Founded in 1791 and best known for their fine watches, Girard Perregaux are one of the oldest watchmakers in the world that are still in operation. However, while their mechanical timepieces are what earns them their plaudits, some of their most interesting timepieces have been quartz, with the Casquette existing as one of those very timepieces. Produced between 1976 and 1978, the Casquette was a result of the Quartz Crisis, with an unusual space-age aesthetic and a LED screen providing a digital display. With just 8200 pieces produced over those two years, the Casquette became quite the classic and so inspired a piece unique from Girard Perregaux in collaboration with George Bamford for the iconic charity auction Only Watch in 2021 and a subsequent relaunch of the collection with the limited edition Casquette 2.0 in 2022. Offered here, we have the original Casquette ref. 9931 in stainless steel with its black LED display, inhouse quartz cal. GP350 movement and unique case shape in what is perhaps one of the 1970’s most quirky pieces of watchmaking.

Watch is in near-mint overall condition, with some minor surface wear and a tiny ding visible on the polished bezel of the LED display. Caseback retains original sticker. Battery was recently changed and the watch functions and tells time. Aside from minor handling and marks mentioned above, the watch appears unworn. Watch is on an its original leather strap and comes with hang tag.

Representing the essence of the Quartz Crisis, the Casquette is a wonderful reminder of the tumultuous time it was for watchmaking and the lengths that brands had to go to remain relevant and financially viable through creative design and out-of-the-box thinking.