Girard Perregeaux and Saint Laurent have collided once again, releasing a new version of the subversive quartz timepiece!
Founded in 1791, Girard Perregeaux is living proof that even the oldest dogs can learn new tricks. They’ve seen it all, from the early days of pocket watches to the invention of the tourbillon, there’s no cornerstone of watch history not within their oversight.
When the time came for the Quartz Crisis, instead of rolling over and fading away, they rebelled in the face of seeming inevitability. The original 1976 Casquette was a defiant statement unlike any other timepiece produced by the La Chaux-de-Fonds brand, featuring cutting-edge quartz technology and an unorthodox futuristic design. As opposed to the more traditional wristwatch, the Casquette was to be read horizontally, featuring a digital time display tucked away beneath the case.
The futuristic nature of the Casquette made it singular among its peers, which is why by popular demand, Girard Perregeaux worked alongside Saint Laurent Rive Droite to revive this 70s icon in 2023. Together, they released the Casquette 2.0, resembling the original in many ways yet still drastically updating the level of craftsmanship at hand. Gone was the original Makrolon-clad case, instead replace with lightweight and resilient materials such as black ceramic and grade 5 titanium.
2024 sees a new rendition of the Casquette 2.0, where this time the full grade 5 titanium case shines in silvery grey, the GP logo proudly emblazoned atop. Incredibly light yet extremely resistant to temperature, corrosion, and magnetism, the new Casquette 2.0 combines the idealistic retrofuturism of the original Casquette’s aesthetic with the precise technologies and standards of today.
Powering the new Casquette 2.0 is the quartz GP3980 movement. With the time told in red numerals over a black screen, the watch also maintains several other complications. The hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, and year, of course, are all available for display, but it also features a chronograph, second time zone functionality, and even a ‘secret date’ function, which can signify a major event in the wearer’s life.
Final Thoughts
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard Perregeaux, remarked that the Girard Perregaux team have “created my favourite Casquette to date.” Granted, the competition only consists of five references – three original, two remastered – but the statement still resonates with me as well.
I’ve always liked watches with a bit of retro funk to them, and the Casquette 2.0 is far from an exception to the rule. Yes, for a quartz piece the price tag is rather steep, but it’s a piece truly meant for those with a keen fascination for the innovations brought about by such a turbulent period in watch history. As watches are one of the greatest vessels for carrying all kinds of history with them, that’s reason enough for someone like me to pick up.
Reference: 818391YCL698141
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42.4mm case diameter x 33.6mm lug-to-lug x 14.6mm thickness
- Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
- Dial: Black digital with red display
- Water resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
- Movement: GP3980 Quartz movement with digital LED display
- Functions: Chronograph, two time zones, secret date
- Bracelet: Integrated titanium bracelet and folding clasp
