News • 05 Nov 2024
The Spirit of ’76 Reborn with the Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0
The return of Girard-Perregaux’s Casquette series, embodied in the Casquette 2.0 in titanium and gold, underscores the brand’s ongoing pursuit of design innovation while paying homage to its heritage. Initially launched in 1976, the Casquette quickly became a symbol of its time with its distinctive digital display and unconventional form—a daring move that set it apart amid traditional watchmaking norms. With its futuristic aesthetic and pioneering use of quartz technology, the Casquette captivated enthusiasts who appreciated the forward-thinking design sensibilities of Girard-Perregaux.
Today, the Casquette 2.0 continues this legacy by combining vintage allure with modern advancements, creating a watch that appeals to both loyal collectors and new admirers of Girard-Perregaux’s design ethos. This model, now crafted in titanium with gold accents, reinterprets the original’s bold presence while integrating additional functionalities, bridging the gap between past and present with sophistication. The Casquette 2.0 stands as a testament to Girard-Perregaux’s capacity to reimagine icons, reaffirming its enduring role in the evolution of horological design.
A Tribute to an Icon of the 1970s
The original Casquette made its debut in the mid-1970s, a period characterised by groundbreaking advances in quartz technology and a societal fascination with the space age. Embracing this trend, Girard-Perregaux introduced a digital watch powered by quartz, with a striking red LED display that stood out amidst the prevailing analogue designs.
The Casquette’s distinctive look and advanced technology quickly garnered attention, positioning it as a cultural icon that appealed to those captivated by the futuristic design ethos of the era. Girard-Perregaux has now recaptured this spirit with the Casquette 2.0, retaining the allure of its tubular LED display but enhancing its functionality and durability.
Crafting with Precision: Titanium and Gold Fusion
The Casquette 2.0 showcases Girard-Perregaux’s commitment to craftsmanship and materials science. Encased in Grade 5 titanium, the watch is both robust and lightweight, ensuring optimal comfort. The addition of an 18K 2N yellow gold ‘GP’ logo and pushers offers a nod to the luxury status of the original Casquette, while also imparting a refined contrast to the matte titanium finish.
A testament to the watch’s emphasis on comfort, the titanium bracelet is lined with a rubber material that enhances wearability. Additionally, the titanium folding clasp features a micro-adjustment system, allowing the wearer to tailor the fit precisely to their wrist—another example of Girard-Perregaux’s attention to practical details.
Enhanced Functionality with the GP03980 Calibre
Equipped with the GP03980 calibre, the Casquette 2.0 goes beyond the standard digital functions offered by its predecessor. The movement’s quartz frequency of 32,768 Hz is a hallmark of accuracy, ensuring the watch’s timekeeping remains reliable over extended periods. While the original Casquette displayed hours, minutes, seconds, day, and date, this updated model provides additional features including month, year, chronograph, a second time zone, and a “secret date” function—a special date chosen by the wearer that can be displayed upon activation.
Moreover, Girard-Perregaux offers the option to retrofit this updated calibre into original Casquette models, bridging past and present and enabling first-generation Casquette owners to benefit from these modern functionalities. This forward-thinking approach exemplifies the Maison’s commitment to sustaining its watches and supporting its community of enthusiasts.
Giving back to the ‘GP’ Community
In line with Girard-Perregaux’s long-standing tradition of fostering close relationships with its collectors, the brand has structured an exclusive offering period for existing “GP lovers” who can access the Casquette 2.0 before it becomes available to the general public. This approach not only recognises the loyalty of Girard-Perregaux’s dedicated followers but also aligns with the Maison’s focus on cultivating an enduring community centred around a shared passion for horology. Following this initial release, the Casquette 2.0 will be made available at select Girard-Perregaux boutiques and authorised retailers, opening this distinctive piece to a broader audience.
A Continued Legacy of Bold Design and Technological Innovation
The reimagining of the Casquette is part of Girard-Perregaux’s broader legacy of pioneering designs, from the architectural precision of the Laureato to the technical mastery of the Tourbillon with Three Bridges. The Casquette 2.0, like these icons, embodies Girard-Perregaux’s ambition to expand the parameters of watchmaking by reinterpreting classic designs with a modern lens. This approach keeps the brand’s heritage alive while driving it into the future, appealing to those who value horological history yet seek innovation in their collections.
With the Casquette 2.0, Girard-Perregaux not only pays homage to its past but also reinforces its role as a leading innovator in the horological field. By integrating contemporary materials and enhancing functionality, the Casquette 2.0 in titanium and gold achieves an elegant balance between nostalgia and modernity, capturing the imagination of a new generation of collectors. This watch, while firmly rooted in the past, offers a statement of forward-looking vision—a watch that connects eras and celebrates the brand’s enduring influence in the world of watchmaking.
Want to know more about Girard-Perregaux and its other collections? Browse our catalogue to discover more about the Manufacture or drop us a message to enquire further.
• 08 Mar 2022
Private: Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0
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