Slideshow = 16 photos to see this watch from every angle
A well-wrought case
Its 40 mm diameter might seem too important for such a classic watch.
But the case middle is built in such a way that the back's diameter is smaller than the dial's one. Thus, the case balances itself and gives an impression of large openness.
The complete polishing emphasizes the fluid lines: it is a great achievement.
The four monthly calendar's correction push buttons integrate themselves smoothly and are easily handled – thanks to the furnished small tool.
The palladium, rare metal of the platinum's group, justifies the limited edition.
Indeed, it has a specific shade, slightly different from the steel's or the white gold's hue.
Its owner will be thus the only one to know the exclusivity of this 199 pieces limited edition.
A harmonious and well-balanced dial
The silver dial of this Girard Perregaux is slightly brushed, curved on the edges and regulated by four applied markers.
The whole gives a nice play of light.
The two beveled apertures (day and month) are wisely centered and do not go beyond the diameter of the date and the moon phase, creating thus a harmonious balance.
By way of contrast with the dial's texture, the polished leaf-shaped hands allow a clear and instinctive reading of the time.
The blued steel second hand takes up the same color as the calendar's indicator and as the starry sky of the moon phase.
Characteristic detail of the very good level of finishing on this Girard Perregaux 1966 Calendrier Complet: the day and month provided by the two apertures indicators and the "31" of the date are also in blue, highlighting thus the harmony.
A reproach nevertheless: the crocodile strap with its golden pin is truly too sober and even flat.
We would have appreciated a little more volume or a touch of extravagance to lighten the whole.
An in-house caliber
The sapphire back* gives access to the GP033M0 automatic caliber.
Developed by Sowind Group, to which belongs Girard Perregaux (as well as JeanRichard), it is indeed an in-house movement.
The golden rotor is plainly engraved inside the mass with the brand's name and the finishing is of a very good quality of execution (the grained finishing as well as the Côtes de Genève).
The small dimension of the balance and the architecture of the bridges show that the conception of this movement is new: this watch is indeed from the beginning of the XXIst century.
But we still regret the weak diameter of the movement compared to the case's one.
Conclusion
The Girard Perregaux 1966 Calendrier Complet is worth to be worn.
Its qualities are indeed not all perceptible at the first glance: you will thus discover and appreciate it over the long term.
This is what makes it interesting and charming, without tawdriness...
* a sticker “Not For Sale”, stuck on the internal face of the sapphire glass of the model entrusted to us by Girard Perregaux for this test has unfortunately prevented us from proposing good quality photographs of the movement.
Pros:
- a classic and discreet elegance
- a useful complication
- a truly limited edition
Cons:
- a strap that is too dull
- the small diameter of the movement compared to the case
Additional information:
- journalist's wrist size = 17,5 cm
