Although Girard-Perregaux’s iconic World Wide Time Control collection was first unveiled about ten years ago, the new ww.tc World Wide Time Control Chronograph (ref. 49805-11-650-BA6A) doesn’t look much different from the model that started it all. Coming in basically the same oversized stainless steel case and offering the same dial layout, it differs from its numerous predecessors only with its color scheme (and even that one is just a carefully facelifted job that doesn’t offer anything particularly new in the styling department.)
Frankly, I must admit that I like this approach: like the iconic Speedmaster or the Navitimer with their easily recognizable styling, some watches just have to evolve as slowly as possible in order not to disappoint the loyal followers of the brand.
While the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 World Chronograph features a similar dial layout, it also uses a more traditional approach to the second time zone indication employing a second hour hand to display time in a chosen city.
The World Wide Time Control Chronograph uses a completely different approach to the problem.
Its in-house GP033C0 self-winding movement sports a unique coupling mechanism that drives the rotating ring with a military-style 24-hour scale on it, so you can always know what time is now in any of the 24 cities represented on the stationary outer ring.
To make the representation of the time zones easier on the eyes, GP’s designers divided the rotating scale in two: the white-colored part represents day-time, and the dark one is for the night-time hours. Very handy.
The legibility is further enhanced with its monochromatic color scheme.
As you can see in the pictures, the WW.TC features its bold baton-style hour and minute hands (as well as hour indexes and the huge Arabic “12” numeral) painted in bright white and additionally covered with a thick layer of white SuperLuminova. The rest of the information, including names of the cities and markings on the chronograph totalizers, are also printed in that high-contrast white color.
Frankly speaking, I am not pleased with the mildly oversized 43 mm case, which is, while comfortable on the wrist, is not polished, but satin-finished instead.
While this kind of finish surface makes the stainless steel case look lighter, more titanium-like, the problem is that it will also be good in revealing inevitable scratches on the body. Also, it will be more expensive to repair the scratches.
Well, I truly hope that soon they will re-issue the chronograph in a DLC coating. That one is going to be a real hit!
See also: Linde Werdelin 3-Timer GMT series updated
WWR Verdict
Originality 4.5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Girard-Perregaux
Girard-Perregaux World Wide Time Control Chronograph (ref. 49805-11-650-BA6A) specification
Price range: €11,000 (MSRP)
Movement: Caliber GP033C0, automatic, 29.32 mm in diameter, in-house, Swiss Made
Jewels: 63
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Functions & Complications: Hours, minutes, small seconds, “World Time” display with day/night indicator, chronograph, date
Power reserve: 46 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Case height: 13.40 mm
Dial: Black and white
Numerals: Arabic, luminous “12” on the local time zone
Hands: Steel, white, luminous (Superluminova)
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Matt black alligator strap with a deployment buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire