Event: Private Viewing of the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon

[KokChoon]

Yesterday, June 21st 2007, Girard-Perregaux local Authorized Distributor, FJ Benjamin Timepiece (Luxury) Division together with a local retailer Cortina, co-host a private viewing of the much awaited GIRARD-PERREGAUX VINATGE 1945 JACKPOT TOURBILLON. For the first time, the greatest watchmaking complication harmonises with the game of chance. Girard-Perregaux merges a tourbillon, a striking mechanism and a slot machine in one exclusive Haute Horlogerie piece of art. Some local collectors and watch lovers were very fortunate to be among the first in the world to view this piece up close, and even to "play" with it for a while.....

The event was held in Girard-Perregaux boutique and Cortina Millenia Walk. As this is a small private viewing, only around 20 guests and collectors were invited to the viewing.

Preparation were almost finished when Professor Harry Tan arrived and agreed to take some photos on our behalf. Thank you so much Harry and our compliments to Harry's excellent photographic skills

From the left: Edouard Henn (GP Marketing Department, the person charged with the responsibility to hand carry the Jackpot Tourbillon to Singapore - Thank you so much Edouard), yours truly and the beautiful Cheryl Wee (Marketing Communication Manager, BMI)


THE WATCH is ready for viewing ....

Guests arrived in time before 6:00pm and soon the room is crowded with guests trying to get their hands on the Jackpot Tourbillon....

From the left: yours truly, Sam Benjamin (Regional Director of FJ Benjamin Timepiece Division), Jim Seah, Polly Sohn (Divisional Director of FJ Benjamin Timepiece Division) and Nash Benjamin (CEO of FJ Benjamin).


Explaining the complexity of the Jackpot Tourbillon to Cindy and Brendan Lai....


Vernon Lim (left) and Jeffrey Sim testing out a watch on the wrist....


Sam Benjamin explaining to Jeffrey how limited pieces would be allocated and urged him to place his order fast


Jim Seah listening to the striking mechanism of the Jackpot Tourbillon....


Vernon Lim checking out the movement of the 1966 Full Calendar with Edouard Henn.

Yes, as promised, the number 1 Girard-Perreguax 1966 Full Calendar was also in town for the guests' viewing. I also understand from various retailers that this would be the hottest watch this year from Girard-Perregaux and definitely would encounter the shortage in supply. I am lucky to have ordered earlier and the first batch of the 1966 Full Calendar with hit our shore around late October period.

Dick Leong (left) and Vernon Lim (right) listening to Edouard's explanation on the amazing slot machine mechanism.


Guests all crowded round the Jackpot Tourbillon....


It's Wong Chee Hoong's time to check out the 1966 Full Calendar with Edouard Henn.


Now, serious business talk.... Raymond Lim, Excutive Director of Cortina Watch, requesting Nash (left) and Sam Benjamin (right) for more allocation of the 1966 Full Calendar ....


Polly Sohn was eager to hear the guests's opinions on the 1966 Full Calendar.


Snacks were also served along with Champagne, red and white wine....


This is the best proof that the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon is indeed "wearable" It looks good on a lady's wrist as well


Guests enjoying themselves with the champagne and great company....

I also took the oportunity to take another quick snap at the Jackpot Tourbillon before the event. I am lucky again to strike 3 hearts for this photoshoot:

This is the finished product of the 1966 Full Calendar and no way I am going to miss this chance to take some photos of the "real thing" ....

Below are some very nice black and white photos I've found on the CF cards that Prof. Harry Tan passed to me. They are very well taken and as most of you know that black and white photo is one of my personal favorite on event-coverage. Here they are:

That's all folks!

Thanks for stopping by and hope you've enjoyed the coverage.

Thanks to Girard-Perregaux, FJ Benjamin and Cortina for making this possible. Thanks to Harry for taking these superb photos on my behalf and thanks to all the guests for your presence.

Cheers
KokChoon

[KokChoon]

I have a personal request to all members, whether you have seen the Jackpot Tourbillon or not.

Can I have your honest opinion on this Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon?

You do not have to like the watch but what I am looking for is a constructive criticism if you do not like it. If you like it, just let me know why too

Sorry there is no prize on this one, just something that I would love to know and understand you guys and gals a little better

Thanks for your effort in advance.

