Girard-Perregaux raised more than a few eyebrows in 2022 when it brought back its funky digital creation from the ‘70s called the Casquette. The watch is retro-futuristic fueled nostalgia, with a slanted digital screen displaying the time with the press of a button. It’s weird, stylish, and more than anything, surprising. Originally launched in black ceramic and titanium, this week Girard-Perregaux is releasing a new variation in titanium and gold. Okay, technically it launched in a forged carbon case in 2021, but that was just a single example made for the Only Watch auction. This titanium and gold variation will be a limited production, like the others we’ve seen in recent years, and it might be the most approachable Casquette 2.0 we’ve seen yet.
The Casquette is unique for its case, which appears as a single large shroud from the top down. It’s only at an angle that you can view the screen at the front of the case, like a small alarm clock on the wrist. The shape and finish of the case are pure throwback to the original first seen in 1976, when many brands were experimenting with digital quartz technology in what would nearly become their own undoing. It’s a strange sight these days from a brand like Girard-Perregaux, and reveals a bit of cheekiness on behalf of the brand which has established itself as a premier movement manufacture. The Casquette 2.0 represents a bit of levity from the brand as a result, which is a welcome gesture.
Powering the Casquette is the Girard-Perregaux’s GP3980 quartz movement that provides a bevy of functionality, all of which is accessed through the buttons on either side of the case. Those functions include a chronograph; the day, date, and year; a second time zone; and a secret date. That last one is a day, date, and year combination that can be shown at any time dictated by the user, such as an anniversary or birthday. The time is shown on demand to conserve battery life.
What’s new here is the case and bracelet which have been constructed from titanium, with gold accents found in the brand logo on the top of the case, and at the pushers on the side of the case. The inside of the bracelet gets a rubber lining for added comfort, and the use of titanium keeps this a rather light affair on the wrist. The case itself measures 42.4 x 33.6mm, and tapers toward the back.
Girard-Perregaux is planning to produce 820 pieces of the titanium and gold Casquette 2.0, with pricing set at $4,960. Girard-Perregaux
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