HANDS-ON: The sleeper hit — Girard-Perregaux’s 1966 WW.TC in steel
Girard-Perregaux is one of Swiss watchmaking’s best-kept secrets. The La Chaux-de-Fonds based brand offers a complete — and compelling — package, fine pedigree, and a catalogue that ranges from the highest of high horology, through to some more accessible (yet still exceptional) pieces. But, for whatever reason, GP has long lacked the sort of name recognition they deserve, and which is enjoyed by some of their Helvetican siblings. But it feels like that’s on the cusp of change. Girard-Perregaux is back at the SIHH, with a particularly strong and focused collection. And while the Laureato is their shining star, there are plenty of other worthy offerings in the catalogue. Take, for example, the 1966 WW.TC in steel. The 1966 collection is GP’s clean, classic – and dare we say it, conservative – collection, and this is the first time the WW.TC (short for World Wide Time Control) has joined its ranks. Personally, I don’t think that the brand’s world timer has ever looked more at home. Previous versions of the watch have added chronographs, dates and superfluous complications. The 1966 WW.TC is stripped back to the essentials. A clean, legible city ring, easy to read 24-hour disc and small seconds.…
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Last week we told you how Longines had teamed up with ambassador of elegance, Kate Winslet, to raise money for The Golden Hat Foundation by auctioning off a very limited series of gold Flagship Heritage watches. On their own, they’re lovely and classic gold watches. But they’re only half the story. The other half of the equation is that as part of the deal you get flown to meet Kate who will personally give you your watch. But wait, there’s more. You and a guest will also get business class flights and five-star accommodation to one of the many sporting events around the globe. All the options are outlined here, but below are our top four picks if you’re looking for a classy getaway. 2017 Longines Hong Kong International Held on December 10, it’s the richest race in Hong Kong, taking place at the stunning Sha Tin Racecourse 2018 Kentucky Derby For a longer lead time, you can’t go past the Kentucky Derby, running in May. Plus, this Longines would look just the part with a white suit and mint julep. 2018 Royal Ascot If elegance is your game, then it’s got to be the oh-so-dressy Royal Ascot. Plus you might…
“Such a shame they don’t take the time to align their screws. I wouldn’t buy one purely because of this.” Every time we post a picture of a watch with exposed bezel screws (mostly Hublot or Bell & Ross) we get a variation of this comment. And I’m well and truly over it. While many brands use exposed screws on bezels, the most commonly cited example is that of the iconic Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet. It’s certainly what all the commenters on our social feeds reference when they’re lambasting other brands for their inability to align screws. But you know the funny thing? The screws on the AP’s bezels aren’t screws. In fact, they’re threaded nuts which fit neatly and immovably into the perfectly hexagonal holes in the bezel. They’re secured via the screws on the caseback, which – surprise surprise – aren’t neatly aligned. In contrast, the bezel screws on your Bell & Ross or Hublot are your typical – albeit high-end – screw. They serve the purpose of holding the bezel onto the case, and this is their main role. Looking good? That’s an afterthought. And what’s a worse look — having a screw come loose because…