Girard-Perregaux F300 Chronograph
INTRODUCTION
Both Girard-Perregaux and Ferrari are names synonymous with luxury, and the combination is as successful as peanut butter and chocolate! It all began by chance while Luigi Macaluso (president of Girard-Perregaux) was having a friendly lunch with Luca Cordero di Montezemelo and Piero Ferrari, when the idea of doing something together came up. In 1994 they launched the split seconds tribute to Ferrari and by 1995 there was an entire chronograph collection. The following year, they produced the Girard Perregaux pour Ferrari F50, then the Lady F and in 1999 The SF Foudroyante to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Ferrari racing stable. Inspired by a pocket watch movement from 1880, the Foudroyante is a split seconds chronograph with a jumping seconds mechanism. It is capable of calculating intervals of time down to 1/8 of a second.
The similarities between both companies were astonishing. They are both committed to the highest levels of quality, authenticity and creativity. They also pay meticulous attention to every tiny detail, which is probably what sets Ferrari and Girard Perregaux apart from many other manufactories. Over the years there have been many Girard Perregaux pour Ferrari models, in this article we will be reviewing the stainless steel F300 chronograph, a versatile wristwatch with a stunning carbon fiber dial.
ON THE SOFT SIDE OF THINGS
In contrast to many sports watches on the market today, this one has beautifully rounded edges instead of sharp corners, which makes it one of the most comfortable to wear. It measures 37mm in diameter, 50mm from lug to lug and a large 17mm thick. Due to the domed sapphire crystal its thickness is deceiving, it is not as clumsy as one would imagine a 17mm thick watch would be. The entire case is made of stainless steel polished to a high shine, except for the thick bezel. It is the only part of the watch made of brushed steel, a classy contrast. It is nicely angled to come up to the crystal and reach down to the rounded case sides. The workmanship on the case sides is quite impressive. I was not prepared to see such a beautifully rounded design; I had never seen anything like it before.
The crown is large and is extremely easy to grip, perfect for winding and setting. It measures 6mm in diameter and is engraved with the traditional Ferrari prancing horse. Unfortunately, the crown does not screw down, but this does not keep the watch from being water-resistant to 50m. The pushers are also large and easy to operate, a credit to their maker. The action of the pushers is very precise and smooth, common on most modular chronographs, but I’d have to say this one is smoother than usual.
7 screws secure the polished case back and it is engraved with the Ferrari name and prancing horse logo. It is also written, “Manufacturé spécialement pour FERRARI”, which is French for Specially manufactured for Ferrari. Below this appears the Girard Perregaux signature and serial number. The extremely long and thick lugs curve ever so dotingly over the wrist; I just cannot imagine anyone having a problem with the comfort of this watch. However, if the wearer has smaller then average wrists, these long lugs may protrude and get scratched since the strap sits so near the case. I cannot find any other faults to the fit and finish of this case, remarkable!
BEYOND THE DOME
The domed sapphire crystal measures 30mm across. It does not appear to have any anti-reflective coating, but this does not deter from its astonishing readability. A combination of highly contrasting hands and dial are responsible for that. The deceptive carbon fiber dial is both shiny and mat depending on the angle you choose to look at it. This is the first watch I see up close with this ever so popular dial material. I cannot honestly say I like it, at some angles it almost looks like paper at others it is so impressive it is distracting.
There are Arabic tritium coated numerals all around, except at 9, 3 and 6 o’clock where the chronograph sub dials are found. There is a tachometer scale along the outside perimeter of the minute track, I’m not sure how useful it is, considering its size, but has an added benefit. The extra long minute and hour hands are also coated with tritium, as are the smaller sub dial hands. The chronograph seconds hand is white and the tip has been painted red, which makes it extremely easy to read, a nice touch. The constant seconds is located at 3 o’clock, the chronograph minute counter is at 9 and the chronograph hour counter is at 6.
