a futuristic design that stood apart from anything the brand (or anyone else) had previously created, it quickly became highly sought after among watch enthusiasts. 

The latest version of the Casquette 2.0—limited to 820 pieces—celebrates the brilliance of that original model and builds upon it. Courtesy of the Calibre GP03980, the Casquette 2.0 offers a number of functions absent from its predecessor. In addition to displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and the day and date via its retro LED display, it also indicates the month, year, chronograph, a second time zone, and a secret date. This last function is a special date selected by the user, like a wedding anniversary or birthday, that can be displayed upon activation. 

Further, in a nod to the ongoing significance of the original Casquette from 1976, Girard-Perregaux has announced that it can retrofit those vintage watches with the new movement, giving new life to those pioneering pieces.

Laureato 38mm In Midnight Blue | Image: The Hour Glass
Laureato 38mm In Midnight Blue | Image: The Hour Glass

A Catalogue of Classics

While the limited-edition nature of the Casquette 2.0 Titanium & Gold’s release will ensure it remains elusive for some, Girard-Perregaux’s broader offering is filled with outstanding timepieces that speak to the brand’s unmatched heritage and remarkable innovation. 

Two of the newest additions to this impressive collection come in the form of the stunning Laureato 38mm with Sage Green and Midnight Blue dials. Both references were created in response to numerous requests from a group the brand affectionately describes as ‘GP-lovers’ — you have to admire the elite watchmaker’s commitment to listening to its customers. 

Each watch boasts the much-loved Laureato’s full in-house movement and design, the latter of which was first seen when the inaugural model—a pioneer of integrated bracelet design—released in 1975. The in-house movement is optimally designed for these models, and while they are a completely different proposition to the Casquette 2.0, they similarly embody the lofty peaks of the atelier’s craftsmanship.

Whether you’re fortunate enough to secure the quartz-powered retro-future majesty of the Casquette 2.0 Titanium & Gold or the timeless elegance of the Laureato 38mm, Girard-Perregaux’s skill and pedigree are on full display in both cases. With every timepiece this lauded house of horology creates, new heights of the watchmaking arts are explored, making each new Girard-Perregaux release a fascinating addition to its centuries-long history.

Laureato 38mm In Sage Green | Image: The Hour Glass
Laureato 38mm In Sage Green | Image: The Hour Glass

Visit The Hour Glass

If you’d like to learn more about the Casquette 2.0 Titanium & Gold, the Laureato 38mm, or any other watch from Girard-Perregaux’s astonishing collection, enquire across The Hour Glass’ boutique network. 

You can find The Hour Glass boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland, as well as the all-new Adelaide boutique, located at Adelaide Central Plaza, 100 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000.

Rob Edwards

Branded Content Editor

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards is Man of Many’s Branded Content Editor. As a former editor of consumer technology and lifestyle publications like T3, Official Nintendo Magazine, Official Windows Magazine, and TechRadar, Rob has honed his expertise in consumer technology and lifestyle products ...