1960's Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Ref. 9075-AF On Original Bracelet
Girard-Perregaux launched the Olimpico line to commemorate the Olympic Games. Some believe this started in the 1950s, and others believe it started in 1968 for the Olympic Games in Mexico City. There is a bit of debate in the watch collecting community when exactly this model was first built, whether it was the 1968 or the 1976 Olympic Games is unconfirmed. Either way, it's a cool watch from a historically renowned brand that is a bit different than the company's current offerings.
The Olimpico has a lot of nice details. The dial features a tachymeter and pulsometer scale in a white track around the edge. The sub-registers are white, matching the outer track; they are also engine-turned, adding some dimension to the dial. The dial has red accents in the five minute counter of the minutes register, the seconds hand, and the first quarter of the multi-scale outer track. The red details really pop and they give the watch a nice sportiness appropriate for the Olympic Games. The acrylic rotating bezel on this watch is a handsome brownish color that can look lighter or darker depending on the light. Finding these vintage acrylic bezels in good condition is getting rarer.
Excelsior Park manufactured the movement for this chronograph, the caliber 40-68, which you can also find in some Gallet chronographs. There is even an Excelsior Park branded chronograph that is identical to the watch we have here. Another feature that makes this specific example special is the signed Girard-Perregaux bracelet. It is quite rare to find one of these on its original bracelet. This five-link, brick-style bracelet adds a level of sophistication to the watch, although it would also look great on a number of leather straps.
The overall look of the Olimpico has a similar aesthetic to the Zenith A385 with its khaki-colored dial. This GP is a great watch for someone who likes uncommon vintage chronograph models with an interesting history.
Pre-Owned: 1968 Girard-Perregaux Olimpico Ref. 9075-AF On Original Bracelet
Serial: 953,XXX
Case Reference: 9075-AF
Dial: Tritium
Hands: Tritium
Case: 39mm x 13.5mm thickness - Stainless Steel
Bezel: Brown - Bakelite
Bracelet: Girard-Perregaux five-link, brick-style bracelet - Stainless Steel
Movement: High grade, Excelsior Park calibre 40-68, GP 073 - Manual - (-30s/d 285 Amp)
Glass: Acrylic
Box/papers: No box or papers - watch only
Lug Width: 19mm
Functions: HMS, Chronograph
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition:
Case has light scratches and marks. Bracelet normal micro wear. Dial has discoloration at 12 but lume plots are intact and have fantastic patina. Hands have a vivid patina lume, that is intact and matches dial. No service history but running (-30s/d 285 Amp).
