Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 Chronograph “Pour L.P.”: Limited Edition for the “Chrono-passionate”

The Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 Chronograph “Pour L.P.” limited edition of 250 watches is rooted in the story of two consummate “watch guys.” Former Girard-Perregaux owner Luigi Macaluso is the obvious one; Laurent Picciotto is the other. Picciotto, or “L.P.” is better known as the flamboyant owner of celebrated Paris high horology boutique, “Chronopassion.”

watchuwant.com’s example is one of only 250- produced in 2007 to celebrate the Girard-Perregaux manufacture’s special relationship with Laurent Picciotto and Chronopassion. As a champion of mechanical watches since before they were cool (1988, to be precise) Picciotto’s “Chronopassion” boutique has flown the flag for Switzerland’s finest on Paris’ Rue Saint Honoré for decades.

Normally an irrepressible presence and personality (he’s the first image you encounter on Chronopassion’s website), Picciotto’s oblique dedication on the R&D 01’s caseback, “Pour L.P.” reads as something of an ironic inside joke between the man himself and his friends at Girard-Perregaux.

A massive 43mm black steel case sets the tone for the entire watch. Its imposing size and strong lines accentuate the basic R&D 01 model’s unconventional “inverted” chronograph and “F1 Intake” crown guard at 4:00. The black dial, yellow accents, and silkscreened sapphire display caseback are unique to this edition.

Girard-Perregaux equips this limited edition R&D 01 chronograph with a color-coordinated black natural rubber strap. A double-deployant clasp in matching black PVD keeps the Vader-esque aesthetic intact, and twin-trigger clasp release ensures absolute security on the wrist.

When a championship-winning race car driver runs your company for nearly two decades, motorsports becomes part of the culture. The late Luigi Macaluso was more than a titled rally racer; he was the consummate watch guy.

This R&D 01 Chronograph is the distillation of G-P’s watchmaking savoir faire and copious input from motorsports professionals. Reversed and inverted chronograph pushers ensure easy access to the timer; the 24-hour indication permits easy reference to AM/PM status; an internal bi-directional bezel offers a second short-term timing option for a second event; the dial includes both center chronograph seconds and minutes for easy reference during the “heat of battle.”

The in-house Girard-Perregaux caliber 033CO is part of the Cal. 3000 family that put G-P on the map as a true manufacture. It’s an automatic-winding movement with a 46-hour power reserve, a vertical clutch for smooth chronograph operation, and an impressive 52 synthetic sapphire ruby jewels to keep the entire power plant running efficiently. Fine finish abounds; engine-turned base plate perlage, cotes de Geneve stripes, and camfered bridge edges speak to the degree of artisanal attention lavished on each caliber 033CO.

View this big, black, and bold Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 Chronograph “Pour L.P.” limited edition in high-resolution images on www.watchuwant.com.

Video and content by Tim Mosso.