The Rolex Submariner, the Omega Seamaster Professional and the Cartier Santos Galbee are classics that are more often than not worn on a bracelet. You’d wonder sometimes if these watches would have been the successes they are now if they had only been offered on a strap. Even more so for watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which have integrated bracelets as a defining feature. Would they have enjoyed the same, massive success if they have been on a strap? We will never know for sure but the truth is that a well made bracelet can add to the success of a watch, and that is why the introduction of a steel bracelet for the Chrono Hawk by Girard-Perregaux is a bigger deal than you might think!
As a brand Girard-Perregaux has had a history of making very nice, steel bracelets. For example, the “Vintage 1945”, one of the ladies’ watches in the “F”-collection or the bracelet on the famous “Laureato”. The bracelet on the Chrono Hawk shows some relation to that on the Laureato, which is not surprising as this model was the inspiration for the Hawk-collection, albeit on steroids! The robust links integrate seamlessly with the watch itself, a difficult thing to do with an above average case width of 44mm. Knowing the importance of wearing comfort, Girard-Perregaux paid extra care to the finish of the bracelet. As rough and tough as it looks, the slightly rounded edges and smooth insides are the little touches that guarantee comfort when wearing the watch.
The question remains of course if the Chrono Hawk began life with an integrated bracelet or not. Since it was first introduced with a strap this might not appear to be the case. However, when one has a close look at how the bracelet becomes one with the overall design of the watch, there is certainly evidence that the designers had a bracelet in mind when they conceived the watch! This is certainly an interesting thought, and one to discuss over a good bottle of wine with some watch minded friends.
The Chrono Hawk itself hasn’t changed of course. You still get a bold, steel 44mm chronograph with a movement based on Girard-Perregaux’s famed caliber 3300. Two bold sub dials stare prominently at you when you opt for the silver dial, and are more subdued in the overall design of the dial when you go for the blue dialed version of the Chrono Hawk. Same watch, slightly different personality. The new steel bracelet also adds to the personality of the Chrono Hawk, whichever dial color you prefer.
Martin Green
Eclectic taste in Haute Horlogerie, passion for diamond set watches, loves the classics
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