When most people think of Girard-Perregaux, dive watches aren’t what immediately come to mind, especially funky retro dive watches. The storied Swiss watchmaker is largely known for its luxury Laureato sports watch and haute horology pieces, like the ones from The Bridges collection. However, today, they’ve teamed up with British customization specialists at Bamford to resurrect one of the most visually striking dive watches of the 1970s, but with a titanium twist.
GOLDEN AGE RESURRECTION
The ‘60s and ‘70s represented something of a golden era for dive watch design. While Rolex and Omega were refining the handsome aesthetics, smaller brands were experimenting with wild colors and distinctive case shapes. GP’s original Deep Diver emerged during this creative explosion with its chunky cushion case, dual-crown layout, and 14-facet bezel that would later influence the brand’s iconic Laureato. The new Legacy Edition pays direct homage to a specific 1971 reference with its roulette wheel-inspired blue, orange, and white dial that looks unlike any Girard-Perregaux watch we’ve seen thus far.
LIGHTWEIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
What separates this recreation from other vintage reissues flooding the market is GP’s attention to detail paired with thoughtful modern upgrades. The 40.3mm cushion case trades steel for lightweight grade 5 titanium, a material that simply wasn’t available to watchmakers in the ‘70s. The sapphire crystal replaces fragile acrylic, and water resistance has been bumped to a more-than-serviceable 200m. To help protect it from water intrusion, two oversized crowns maintain the original’s profile, with one at 2 o’clock operating the internal rotating dive bezel (there’s no external bezel here), and another at 4 o’clock to set the time.
Other updates include hour markers that are simply more readable due to an increased length, and orange hands instead of the original’s yellow. Also, a ring behind the bezel separated it from the case of the ‘70s version, but this time around, that bezel is pushed all the way out for a cleaner look.
Inside beats Girard-Perregaux’s workhorse GP03300 automatic movement, partially seen behind a translucent caseback window on which a trident emblem and “DEEP DIVER” are etched. While the modern caliber lacks the historical Gyromatic winding system (its denotation at the bottom of the dial is now replaced by Bamford’s signature), it still gets you 46 hours of power reserve and a date function.
TIME MACHINE WEARABILITY
Aside from case sizes and material swaps, the most striking feature remains that unmistakable dial. Where many other brands might have toned down the original’s vibrant colors, GP and Bamford embraced them. The sun-ray pattern of blue minute markers emanating from a central orange circle can’t help but draw your attention. The colors are paired with both of the included blue and orange rubber straps, which feature a quick-release strap system for seamless swapping.
Those familiar with Bamford know this collaborative approach isn’t new territory. The British brand has previously worked with the likes of TAG Heuer, Zenith, and Bulgari, bringing their unique vision to established Swiss names.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Girard-Perregaux x Bamford Deep Diver Legacy Edition
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Case Size: 38mm
Lug-to-Lug: 40.3mm
Case Thickness: 13.91mm
Movement: In-house GP03300 automatic caliber
Power Reserve: 46 hours
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire
Strap: Blue and orange rubber with quick-release system
Limited Edition?: Yes, 350
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Limited to just 350 pieces worldwide, the Deep Diver Legacy Edition is available now through Girard-Perregaux boutiques and Bamford’s online store for $15,100, making this among the more expensive titanium divers on the market.
Recap
Girard-Perregaux x Bamford Deep Diver Legacy Edition
With the help of Bamford, Girard-Perregaux brought back its Deep Diver from the ’70s, retaining its overall funky aesthetic but swapping in a titanium case.