The date window is located at 4:30, which is the perfect place for it. Too many watch companies place too much importance on the date window, in my opinion, it should not detract from the watches time telling capabilities. By placing it at 4:30, it is completely out of the way, though I would have preferred white on black writing as the reverse contrasts too much with the dial.
MODULAR VS. INTEGRATED
Although this is a popular subject for discussion, I will not delve into it too much, but some clarification is required. What is the difference between a modular and integrated chronograph movement? Well, an integrated movement has all the time telling parts and chronograph parts together on the same base plate, while a modular movement has a base caliber with a special module placed on top for the chronograph functions. That is why when looking at a modular chronograph from the side the crown always sits lower then the pushers. This attribute is evident on our test subject. Other differences are size; the modular version is usually much smaller in diameter and a tad thinner. The advantages of integrated movements are sturdiness and exactness of execution, although this is debatable.
Our test watch uses the Girard Perregaux caliber 2280, based on the ETA 2892 caliber with an added Dubois Depraz chronograph module. It is a very popular combination, which has a proven track record for being extremely sturdy and reliable. It oscillates at a frequency of 28,000 alternations an hour and has 57 total jewels. Many jewels are needed in order to reduce the friction between the base caliber and chronograph module, which is why the number is so high. It has a Navirox I balance spring, an Incabloc shock protection system and a three-arm balance.
I have had the rare pleasure of seeing the case back removed on this watch and I honestly believe a display back would be an asset to this watch. The finish is spectacular with blued screws, Geneva waves and circular graining. The rotor is nicely engraved with the Girard Perregaux name, the number of jewels and the caliber number in gold writing. Unfortunately, I did not have our test subject long enough to test its accuracy, but if it’s anything like many other watches I’ve reviewed with this movement, it should easily perform well within chronometer standards.
THERE IS LEATHER AND THEN THERE IS CROCODILE LEATHER
Just like the previous watch I reviewed for InSync, this one came on a beautiful tanned crocodile strap. Ever since I’ve been collecting books and magazines on wristwatches, I’ve noticed the Girard Perregaux watch ads and their crocodile straps always stood out for me. Now that I’ve finally had the chance to handle one, I am not disappointed. It is 20mm at the lug width and curved to hug the side of the watchcase. I love this feature! I wish more companies would follow in their footsteps, not that they are the only ones. I just feel that this is one of those extra steps Girard Perregaux takes to bring their watches to the next level. It tapers down to a minuscule 16mm at the buckle, a tad small, but it did not take long to get used to it. I also found the strap a bit short, anyone with a wrist greater then 7.5mm will find it on the small side. The buckle is curved to fit on top of the strap and it is also signed with the Ferrari prancing horse. It is very supple, conforms to the wrist almost immediately and in my opinion, looks great. Of course, there are many people who prefer black straps on black dialed watches, but I prefer tanned. However, black is available and so is a stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp.
GOOD THINGS ALSO COME IN LARGE PACKAGES
When the box finally arrived from its destination, I was not prepared for how heavy it would be. I quickly went through all the outer bubble packaging to reveal a large beige box. I opened this box to find an equally large booklet with all of the instructions, warrantee information and card. Underneath there was a beautiful Ferrari red box with a steel prancing horse logo affixed to the top of the lid. Opening this impressive case reveals a gorgeous cream leather interior and the watch sits on a luscious leather pillow. Whoever said good things come in small packages, never owned a Girard Perregaux! As I’ve stated in the past, getting a fancy box with a watch is not a necessity, nor does it reflect the watch it is protecting, but it sure is nice.
CONCLUSION
This is a very impressive watch, while being a tad thick, it is very comfortable, easy to ready and quite stylish. Its distinct dial may not please everyone, but it sure will get noticed!
It is my understanding that new Ferrari models are coming out that feature in-house movements by Girard Perregaux. In my opinion, this is a great step towards becoming a complete manufacture. In the luxury sports chronograph market there are many contenders, but like Ferrari, Girard Perregaux’ meticulous attention to detail and quality craftsmanship has separated them from the pack.
Thank you for reading,
Marc
