The original Casquette was produced from 1976 to 1978. During that period, Girard-Perregaux made 8200 examples of this innovative quartz watch. Over the years, it has become much sought after by watch aficionados and style-conscious wearers. Now, the GP Casquette returns named Casquette 2.0. This new model upholds the design language of the original but is now encased in ceramic with a grade 5 titanium case back. Moreover, it features a new quartz movement with additional functionality. Lastly, with its ergonomic case, the model's size and design make it suitable for all.
In 1976, Girard-Perregaux unveiled the Casquette, a cutting-edge timepiece endowed with a tubular LED display. Powered by a quartz movement, tapping into the horological zeitgeist of the 70s, the watch looked very different from the traditional two-handers of the time. Interestingly, Girard Perregaux, the Manufacture founded in 1791, was at the vanguard of quartz timekeeping. Indeed, the frequency of 32,768 Hz was set by the Maison and subsequently adopted as the universal standard for quartz watches. The original displayed the hours, minutes, seconds, day, and date with its quartz movement delivering a high degree of precision.
The Casquette was produced from 1976 to 1978 and offered in three case variants, Makrolon —polycarbonate—, yellow gold plate, and, lastly, steel. Over subsequent years, the Casquette has become much sought-after by watch collectors and fashionistas alike. Its retro-futuristic design language continues to proffer much appeal which has never waned.
Now the Casquette 2.0 is housed in a scratch-resistant ceramic case and features a grade 5 titanium case back. Both the titanium and ceramic are hypoallergenic and light. Indeed, it has an exceptionally low weight of 107 grams, helping to augment wearer comfort. In fact, the new Casquette is more comfortable than ever. Rounding off this lightweight ensemble are titanium pushers and a titanium badge which is positioned atop the watch head and emblazoned with a period GP logo.
In 2021, Girard-Perregaux, in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department, created a piece unique in support of the ONLY Watch charity auction.. Based on the original Casquette of 1976, the watch was encased in forged carbon and titanium and endowed with titanium pushers. The watch sold for CHF 100,000 Swiss Francs. At the time, some keen-eyed observers noticed that the Casquette ONLY Watch Edition featured a new movement, the Calibre GP03980-147 4, and enquired why the Maison had produced a new movement for just one timepiece. Now, that same movement, the Calibre GP03980-147 4, sits at the heart of the new Casquette 2.0.
The Casquette allows the wearer to view the time on demand, preserving battery life. In fact, assuming the pushers are pressed on average 20 times per day, the battery should last for 2 years. The watch is supplied on a ceramic bracelet with a rubber interior which proves more flexible and comfortable than its counterpart fitted to the original Casquette. The bracelet is secured by a folding titanium buckle.
During the lifetime of the original Casquette, 8,200 pieces were produced. Inspired by this production number, Girard-Perregaux has chosen to limit the production of the new Casquette to just 820 pieces. While you could pre-order your Casquette 2.0 on GP’s website, the watch already sold out within two hours of its release.
Sticker Price $4,700 USD. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.
