The Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux has partnered with the iconic fashion house SAINT LAURENT to breathe new life into a classic timepiece. This collaboration has resulted in the limited release of the Casquette 2.0, a watch that seamlessly blends the retro charm of the 70s with the contemporary allure of high fashion.
The Unconventional Legacy of the Casquette
Girard-Perregaux, a brand steeped in the rich history of Swiss watchmaking, has always been a pioneer in its field. The original Casquette, produced between 1976 and 1978, was a testament to this innovative spirit. Despite its unconventional design, the Casquette carved out a significant place in the annals of horology. Its LED display, powered by the quartz Caliber 395, was a marvel of its time, offering a unique way to tell time at the push of a button.
The Casquette was available in three materials: Makrolon, stainless steel, and plated gold, with only 8,200 examples ever produced. Its unique features, including the display of hours, minutes, day, date, and running seconds, made it a hit upon its release and a coveted piece among retro watch enthusiasts in the years that followed.
The Casquette 2.0: A Retro Revival
Last year, Girard-Perregaux unveiled the Casquette 2.0, a modern reinterpretation of the classic timepiece. The new model, powered by the more efficient GP-03980, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Casquette’s retro charm.
This limited release has been reimagined by SAINT LAURENT’s Creative Director, Anthony Vaccarello, for the SAINT LAURENT Rive Droite line. The watch, made of black ceramic and black PVD-treated grade 5 titanium, features a SAINT LAURENT signature on the caseback. It boasts an array of functions, including hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, year, a chronograph, a second time zone, and a secret date.
The Intersection of Fashion and Horology
Anthony Vaccarello, who has been steering the creative direction of SAINT LAURENT since 2016, is known for his bold and graphic designs. His influence is evident in the Casquette 2.0’s architectural design, with its sleek lines and cool black exterior. This watch, while striking, is a departure from Vaccarello’s typically glamorous and sexy aesthetic, suggesting a new direction for the fashion house.
The Casquette 2.0 is part of the Rive Droite line, a collection of objects sold exclusively in SAINT LAURENT’s Paris and LA stores, as well as online. This line is an extension of Vaccarello’s democratic philosophy, offering a range of books, art, accessories, and small objects to a broader audience.
The Casquette 2.0 x SAINT LAURENT is not a watch for the traditionalist. Its design, reminiscent of an intergalactic paging device, is a bold statement piece. This collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Saint Laurent is a testament to the potential of fusing horology and fashion, creating a unique piece that is sure to captivate those with an eye for design and a penchant for the unconventional.
Specifications
* Brand: Girard-Perregaux
* Model: Casquette 2.0 Saint Laurent 01
* Reference Number: 39800-32-3102– Diameter: 42.40mm x 33.60mm
* Thickness: 14.64mm
* Case Material: Black ceramic with black PVD-treated titanium GP logo and pushers
* Dial: Tubular LED display
* Water Resistance: 50m
* Strap/Bracelet: Black ceramic with rubber interior, folding buckle with micro adjustment system
* Caliber: GP3980-1474 (Quartz)
* Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month, year, chronograph, 2nd time zone, secret date
* Diameter: 26.24mm x 27.60 mm
* Thickness: 6.40 mm
* Frequency: 32,768 Hz
* Price: $6,700
* Availability: Available exclusively at Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles, as well as online on ysl.com, in selected countries only.
* Limited Edition: Limited release of 100 pieces worldwide
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