Girard-Perregaux has just unveiled the revamp of the original innovative cutting-edge timepiece, the Casquette. The Casquette was originally introduced in 1976 and had an unorthodox and unique tubular LED display.
Looking very different from the traditional timepieces of the time, the Casquette was powered by a quartz movement, which during the quartz crisis was the go-to movement. In saying that however, Girard-Perregaux is at the forefront for making high-frequency quartz movements. The brand created a quartz movement that had a frequency of 32, 768 Hz, which has now become the universal standard for Quartz timepieces.
The original Casquette model delivered the hours, minutes, and seconds is not only in a highly precise manner but also in a way that was unconventional to what other brands were making at the time. While competitors saw to create circular dials with led’s, Girard-Perregaux’s approach was not only functional but a fresh new take with avant-garde styling. Girard-Perregaux has always viewed designing a watch as a whole piece, instead of isolated parts that come together. The brand has shown that they are one to never shy away from designing different case shapes and different types of bracelets, all the while respecting the practicality, reliability, and readability of the watch.
The Casquette that was initially released in 1976 was produced until 1978, and was made in three case variants; Makrolon (polycarbonate), yellow gold plate, and lastly a steel version. Fast forward to the modern era, the Casquette has become a highly sought-after collector’s item thanks to its retro-futuristic look.
Now, the hunt for these pieces will be no more, thanks to Girard-Perregaux releasing the re-imagined version of the original; the Casquette 2.0. The birth of the new Casquette didn’t start this year, however. Back in 2021, Girard-Perregaux worked alongside Bamford Watch Department to create a very unique one-off timepiece for the charity auction; Only Watch. Girard-Perregaux looked to the original Casquette of 1976 to create a singular timepiece that was made from forged carbon and titanium, with titanium pushers. The watch sold for a staggering CHF 100,000, with all proceeds going for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. What was unusual about this piece was that a brand new movement, the Calibre GP03980, was created just to fit into the one-off Casquette. This certainly raised questions as to why the brand made a new movement, but that has now been answered, as the Casquette 2.0 comes fitted with the Calibre GP039830.
Design:
The Casquette 2.0 comes black ceramic and Grade 5 titanium case, with Grade 5 titanium pushers. The case measures 42.40 x 33.60mm with a sapphire crystal glass and a titanium case back secured by 4 screws.
Like the original Casquette model, this latest timepiece displays the hours, minutes, seconds along with the day and date. The updated movement, however, can now also show the month, year, chronograph functions, second-time zone, and also a secret date. The secret date function allows the wearer to set a memorable date of their choosing, e.g, a birthday, wedding anniversary, etc.
The timepiece comes in a ceramic bracelet that has an inner rubber lining that allows the bracelet to be more flexible and much more comfortable to wear. The bracelet also comes fitted with a folding titanium buckle.
Movement:
Girard-Perregaux’s movement for this timepiece, the Calibre GP039830, allows the user to see the time on demand, which helps greatly preserve the battery life. Girard-Perregaux states that “assuming the pushers are pressed on average 20 times per day, the battery should last for 2 years.”
The Casquette 2.0 will only be limited to a run of 820 units, which is a reference to the 8200 pieces that were produced of the original Casquette during 1976 – 1978. When the original model was initially released, there were a lot of people that missed out on this now iconic model. If you have been on the hunt for a retro-futuristic timepiece, or have been looking for the original Casquette or similar, then look no further, as the Casquette 2.0 can be simply pre-ordered from Girard-Perregaux’s E-commerce website from 22.02.2022 to 07.03.2022. Otherwise, select Girard-Perregaux retailers around the world will have them in stock.
Girard-Perregaux’s CEO, Patrick Pruniaux, sums up this timepiece best as he states “Not all watches retain their looks and desirability with the passage of time. However, since the production of the original Casquette ceased in 1978, the interest in this watch has never diminished. We regularly receive enquiries and have witnessed these models attract much attention, fetching 10x their original sales price on the pre-owned market. If only everything we bought increased in value in such a way! Quite simply, the original Casquette serves to further validate our reputation for designing watches with lasting appeal. We are delighted to welcome the Casquette back – a stylish watch that promises a lasting allure.”
Reference: 39800-32-001-32A
Specification:
- Case: 42.40 x 33.60 mm Height: 14.64 mm
- Case Material: Black ceramic & Grade 5 titanium, Grade 5 titanium pushers
- Dial: Tubular LED display
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Movement: GP03980 Quartz movement
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, year, chronograph, second time zone, secret date
- Strap: black ceramic with rubber interior and titanium folding buckle
