By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-
The Girard-Perregaux ww.tc watches are regarded as among the finest contemporary examples of timepieces with world time complication, and can be considered among the Manufacture's most enduringly popular models. Recognizing the appeal of the ww.tc, Girard-Perregaux has created a unique variation for September's Only Watch event. This charity auction of fine and exceptional timepieces is taking place for the third year in Monaco, under the patronage of Prince Albert II. All monies raised from the sale will directly aid research efforts for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Produced from high-tech black ceramic with a titanium inner core, the case of the Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Ceramic Only Watch 09 chronograph measures 43mm in diameter. This stealthy and scratch-resistant case is complimented by rubber accents on both chronograph pushers and winding crown. Characterized by an elegant domed profile, the sapphire crystal joins seamlessly with the domed bezel to offer formidable scratch-resistant protection to the distinctive and colorful ww.tc dial, which like the watch itself, presents some subtle surprises. The chronograph subdials are silvered against a black background, for a handsome and sporty contrast, and hour markers and hands both display luminous applications to enhance low-light reading. The demarcation between day and night hours on the rotating 24-hour ring is made clear through the use of brilliant red for the hours from 6:00 to 18:00, and the customary city of Paris on the outer city ring to denote UTC/GMT +1 has been replaced with Monaco, in brilliant red.
Once the time has been set, and the proper city is oriented at 12 o'clock, the owner of this Girard-Perregaux wristwatch can keep track, at a glance, of times throughout the globe. Equally efficient is the chronograph function with its desirable flyback mechanism. This enables the wearer to record successive intervals of elapsed time without the need to first stop and then reset the central chronograph hand.
The Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Ceramic Only Watch 2009 chronograph is animated by the manufacture GP 3387 self-winding movement. Measuring 13 lignes in diameter and 8.20mm in overall height, this modular caliber from Girard-Perregaux features a balance wheel moving back and forth at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 46 hours. Six screws affix the caseback, which reveals the finely finished movement through a tinted sapphire crystal exhibition window. The back's outer ring is engraved with the brand signature as well as "Piece Unique", the reference number, and the words "Ce/Ti No 1/1" to designate the case materials, and the unique production of the model.
Girard-Perregaux's unique ceramic-cased ww.tc chronograph watch will be auctioned without reserve along with timepieces from a range of other fine haute horlogerie brands, on the evening of September 24, 2009. Prior to the Only Watch 09 event, the assemblage of special watches will be exhibited in Shanghai, Geneva, London, New York, Milan, and Monaco.
More about Girard-Perregaux:
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