Girard-Perregaux launched its Traveller collection — a revamp of its travel-themed ww.tc line — in 2013. Several variations on those first models have arrived on the scene since that debut, including an all-black titanium DLC version. The latest, debuting this fall, is the first Traveller with a translucent dial that offers a glimpse at the inner workings of the watch’s patented big date mechanism.
The metallic gray dial of the Girard-Perregaux Traveller Large Date, Moon Phases & GMT is made of sapphire. The watch’s wearer can peer through its smoky surface to see the watch’s sophisticated date complication, located prominently at 12 o’clock, at work. What sets this one apart from other big date indicators is the pair of superimposed disks, one of which is a mere .10 mm thick and has elements made of transparent folanorm, arranged so as to ensure a seamless display, with no visible separation between the two date disks.
Another standout feature is the moon-phase between 7 and 8 o’clock, which Girard-Perregaux has attached directly to the movement’s barrel for greater accuracy. It features a realistic moon on a Milky Way night sky, a metallic finish, and a center-mounted small seconds hand. The moon-phase display is surrounded by a satin-brushed ring and can be adjusted via a corrector button at 8 o’clock. The 24-hour GMT indicator, which is merged with the moon-phase, is located between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The watch’s movement is Girard-Perregaux’s manufacture caliber GP 03300-0109, measuring 30.4 mm (13 1/2 lignes) in diameter and featuring automatic winding, 35 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vph, and a power reserve of 46 hours. Another sapphire crystal in the caseback, secured by six screws, allows a view of the movement, with its haute horlogerie finishing and large rotor, whose shape is inspired by Girard-Perregaux’s distinctive tourbillon bridges. The Girard-Perregaux Traveller Large Date, Moon Phases & GMT watch (Ref. 49655-52-232-BB6A in rose gold, Ref. 49655-11-231-BB6A in steel) comes on an alligator leather strap with a titanium folding clasp. Prices are $12,800 for the steel version and $16,000 for the rose gold.
Except for the occasional hobbyist astronomer, does anybody these days even CARE which phase of of the moon we’re under on any given night?