Why does Girard-Perregaux attract such connoisseurs? We asked a watch specialist to reveal the secret.

Girard-Perregaux watches are popular with many watch enthusiasts. Why do the company's watches attract such connoisseurs? We spoke to brand representatives at the Shinsaibashi and Kyoto branches of Oomiya, a watch specialty store that carries Girard-Perregaux, to find out. They say the secret lies in the brand's long history and determination to continue evolving.

Why is Girard-Perregaux a brand for connoisseurs?

　We've been hearing about the "luxury watch boom" for quite some time now. Many watch stores across Japan are struggling to secure inventory, especially for luxury sports watches, which are at the center of the boom.

　However, there are also brands that continue to be passionately pursued by enthusiasts, regardless of current trends. A prime example of this is Girard-Perregaux. Why has Girard-Perregaux established itself as a brand for connoisseurs, setting itself apart from the rest?

　To find out the reason, we spoke to staff at each store of the watch specialty store "Oomiya" who interact with enthusiasts on a daily basis.

Oomiya is a watch specialty store with five locations

　Oomiya, which operates five watch specialty stores and six brand boutiques mainly in the Kansai region, is a long-established store that is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year since its founding in 1978. Each store has a full lineup that satisfies enthusiasts and continues to meet a wide range of needs.

　This time, we visited the Shinsaibashi store in Osaka Minami, the city center, and the Kyoto store located on Shijo Street in Kyoto, and spoke with Girard-Perregaux representatives at each store.

Oomiya Shinsaibashi Store's thoughts on the appeal of Girard-Perregaux and recommended models

　The Oomiya Shinsaibashi store, which relocated and reopened in 2016, is located in the Minamisenba area, one street west of Midosuji in Shinsaibashi, Osaka's luxury brand district. Oomiya boasts a diverse lineup, and the store has attracted attention from discerning enthusiasts by introducing many brands that are only available at the Shinsaibashi store.

　The store began selling Girard-Perregaux in September 2021. We spoke to Hironori Nakazumi, who is in charge of Girard-Perregaux at the store.

　First of all, Nakazumi says that many of Girard-Perregaux's customers at the Oomiya Shinsaibashi store are enthusiasts with a thorough knowledge of the brand and watches.

"One of the features of the Shinsaibashi store is that we carry many brands that are exclusive to our store. For example, the Shinsaibashi store is the only place in the Oomiya chain where you can see brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, H. Moser & Cie., Ulysse Nardin, Roger Dubuis, Chronoswiss, Eberhardt, and Gorilla.

We also carry rare models, so most customers come to the store because they want to see a variety of watches. For such customers, we often ask about their preferences and then suggest brands and watches that we recommend. On the other hand, Girard-Perregaux is a brand that customers often come to the store with a clear idea of ​​what they want.

The charm of Girard-Perregaux lies in the deep history that the brand has cultivated.

　When we asked Nakazumi why Girard-Perregaux has such a strong appeal to enthusiasts, he said it was likely due to the brand's deep history.

"Not only is it a long-established company, but for example, the Laureato, a "luxury sports" model, was one of the earliest in the industry, having been available since 1975. The so-called pioneer of this genre is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which was born in 1972. Other famous watches that are considered "first-generation luxury sports" include the Patek Philippe Nautilus from 1976 and the Vacheron Constantin 222 from 1977, which were born around the same time.

Long-time enthusiasts understand and cherish its position as a 'long-standing luxury sport spot'."

　Speaking of which, Nakazumi recommended two current Girard-Perregaux models.

Oomiya Shinsaibashi Store's Recommended Girard-Perregaux Watch #1: "Laureato 42mm Chronograph"

First of all, there is the Laureato 42mm Chronograph. This model also features the Laureato's characteristic bezel, which combines round and octagonal shapes.

This model is characterized by the use of highly corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel from the case to the bracelet. The chronograph second hand is tempered blue. This model is recommended for those who are looking for a luxurious Laureato.

Oomiya Shinsaibashi Store's Recommended Girard-Perregaux Watch #2: "Free Bridge"

　Another example is the "Free Bridge," a model from the Bridge Collection that takes its inspiration from the original 1860s model that elevated the movement's bridge into a design element.

"The Bridge Collection has various series, such as the Three Bridges and Neo Bridge, but the Free Bridge is the most affordable model of the bunch. However, it is just as well-made, with meticulous attention to detail, including a three-dimensional dial and sandblasted finish. It is a watch that embodies the technical expertise and history of Girard-Perregaux."

