Girard-Perregaux’s Casquette was first unveiled in 1976 at a time when quartz had just about taken over from mechanical timepieces. Although quartz technology is largely attributed to the Japanese, a number of Swiss brands were at the forefront of the technology, including Girard-Perregaux (GP) who launched its first production of quartz watches in 1971. This was the first Swiss-Made quartz movement, running at 32,768 Hz, a frequency that would go on to become the world standard for quartz watches with even the Japanese adopting it.
Fast forward five years and GP introduced its avant-garde Ref. 9931, now known as the Casquette. The launch came just a few months before Star Wars hit the big screen. This was the era of science fiction and futuristic design with the Casquette fitting perfectly into these space-age times. The first model was inaugurated in a distinct case shape with minimalist lines and a contemporary LED tubular display. Powered by Girard-Perregaux’s in-house Swiss-Made quartz movement, the watchmaking community immediately took a shine to the unusually shaped timepiece, giving it the nickname Casquette – “cap” in French – a name which was later adopted by the brand.
The Casquette 2.0
A surprise re-edition was unveiled at the charity auction Only Watch in 2021, with a limited series presented in 2022. Numerous requests from Girard-Perregaux enthusiasts had prompted the brand to bring the model back. The first 2.0 version came in black ceramic and titanium, replacing the original all-black Makrolon model and offered improved quality and functions.
The Last Line
Today, Girard-Perregaux is presenting a brand-new version of this iconic watch in a grade five titanium case with 18-karat yellow gold pushers and a “GP” logo. This colourway was inspired by the 1970s models that were also available in gold-plated steel or steel. Limited to 820 pieces, this Casquette 2.0 is fitted with a grade five titanium bracelet featuring a rubber lining for improved comfort on the wrist. The buckle also comes in titanium and is fitted with a fine adjustment system for a perfect fit.
The watch is powered by the Calibre GP03980 indicating the hours, minutes, seconds, day and date. The contemporary models have also been enhanced in terms of their functionality with the addition of the month, the year, a chronograph, a second time zone, and a secret date.
This new model will be made available to the brand’s existing client base, who will be able to sign up for a private viewing on the Girard-Perregaux website between October 31st and November 14th, 2024. Customers will then be put in contact with their closest retailer to discover the new Casquette 2.0 in person and try the piece on.
No Time to Lose
Girard-Perregaux has announced that the Casquette 2.0 in titanium and yellow gold will be the very last edition to be produced by the brand, making it even more special. So, if you have had your eye on this timepiece, the time has come!
