Posted by The Girard-Perregaux model “Deep Diver” have it’s roots from the 1940’s model “Sea Hawk” which most likely got it’s name from the movie with the same name staring Errol Flynn…
While the Sea Hawk model which lived on all the way into the 1960’s all had manual movements, this new model Deep Diver, all had automatic movements or like Girard-Perregaux like to call it – “Gyromatic” movements.
The early Sea Hawk’s very water-resistant, later on to be rated waterproof, but it was not until the 7254 Deep Diver launched in 1957 it got serious – waterproof down to 100 Fathoms / 180 meters.
Something which were proudly stated on the dial! Guess as a hint to one of the more famous competitors at the time…
As you can see, the 7254 looks very similar to some of the dress watch Gyromatic from the time…
A bit stronger lugs, wider bezel and larger crown… Other than that it is hard to see any difference, especially since the size, 36 mm, do not differ much or any compared with other Gyromatic watches of the time.
The case have a screw-down case back but the crown is a normal pull-out crown. Lume areas on hands and dial are not very large. Bet it would be really hard to tell time down below…
One thing I find a bit paradox and fun at the same time is that even if the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms back in the mid 1950’s claimed to be waterproof down to 200 meters, they kept the name Fifty Fathoms… Was the name already as famous as it is today? Or were they selling them self cheap?
Here is a scan from 1956 stating this:
Back to the 7254 Deep Diver – as stated in the header of this report, the 7254 was the first generation of the Deep Diver to see the light.
According to Girard-Perregaux records, 500 pieces were made in 1957. All in steel but with several different dials.
From observed case numbers, there is an indication that there might have been second bath of the 7254, but so far nothing solid to go on.
Inside is the automatic movement GP Calibre 19 which is based on the Peseux 310.
As I stated earlier – I love the early divers theme… The problem with the 7254 is to decide which dial version to prefer…
Silver dial with gold index, silver dial with steel index or black dial with steel index?! The price for one of these beauties back in 1957: CHF 195.-
There were even more dial versions available among the 7254 – to see more versions, make sure to visit GP Chronicles
Stay tuned for more Deep Diver versions – while you wait, you can read about some of them here: Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver
The Blomman Watch Report 