Oomiya Kyoto store's thoughts on the appeal of Girard-Perregaux and recommended models

　Next, we visited the Kyoto store, which moved to its current location in Kyoto City in February 2022 and began selling Girard-Perregaux. The store is conveniently located across from the Daimaru Kyoto store, a one-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and is located in a shopping area, so it is visited by many local regulars.

　At the store, Yuka Uchida, who is in charge of Girard-Perregaux, spoke to us.

The allure of Girard-Perregaux lies in its drive to continue evolving

　When asked what it is that attracts enthusiasts to Girard-Perregaux, Uchida replied that it is because of its "artisanal spirit."

"When we look into the history of the brand, we find that Girard-Perregaux is a brand with many glorious achievements, such as being the first in the world to achieve a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and being a pioneer of quartz watches.

Even now, every time I pick up a new model, I can feel that the brand's spirit remains unchanged from the past, as it strives to create better watches without resting on its laurels, and to move forward while cherishing its pride and uniqueness as a long-established brand."

Oomiya Kyoto Store's Recommended Girard-Perregaux Watch #1: "Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date & Moon Phase"

　We asked Uchida to choose two Girard-Perregaux models that he would recommend and why. The first one he mentioned was the Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date & Moon Phase, a tonneau case watch with a see-through dial and moon face and an automatic movement.

"The first thing I want to convey about the Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date & Moon Phase is its thinness. This model has a curved case that fits the wrist. Curved case watches tend to be thick due to the structure of the movement, but this model is less than 12mm thick, and in addition to displaying the time, it also has two calendar discs and a moon phase function.

This is the result of advanced technical skill. I would also like to convey how comfortable it is to wear. This model is large, but the angle of the lugs has been carefully calculated, so it fits perfectly.

Although thick watches have their merits, such as their presence and masculinity, thin watches exude elegance, smartness, and sexiness."

　Uchida held the actual device on her arm and said, "Even my arm, a woman, feels this stable."

　He then brought his face closer to the watch and said, "Because of the see-through dial, the movement is visible through the dial, and you can see that the bridges are finished with decorative finishes such as Côtes de Genève and circular graining.

I also think that the satin finish on the indexes for better visibility is a key point. It's a watch that exudes the spirit of craftsmanship, with careful consideration going all the way to the finest detail."

Oomiya Kyoto Store's Recommended Girard-Perregaux Watch #2: "Laureato 42mm"

　The other watch that Uchida chose was the Laureato 42mm, a three-hand model that has become synonymous with Girard-Perregaux and has been a symbol of the collection since its revival as a regular model in 2017.

"Another thing to note about this watch is how comfortable it is to wear. Notice how, when you put it on your wrist, there is only a small gap between your wrist and the lugs, just like with the Vintage 1945. In addition, the Laureato's bracelet has been designed to improve comfort.

Bracelets of a fixed width are common, but if they are too thick they can feel heavy and restrictive, and if they are too thin they can lose stability. The Laureato bracelet has a different width for each link from the lug to the buckle, and its thickness is also perfectly calculated to balance the weight with the case, giving it a high level of stability.

And, of course, the design is great. The case and parts are generously decorated with multiple finishes, including the Clous de Paris pattern on the dial. The flowing lines from the case to the lugs are also beautiful. I believe the beauty of a watch's lines is determined by the sides of the case, lugs, and bracelet.

This watch is a delight to look at from both the side and the back. The movement is also multi-decorated, with beveled edges occasionally shining through the sapphire crystal case back.

　Indeed, the more you use it, the more appealing it becomes, and you can sense it everywhere.

Oomiya Shinsaibashi and Kyoto stores are holding a "Girard-Perregaux Fair"

　Oomiya's Shinsaibashi and Kyoto stores are holding a "Girard-Perregaux Fair" until Sunday, July 30th. If you purchase a Girard-Perregaux watch during the fair, you will receive an original Girard-Perregaux watch stand as a special gift.

　Oomiya also places great emphasis on after-sales service. Customers who have purchased a watch from Oomiya can bring it to any store and receive free accuracy checks, magnetic inspections, bracelet cleaning, strap replacements, and size adjustments at any time.

　Although it may seem unnecessary, if you are considering purchasing something at either store, we highly recommend trying the coffee they serve you. This is made from beans specially blended for Oomiya, ordered from a coffee specialty store in Wakayama, and the beans are ground and served every morning.

　Although it is a small service, it is one example of the importance that Oomiya places on careful communication with customers. We hope that customers will take this opportunity to hold a Girard-Perregaux watch in their hands, as well as enjoy the store's atmosphere and conversations with the sales staff.