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GP stock picture
Sea Hawk II "waffle dial"
click on the pictures to enlarge
Introduction
The SEA HAWK II line of Girard-Perregaux debuted in 2002 and sports two fascinating models, reference 49900 and reference 499100 "To John Harrison".
These are attractive timepieces of high quality by a true manufacture, which is one of the very few remaining independent manufactories in the Swiss watch industry.
The Sea Hawk II represents a history which spans six decades, and since waterproof as well as dive watches have a long tradition for Girard-Perregaux, a look at a few historical highlights may be in order:
A bit of  history...
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Although the Sea Hawk trademark (above) was registered for Switzerland by Girard-Perregaux in 1959, its origins can be traced back to the 1940īs.
The picture on the left (click on the picture to enlarge) appeared in GPīs US catalogue for fall 1947; a watch named "Sea Hawk",
with a waterproof case and a dial of military appearance that is typical for watches of that time.
These watches apparently were in production until the late 1950īs and boast "container" case backs to hold the movement, dial and crystal, while the upper case part adds an additional pressure seal.
They were also equipped with a relatively large crown. These watches certainly do not meet contemporary standards for a diverīs watch, and were not intended to be exposed to higher pressure under water, but rather were meant to simply be rugged and waterproof sports watches.
Nonetheless, the condition of dials and movements of various vintage pieces is evidence that this construction worked very well.
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In 1957, the first iteration of an automatic dive watch
was presented under the name "Deep Diver" and "100 Fathoms" (click on the picture to enlarge).
Although this watch with a large steel case didnīt come with a screw-down crown, it still was pressure resistant up to 100 Fathoms depth (which equals 182m or 600ft).
A remarkable watch: Comparable pieces of similar age by Blancpain (the "Fifty Fathoms", 50 Fathoms/91m) and Rolex (the "Submariner", 100m/330ft) made use of much heavier cases and screw-down crowns with additional seals in order to achieve the same pressure resistance.
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Around 1965 the first "traditional" diverīs watches by Girard-Perregaux hit the market under the name "Deep Diver".
Like the aforementioned pieces, and watches like IWCīs Aquatimer, GPīs Deep Diver models featured rotating bezels and screw-down crowns, as well as massive cases of 40mm width. Unlike its predecessors, the design and features of these watches focused on the need of scuba divers to accurately determine underwater time.
While the "Sea Hawk" watches in those years were thin and elegant dress watches with mostly manual wind movements, the Deep Diver pointed the way to the future development of later dive models.
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In 1989, the Sea Hawk line was completely new designed; GP created a successor as part of the GP7000 line (click on the picture to enlarge).
With a variety of case sizes and materials, dial and bezel colors, and outstanding bracelets, these are remarkable and well-made watches with a very masculine appearance.
While most of these watches come with the ETA-based GP 2280, about 500 pieces feature the interesting Longines/Lemania 8810 double-barrel automatic movement.
These are some of only a few sports watches to be equipped with this relatively fragile and very thin movement.
While these watches never sold in large quantities until being discontinued in late 1990īs, today they are becoming sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
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In 2002, GP proudly presented the last new introduction of the SEA HAWK line (click on the pictures to enlarge).
Unlike itīs predecessors, the new SEA HAWK II was the first to feature GPīs own movement. Both the reference 49900 and reference 49910 ("To John Harrison") came with a movement based on GPīs own thin automatic calibre 3300, the GP caliber 33RO, which has an additional power reserve indication over the 6 oclock position.
This is a useful complication for divers, as it prevents the watch from accidentally running down when used under water - a mistake that can lead to disaster.
But it is not only the power reserve function that sets the SEA HAWK II apart from comparable watches by other makers; the extremely well crafted cases in steel, gold and titanium, which are available in sizes of 40mm (reference 49900 only) and 42mm (both), are a pleasure to wear even for those used to smaller watches. A turn of the uni-directional notched bezel, and the feeling of the massive case, together with attractive and detailed dials in opaline black, matt white, ruthenium grey and sapphire blue gives an impression of excellent design and unusual quality.
The "To John Harrison", which comes in steel/gold or gold only, sports a sub-second at the 10.30 position. Accompanied by bracelets in steel, gold, titanium or rubber straps, this is truly a new GP classic.
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The new 2004 "waffled" dial
click on the picture to enlarge
The latest addition to the SEA HAWK II line does not appear to be a major change on first sight; there is a new dial with a "waffled" hobnail-pattern structure and a new logo, while the case and hands are left unaltered.
Encountering the new dial, which will be available in four colours (anthracite, black, blue and white), is a stunning experience: despite the similarity to previous models, these changes add up to a very different appearance:
click on the right picture to enlarge
Some impressions and details
The SEA HAWK II is known to many enthusiasts; it is one of the most successfull current models by Girard-Perregaux.
As usual, pictures hardly represent full extend of itīs impression and this watch should be seen in nature.
It does have a very special charme and elegance while being a dive watch by all standards. And it is a beautiful watch:
click on the picture to enlarge
Having examined the well known previous models (while keeping in mind a Girard-Perregaux timepiece will always be a relatively rare timepiece), letīs have a look at some details:
The dial and the logo
Probably the most noticeable innovation is the new logo; like the predecessors of the "GP7000" line, the new dial bears the signature "Girard-Perregaux" as well as the logo "GP" in a very modern script.
To my eyes, it is quite an improvement. And it is elaborately executed, as the printing is applied on a sort of recessed "plate" in the hobnail pattern. The result is an "embossed" appearance, which is attractive and adds further depth and texture to the dial.
