The 1966 Skeleton by Girard-Perregaux is one of the watches celebrating the company’s 225th anniversary. The case in pink gold, 38 mm in diameter and 9.27 thick, is perfectly dimensioned for the 1966 movement which is 30 mm in diameter. Notable features of the exposed movement are the balance at 12 o’clock, the rhodium-plated gear train, and the bridges treated with anthracite grey ruthenium. The small seconds hand is at 10 o’clock. The watch has a black alligator strap with pink gold pin buckle. Water resistance 30 metres.

The GP01800-0006 movement is based on the GP1800, with 173 components and 23 jewels, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz). It is self-winding, with a skeletonized oscillating weight in gold, and it has a power reserve of 54 hours.

The watch is a lovely composition, with both symmetrical elements – the balance, the pivot for the hour and minute hands – and asymmetry, with the small seconds hand attached to the seconds wheel, the mainspring visible a touch right of 6 o’clock, and the arching bridges. Everything is framed by the ring at the edge of the dial bearing the hour and minute markers, and the brushed-finish bezel. It’s the sort of design that requires the heritage and skill available only to prestige brands such as Girard-Perregaux.

Price and reference

The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Skeleton, reference 49549-52-001-BB60, costs €50,800.