Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver, Legacy Editions: The Rebirth of an Iconic Watch
It was 1969 when Girard-Perregaux first presented the Deep Diver , a watch with a bold design that combined a unique style with the revolutionary Gyromatic system.
In collaboration with Bamford Watch Department, this unmistakable model makes its triumphant return in Girard-Perregaux's limited edition series: the Legacy Editions.
The Story of the Deep Diver
The 1960s were a time of revolutions: while the world dreamed of the "space race" and admired the first flight of Concorde, design was exploring new frontiers. Echoing this pioneering spirit, Girard-Perregaux launched the Deep Diver reference 9108 : a timepiece distinctive for its cushion-shaped case and the integration of the advanced Gyromatic system, a true mechanical marvel of its time.
The Deep Diver featured a 14-facet bezel and a striking red dial that made it instantly recognizable. The case design prefigured the typical geometry of the iconic Laureato. This was no ordinary dive watch, but an eye-catching object: bold, technically ambitious and ahead of its time.
The Rebirth: The Deep Diver Today, A Bridge Between Past and Future
More than half a century later, the visionary spirit of the Deep Diver is reborn in a modern reinterpretation that pays homage to its illustrious past while bringing it into the present. The new model draws direct inspiration from the 1969 original for its case shape, while the dial design pays homage to the bold aesthetic of the 1971 edition. The result is a timepiece that masterfully blends vintage appeal with contemporary watchmaking excellence.
Technical Mastery Reimagined: Girard-Perregaux's Innovative Legacy in the New Deep Diver
When it comes to Girard-Perregaux, the concept of “Technical Mastery” is not just a slogan, but the foundation of a 234-year history in the elite of Swiss Haute Horlogerie . This deep heritage, attested by over 80 registered patents and an impressive catalogue of more than 30 proprietary movements , is not a milestone from the past, but a continuous source of inspiration and expertise. Innovation is not a one-off event for Girard-Perregaux, but a constant philosophy, a cornerstone embedded in the DNA of the Manufacture.
This ability to design, develop and create your own watches in-house is what defines a true manufacture; it means having complete control over every aspect of watchmaking, from the initial conception of the movement to its meticulous crafting and assembly. It is an approach that guarantees not only exceptional quality and reliability, but also the freedom to dare, to push conventional boundaries.
A prime example of this innovative drive is the Gyromatic system that defined the original Deep Diver. This was no mere improvement, but a true revolution for its time: a bidirectional automatic winding mechanism that dramatically optimized the energy efficiency of the movement, resulting in greater precision and power reserve. Designed to respond intuitively to the movements of the wrist, the Gyromatic embodied a perfect fusion of robustness and refinement, reflecting the Maison's profound understanding of micromechanics.
Today, in the new Deep Diver, this technical mastery is reimagined. This does not simply mean replicating the past, but rather applying that same pioneering spirit and deep watchmaking knowledge to contemporary needs and technologies.
The reimagined technical mastery of the new Deep Diver lies in Girard-Perregaux’s ability to distill centuries of watchmaking savoir-faire into a timepiece that is both a faithful homage to an icon and a technologically current, reliable product that is perfectly in line with the standards of modern haute horlogerie. It is proof that innovation does not stand still, but evolves, drawing on the strength of its history to shape the future.
Bold design, absolute comfort and modern versatility
The design of the new Deep Diver is an explosion of style, characterized by a bold mix of blue, orange and white tones . Among its peculiarities:
- Date window and rotating inner bezel , adjustable via the crown at 2 o'clock.
- Hands and indexes coated with luminescent material that glows blue in the dark.
- Numbers with a style inspired by the retro futuristic version of the original piece.
- 40.30mm x 38.00mm cushion-shaped case crafted from lightweight Grade 5 titanium for the perfect balance between elegance and everyday comfort.
- Crowns at 2 and 4 o'clock , inspired by the original model, add symmetry and refinement.
- The dial is enriched by the Girard-Perregaux logo of the time and the Bamford logo , giving it an authentic and contemporary aesthetic.
Versatility is another strong point of the new Deep Diver. Thanks to an integrated quick release system , the rubber strap can be changed easily and without tools. Each watch comes with a blue rubber strap and an additional orange strap , offering several styling options.
Why is the Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver still an icon?
The Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver, both in its original incarnation and in its modern reinterpretation, transcends its function as a simple watch to become a true symbol. It embodies Technological Innovation , a common thread that extends from the pioneering Gyromatic system of the past to the sophisticated construction techniques of today. It is also an emblem of Bold Design , evident in the historic cushion case and distinctive faceted bezel as well as in the vibrant, modern colors that characterize the new model. Furthermore, the Deep Diver represents a powerful Historical Legacy , serving as a tangible link to a golden age of watchmaking and design. Finally, it displays a strong Contemporary Versatility , proving perfectly at home in the most demanding underwater adventures as well as a refined complement to everyday elegance.
The return of the Deep Diver celebrates Girard-Perregaux’s intrinsic ability to respectfully honor its glorious past, while constantly innovating and projecting itself towards the future. It is thus configured as a collector’s piece coveted by connoisseurs and, at the same time, a timepiece with a strong character, ideal for those who want to wear a watch that tells a fascinating story.