The hobnail-pattern dial itself tends to absorb light reflections, which makes the display easy to read. While the structure is very visible from an angle, it almost disappears in a frontal view.
For me, this is an advantage over a high glossy paint, as disturbing reflections almost disappear. In this regard, the new dial seems to be a functional as well as aesthetic improvement.
The structure itself is probably pressed in; like the execution of the printing, it is very accurately done work that revealed no flaws on the piece inspected.
The hands
The hands are unchanged; like other dial versions for steel and titanium models, the new "waffled" dial comes with red tipped and polished steel hands for the center second and the power reserve indication.
Due to the small amount of red on the second hand, itīs not immediately noticeable at first sight. The red colour on the power reserve hand as well as the red printing in this area of the dial is much more apparent.
Both contribute to the very legible dial and give a strong impression of the dedication of Girard-Perregaux to detail.
The hands sport a well executed high polishing and are properly aligned.
The length and bold size makes them easy to read, while the unusual shape further sets the SEA HAWK II apart from other dive watches.
Apart from the power reserve, all hands are filled with SuperLuminova.
One may argue that the use of numerals filled with luminous material would improve the readability;
however the applied and highly polished steel numerals are quite easy to read, and the luminous dots on the outer minute track are more than sufficient.
Over all, the SEA HAWK is more than adequately legible in low visibility conditions:
Another nice detail is the sunburst pattern inside the power reserve subdial:
The date window
The date window is of sufficient size to read the sunken date very easily;
although the thick dial and the power reserve function of the SEA HAWK II require a recessed date wheel,
the high contrast of the black dial and white date wheel improves the readability considerably.
Girard-Perregaux often combines black dial watches with white date wheels; thus the date window is easily located and
easily read.
The date window is surrounded by a polished and recessed metal ring; another very nice detail,
which is not frequently found on other watches.
The case and crown
The massive case is unchanged; as one might expect, itīs a high quality case which typifies the craftsmanship of GP.
Girard-Perregaux is one of only few manufactories that also produce their own cases and bracelets.
Their experience in this area shows; despite the fact that the watch depicted is a heavily handled showroom model, only very minor micro-scratches to the highly polished parts are visible.
The massive screw-down crown is easy to unlock and to use; the winding is smooth with only little resistance, and hand-setting is stiff enough to allow a very accurate setting of the time.
Locking the crown is a joy to do, since the stem sits firmly in the tube and only slight pressure is required.
The case itself comes with polished top surfaces and brushed flanks, both properly executed.
Another detail is the sharp edges of the case; while many contemporary watch cases come with "rounded" edges, the transitions between brushed and polished parts of the SEA HAWK II are very well executed and to my eye another proof of high quality.
Like all SEA HAWK models, the case back is attached by six screws; a detail which is remarkable in that a screw-down back probably would be an easier solution to achieve the same pressure resistance.
Girard-Perregaux still prefers the more elaborate way.
The massive sapphire crystal is very precisely inserted in the case; the numerals on the bezel are milled out very evenly and the luminous dot inside the triangle marker is properly applied.
The case of the SEA HAWK is attractive from every perspective. For me, every detail says "quality".
The hands dominate the dial, while the additional indications (power reserve and date) are unobtrusive at distance.
When the watch is worn, it is very easy to read the time: an almost perfect example of how form should follow the function.
click on the picture to enlarge
All SEA HAWK models come with a well crafted and functional folding clasp.
Another observation: As expected, the GP 33R0 is a very efficient movement; after moving the watch a few times while taking the pictures, the power reserve indicated an increase in power reserve of about 1/3.
Finally, how does it look on the wrist?
Iīm not used to wear big watches, but even for me itīs an attractive size and shape:
Technical specifications:
| Line: | Sport Classique |
| Model: | SEA HAWK II |
| Reference: | 49900.0.11.6546
(anthracite dial) |
| Movement: | GP 33R0 manufacture movement |
| Frequency: | 28.800 Vibr./h (4 Hz) |
| Power reserve: | min. 46 hours |
| Crystal: | Sapphire crystal |
| Water-resistance: | 300 m |
| Case: | Steel (also available in gold/titanium/mixté) |
| Crown | Screw-down |
| Size: | Case diameter 42.00 mm
(40mm version available) |
| Strap: | Rubber strap (bracelets available) |
| Dials: | - anthracite
- black
- blue
- white |
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My personal impression of the new SEA HAWK II:
Being a fan of all things Girard-Perregaux probably prevents me from leaving an unbiased comment.
Personally, i regard the SEA HAWK II as well as itīs predessors true classics among the GP lines.
While the an aesthetic judgement is individual to each enthusiast, I personally believe the new "waffled" dial to match to the sporty, yet elegant character of the SEA HAWK II very well.
Additionally, it seems to be a significant improvement in terms of functionality.
The SEA HAWK II is a bold, masculine and very well made timepiece;
for me, the long tradition and history of this model line adds a lot to the interest of current models.
The design is unusual, as is the manufacture GP movement inside; all of this adds up to a very attractive, unusual, and high quality timepiece.
One final comment regarding the new logo: I find the combination of font styles and sizes, as well as the elaborate application, very attractive.
The SEA HAWK II certainly is an unusual timepiece and different from many other watches. And it is a great GP in every aspect.
Greetings from germany,
Peter
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Iīd like to express my thanks to GP Germany / ht time and Mr. and Mrs. Sechtem (authorized GP dealer Fritsch of Gelsenkirchen, NRW, Germany) for arranging this visit literally overnight.
A sincere "Thank you"!
And Jack Forster, Moderator of the Pen and Writing Instruments Forum on ThePuristS.com, for his precious help to wrap my thoughts in proper english language. Thank you!
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