Cheers
KokChoon

[Jaw]

Thanks KC, excellent oppportunity to view the Jackpot Tourbillon.

Unfortunately, I was occupied with something important and had to miss the event.

Definitely my loss.

Jaw

[Wimster]

for sharing this exclusive evening with us. I love the Jackpot and it's indeed very wearable.

thanks again, greets,

Wim

[HerrK]

Sorry KokChoon, but I will not utter my opinion then!

But I had the chance to see the 1966 Full Calendar on another occasion
this week and have to say that the photos do not do the watch justice:

It is looking much better than on all the pictures I have seen yet!
A really beautiful classic watch!

Cheers
Christian

[KokChoon]

Its a pity you couldn't make it Jaw, many were asking

But I know you've already seen the watches in Geneva so not really a loss there, unless you are refering to the beautiful ladies around and the great companies :P

Cheers
KokChoon

[KokChoon]

Com'on Christian, your opinion is important to us and I will search through my storeroom to see if I can give anything as a prize for your opinion, okay?

Come to think about it, better not as I risk emptying my storeroom filled with goodies in no time, hahaha....

But seriously, any kind of opinions and comments are welcome my friend.

About the lady Chrono, I will check with my record tonight and write you an email to explain - I believe there isn't a steel lady chrono without diamond YET!

I have to agree with you on the beauty of the 1966 Full Calendar, did you see this same watch with serial number 1? It is a classic design, elegance and fits perfectly on the wrist!

Cheers
KokChoon

[Duncan]

Hi Kok Choon,

Though I wasn't able to attend last night's event, I was most fortunate to still have an opportunity to see the Jackpot Tourbillon in the metal.

I admit that my expectations were that it would be a trophy watch and really not a piece that someone could actually wear. At first glance, I thought my "fears" would be realized. There is no avoiding the fact that it is a very sizeable watch.

However, after being able to see and handle the watch, I found it to be definitely wearable. The case is necessarily large so that it can house the movement but the design allows the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist and the lugs are angled so that the strap can accomodate both large and smaller wrist sizes.

The watch is obviously a technical marvel with the innovative jackpot complication and chiming feature. That would certainly be enough to warrant accolades for the piece but GP included its trademark golden bridge tourbillon and that adds a bit more of the GP DNA to the watch.

I was quite impressed by the timepiece and I think it deserves the recognition and praise that it has been receiving since its unveiling in Geneva.

Duncan

[Jokoh]

The Jackpot sure looks wearable but I would not wear it that often if I do get one. Probably to the new casino when its up...heheh

cheers
joe

[jimsbk]

and Harry for the lovely photos. I share Duncan's comments but like him having seen the watch and tried it on my small wrist, confirms my fear was unwarranted as it is certainly very wearable and not too heavy. GP has done very well with the layout and design. Loved the full calendar too and even better if it was in the vintage case. Thanks KC for the invite and FJB/Cortina for hosting the event. Cheers, Jim

[Milan]

Another excellent report KC with your usual professional standard level of photography. Looks like a fine private event having an opportunity to handle all the fine novelties as well that much vaunted showpiece Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon.

Now as for your request for an opinion of the watch itself KC here goes nothing from me. I had a chance to view it at this year SIHH and found the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon to be a showpiece of the varied capabilities encompassing design, ingenuity and technological aspects of the manufacture that Girard-Perregaux represents. IMVHO this whole showpiece concept is there to amaze from both the extrinsic complex technological as well the intrinsic aesthetical design approach. Once can ravel about the now GP signature golden bridge tourbillon that is magnificent in itself yet in cooperation with the jackpot complication and chiming feature we are in a whole other ball game here. Aesthetically incorporating all the technical feature I find the watch executed simply and very original yet not something I would consider necessarily my cup of tea. Size wise, although very much manageable then one would presume just looking at the dimensions, I found it actually wearable yet I doubt it would be serve anyones choice as a practical solution and in similar view with HW Opus V and Lange's 31-day more of a special occasions "conversation starter" piece (worth of a grand collector ready to be by various alike WIS).

