Vintage 1945 XXL Automatic

The Vintage 1945 XXL is Girard-Perregaux's commitment to a case shape that most Swiss houses abandoned decades ago. The cushion form traces directly to GP's 1945 original, and this steel automatic version keeps it accessible without watering down the look. If you find round watches forgettable, this is a serious alternative.

What it is

GP introduced the cushion-cased 1945 at the end of World War II, drawing on a mid-century case convention popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Most manufacturers quietly retired the shape as round cases became dominant through the quartz era. GP held on, periodically refreshing the line rather than burying it.

The XXL designation reflects the shift to a 36mm diagonal measurement, which reads larger on the wrist than a 36mm round watch due to the extended corners. The 25882-11-221-BB6B pairs that historic silhouette with the in-house GP03300 automatic movement, adding a power reserve display that fits the instrument sensibility of the original design.

Buying notes

The cushion case is genuinely polarizing. Buyers who discover mid-purchase that they prefer round watches end up with a reference that has a narrower resale pool. Verify the dial and hands closely before buying pre-owned: this reference has appeared with slight color variations across production years, and mismatched components from prior service are a real risk.

The GP03300 movement requires a watchmaker familiar with GP calibers for anything beyond basic service. The steel bracelet and leather strap versions command different prices; confirm which configuration you are getting. Finally, "XXL" is relative to the rest of the 1945 family rather than to the broader market, so try it on before assuming it reads large.

Market read

New examples list in the $8,000 to $11,000 range depending on configuration and retailer. Pre-owned prices have softened as GP's secondary market has lagged behind Rolex and AP, which makes this a reasonable entry point for buyers who want in-house watchmaking with a distinctive case at a non-inflated price. Liquidity is thinner than round-case peers, so treat this as a keeper rather than a trade vehicle.

Service expectations

The GP03300 automatic movement is an in-house caliber and should be serviced by a GP-authorized center or an independent with documented GP experience. Service intervals are typically 5 to 7 years. The cushion case geometry adds minor complexity for gasket replacement compared to round cases, so confirm your watchmaker has worked on this case family before committing.