1940’s Girard-Perregaux 37mm Oversize 18k Solid Rose Gold Retailed by Cuervo Y Sobrinos Cuba

The Havana Oversize

A remarkably distinctive Girard-Perregaux from the mid-1940s, combining an unusually large 18K rose gold case, an elegant silver dial, a co-signed Cuervo y Sobrinos dial and a robust in-house Girard-Perregaux movement.

Dating the Watch

The watch is best dated circa 1945 or shortly thereafter. The Girard-Perregaux 03E movement inside belongs to the 03 family introduced in 1945, establishing 1945 as the earliest possible date. A more precise year cannot be determined from the available information.

The Cuervo y Sobrinos connection makes the period especially interesting. The prestigious Havana firm had established its San Rafael y Aguila boutique in 1917, and during the 1940s its reputation spread throughout the Americas. By the 1950s, its Havana boutique had become one of the city's most celebrated luxury destinations. (Cuervo y Sobrinos)

Case & Dial

What immediately separates this watch from most 1940s dress watches is its size. Measuring 37mm without the crown and 39mm including the crown, it was exceptionally large for its era, when men's watches commonly measured around 31 to 33mm.

The case is crafted from solid 18K rose gold, with beautifully ribbed sides and well-defined edges. It shows regular signs of age and wear consistent with an approximately 80-year-old watch, while retaining an attractive overall presence.

The silver dial is exceptionally clean for its age, with only a tiny imperfection around 3 o'clock that is visible under certain lighting and angles. The dial is co-signed Cuervo y Sobrinos, linking the watch directly to the famous Havana retailer.

The watch is signed on the dial, movement and crown.

Girard-Perregaux 03E

Inside is the original Girard-Perregaux 03E, 17-jewel, manually wound in-house movement.

The 03E is a substantial and robust movement for its period, built for dependable mechanical timekeeping. It is currently running very well and does not require servicing at this time. We have not serviced the movement unnecessarily. The watch has instead been carefully examined and authenticated, and the components are original to the watch with the exception of the strap and buckle.

As expected with a vintage mechanical watch, timekeeping can vary with position, temperature, winding and everyday use. For a watch dating from the 1940s, its current operation is excellent.

Original Accessories

The watch will be accompanied by its original Girard-Perregaux box and original paper hang tag. The hang tag is preserved as the original paper tag, although the original string or cord used to attach it is no longer present.

The watch is otherwise complete with its original components, with the exception of the modern Milano Straps leather strap and rose gold buckle.

Strap

The watch is fitted with a new high-end Italian-made leather strap from Milano Straps, finished with a Milano Straps rose gold buckle. The strap and buckle are modern additions and are not represented as original Girard-Perregaux components.

The fixed lugs make strap selection more limited, and this Italian-made strap was chosen specifically to complement the character and color of the 18K rose gold case.

A Rare Combination

This is an unusually attractive vintage Girard-Perregaux, not only because of its impressive size and solid 18K rose gold case, but because of the combination of its silver dial, original 03E movement and historic Cuervo y Sobrinos Havana connection.

The oversized proportions give it remarkable presence on the wrist, while the rose gold case and clean silver dial retain the elegance expected from a fine mid-century Swiss dress watch.

Specifications

Brand: Girard-Perregaux
Retailer: Cuervo y Sobrinos, Havana
Date: Circa 1945
Case: Solid 18K rose gold
Width: 37mm excluding crown
Width with crown: 39mm
Lug to lug: 43.5mm
Thickness: 9.5mm
Lug width: 19mm
Dial: Silver
Movement: Girard-Perregaux 03E
Jewels: 17
Winding: Manual
Strap: Milano Straps Italian-made leather
Buckle: Milano Straps rose gold buckle