KC I hope that this very blunt impression qualifies as an answer to a opinion that you were looking for.

[Horolographer]

was how I saw, felt, wore and photographed it - as I commented in my watchblog.

Its size if nothing else is already quite something considering its a luxury timpiece. The tourbillon quality is unquestionable. The case finishing is first class and the movement finishing is quite special.

But if I can qualify myself as a non gambler - then my comment that the jackpot function can be seen in context. This watch is clearly designed for the gambler and watch collector who has a penchant for very rare but distinctive watch. From that point of view, I think the opinions of non gamblers seem irrelevant. But if my opinion as a collector is still garnered, then for me, the function of the three barrel jackpot - while its beautifully executed, seems like a novelty can only be appreciated by a very selected few.

For the selected few, my congratulations for acquiring this timepiece. Its clearly a statement watch of the highest pedigree.

P.S. - Thanks KC for using my photographs. :-)
Happy to help you out! I am glad the images turned out well.
Cheers!

[vlkcheng]

For those of you who had seen the Jackpot Tourbillon, is it the same size as the other Vintage XXL case like the Foudroyante or the perpetual calendar chronograph? If it is, it's not that big then. I agree, this piece is more for the collectors and it's very unique.

[Jacky]

Must be a breathtaking experience...thanks for sharing KC! Really wish i could be there Cheers!



Regards
Jacky

[Holly]

Thank you KC, what a lively report!!

The Jackpot is stunning, indeed. Magnificent to say the lest.

Cheers,

Christian

[Hawainpanda]

its such a useless complication, but at the same time that's why I like it so much!

other than that, I've always been a huge fan of the GP vintage cases and the movement is really just gorgeous

[KokChoon]

Originally Posted by vlkcheng

For those of you who had seen the Jackpot Tourbillon, is it the same size as the other Vintage XXL case like the Foudroyante or the perpetual calendar chronograph? If it is, it's not that big then. I agree, this piece is more for the collectors and it's very unique.

Hi vlkcheng,

No, the two are of different sizes. Vintage XXL case size measured 36x37mm whereas the Jackpot Tourbillon is 43x44mm, much bigger than the XXL when you put both side-by-side.

I will try to remember to take a picture of different Vintage cases together to show the difference next time I see the watch again

Cheers
KokChoon

[Dick Leong]

for the invitation to the wonderful event . The JACKPOT commands much attention mainly due to its size and the beautiful execution of the tourbillon . On the other hand , I have some reservations regarding the choice of the slot machine mechanism as a complications showcase given GP's engineering prowess as I understand this is "merely" a micro-engineering feat rather than a horological breakthrough . Nevertheless , this JACKPOT and the other highlight of the evening - the 1966 FULL CALENDAR clearly highlight GP's expertise in creating a diverse range of watches from the classical beauty to the technical tour-de-force marvels . Many thanks ! Dick Leong

[HerrK]

Well KokChoon,
you do actually know what I think about the Jackpot. Just to quote myself:

This watch puts a distorting mirror in front of haute horologie with a wink:

Nobody needs a watch nowadays to tell the time. We all have our mobiles, PDAs,
laptops etc. showing the time. And if you consider a watch to tell the time you should go
for a quartz watch because of its much higher precision compared to a mechanical watch.

But we still buy mechanical watches despite their uselessness!

Now this watch makes itself usefull again: it combines (beneath each other on it’s face!)
a tourbillon – once known for giving pocket watches the last bit of superprecision
but quite useless in a wristwatch as a traditional tourbillon – with a slotmachine – a device
that is not made to tell time at all but to spend (or waste) it (and considerable amounts of money too).

So the device that has nothing to do with the ability of the watch to tell time
is the one that makes the watch usefull again!
You can spend your time literally playing with the watch!
That is very ironic and simply brilliant!

It has not changed yet!

By the way: I do not know which number the 1966 Full Calendar had
as I did not look for that – or maybe I was blinded by it's classic beauty.

Cheers
Christian

[Koen S]

I'm very interested in the jackpot tourbillion.
what i have red about the movement is stunning.
I think it is a wonderful complication.
Are there wristshots on a mans wrist, because I heard that it is very big.
Also photo's of the box available.