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Steel is a metal used in watchmaking that has a lot of connotations. Typically when one thinks about steel, the mind goes directly to the robust nature of the metal. This metal was used heavily in producing watches that were considered tools. The Rolex Submariner or Omega Speedmaster being good examples of this method of watchmaking. But the metal was also used in other references that were not exclusively described as sports watches.
Sports watches also did not have to be large, behemoths on the wrist that we sometimes see manufactured on the market. Looking back in history, often times these watches were small but mixed together a robustness and legibility that still maintained the tool watch functionality.
Girard Perregaux, throughout their history, have created significantly important watches. Their part in watchmaking history is noticeable, especially given collectors who find their references so interesting. The reference 6211 is quite a good example of what the brand was capable of manufacturing.
Let’s start with the basics. The reference 6211 appears to be a reference first introduced in the 1950’s. The reference is a three-hand watch with hours, minutes and center-seconds complications. The version we have today is a great example of what is likely an early version of the 6211. The watch has a stainless steel case that is in very good condition, with very few signs of wear or polishing. Looking at the case, it is extremely sharp and maintains what appears to be the original edges of what was designed for this piece. The lugs are long and angle towards the wrist. The watch has an unsigned crown. The white dial has aged evenly and turned to a warm cream tone. The dial has applied hour markers, with numbers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock giving it a very Rolex Explorer feel.
Now we deduced that the watch was likely an early example of the reference 6211. This is based on a few details. Firstly, the watch runs on the caliber 47 BF automatic movement. We will get into the details of this movement soon, but this caliber was based on the ETA caliber 1256, and was launched in 1950 and used until 1954.
Secondly, the reference 6211 appears to come in two versions - one with the automatic signature below the Girard Perregaux name on the dial, and the other with Gyromatic beneath the name on the dial. So it seems that the reference straddled both a non-Gryomatic, and Gyromatic model. Being that the Gyromatic models became a staple for the brand, this version definitely came earlier than 1957 when the first Gyromatic was launched.
Aesthetically, this watch is extremely attractive. The steel case slopes effortlessly towards the wrist. The case appears so strong and sharp that is stands out significantly on the wrist. Additionally, looking at the dial, the hands have such a unique characteristic about them. They are in the form of a sword, but are like a long, stretched diamond. The seconds hand also has a similar shape at the end of the hand. The seconds hand has luminescent material on the inside of the tip, which has fallen out. The dial colour is extremely attractive too - like a lightly toasted piece of bread.
Moving on to the movement and finer details that appear on the watch. Removing the screw-down, water resistant caseback from the watch, one will see the Girard Perregaux logo inscribed on the caseback. Also, one will see the case metal (stainless steel) and reference number.
Turnover to the movement, one will see the caliber 47BF inside of the watch. As previously mentioned, the movement was introduced in 1950 and made through until 1954. It is based on the ETA caliber 1256 movement and is a 11.5 ligne, 27 jewel movement with 40 hours of power reserve oscillating at 18,000 vph. It also has Incabloc shock protection technology. Looking under the balance wheel, one will see the numbers ‘1256’ indicating its’ base caliber.
Cleanly aged dials, sharp cases, and attractive looks are all characteristics watch collectors love. This Girard Perregaux has all those components in spades. Another great example of how good Girard Perregaux was at making watches that are easy to love.
Enjoy!
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