The 1970's Girard Perregaux 9091 Alarm
When exploring vintage watches, most collectors try and identify interesting complication to add to their collection which tell a significant story about the history of a brand or time period in watchmaking. The mechanical alarm complication has been covered extensively on Life on the Wrist as it is easily one of the coolest and best-value complications one can find in vintage watches. The Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox is often times the watch referenced by many when they think of mechanical alarms. Today, we take a look at another brands alarm watch; Girard Perregaux.
Girard Perregaux is incredible watch manufacturer headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. In 1969, they released the reference 9091, their version of a wrist alarm. The watch was produced until 1976 and came in two variations, stainless steel case with a silver dial and in a yellow gold plated case with a gold dial. There were many dial variations, and the production quantities for each were not large. It is well documented that only 1500 were produced in yellow gold, the steel version quantity is unknown.
The case of the 9091 is 35mm in diameter and has a very legible dial. One thing that is very cool about the case construction is the ovular, ‘c’ shape to it. Because of the way the case is shaped, the watch fits a bit larger on the wrist. Further, the lugs on the watch have beveled edges that have different finishing to each side of the lugs. Unlike the Memovox which has a center disk where the alarm is displayed and set, the Girard Perregaux features a disk below the dial with a display at 6 o’clock where the alarm can be set. The watch has two crowns, one to set the time, the other to set and wind the alarm.
The watch runs on the GP Calibre 11 which is based on the AS1930 manual wind movement. The movement is not as finished as other movements produced during this era, but still has a beauty about it. Seeing the alarm hammer is also something unique when looking at mechanical alarm watches. When the hammer hits against the metal ring around the movement, the sound is sharp, distinct and will definitely alert the wearer to whatever appointment or reminder they needed.
The watch is available at our store here.
Enjoy!
