2013/03/28

*Girard-Perregaux "Traveller Collection"

Griard-Perregaux the Traveller Moon Phases and Large Date

 

Urban. Understated. Every detail of the Traveller moon phases and large date affirms its modernity. Fashioned in steel, its case is made up of 30 elements with a subtle interplay of satin-brushed and polished surfaces.

The very slightly spherical opaline dial emphasizes the time indication with an effect of depth accentuated by the plunging beveled minute scale. The luminescent-tipped applique hour-markers point towards the center, as if to draw the eye toward the displays, hollowed and routed in the dial. Sweeping over the markers, the hours and minutes hands are also picked out with luminescent material, laid out in a fine balance: the large date at 12 o’clock, capped by a polished GP applique; the moon phases escorted by the small second at 7.30; and the power reserve at 4.30. Driven by the self-winding mechanical movement Manufacture caliber GP03300, the indications outdo one another in the elegance and originality of their layout.

Using a novel design, the moon phases and power reserve display mechanisms are directly connected to the barrel. The extremely precise lunations appear on a wheel in constant rotation, which needs to only be adjusted by one day in 122 years. The corrector is placed on the case at 10 o’clock. The design chosen for the moon is strikingly realistic. Representing the visible face of the moon, the image is made on a mineral glass and then metalized with a subtle gradation from black to gray somewhat reminiscent of the Milky Way. Silvery stars stud the night; one of them hides the Girard-Perregaux logo. The satin-brushed circular border of the display is marked with the divisions of the small second dial.

The instantaneous large date, jumping in 15 milliseconds, crowns the whole view with a polished aperture. The display mechanism works with a systempatented by Girard-Perregaux. Two disks, one transparent, the other matte, for the units and tens respectively, overlap without leaving any borderline.

The feat is certainly helped by their thinness, at 0.10 mm. The round contemporary calligraphy of the date numbers echoes the general design of the watch.

Offered with a black alligator leather strap perfectly integrated with the case, the Traveller moon phases and large date gives an ergonomic fit to the wrist. Itis also available with a black dial or with a gray dial and black ceramic bezel and brown strap.