To commemorate Le Corbusier, who was born Charles-Edouard Jeanneret in La Chaux-de-Fonds, also the home town of Girard-Perregaux, the brand has created a trio of watches in the square Vintage 1945 case. Each of the trilogy is limited to five piece. And one of the trio has a concrete dial.

Girard-Perregaux Le Corbusier Vintage 1945 Marseilles with concrete dial

 But we’ll start with the ordinary ones first. The Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier La Chaux-de-Fonds has a dial inlaid with mother of pearl.  

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier La Chaux-de-Fonds

  The case is pink gold and the retail price is US$53,200. Second is the Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier Paris which has a hand engraved steel dial depicting Le Corbusier’s Modulor system of design, along with a steel case and cowhide strap.

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier Paris

That is a nod to the Le Corbusier Chaise Longue, which was made from the same materials. The price is US$21,300. Last is the concrete dial watch, the Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier Marseille. This is inspired by Cité Radieuse, a Le Corbusier project in Marseille built in concrete.

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Le Corbusier Marseilles

According to GP, the dial “[requires] three days to pour, dry and meticulously hand-finish.” That process is depicted in these photos supplied by GP.

While the dial doubtless required significant effort to create, concrete is not an expensive, rare or precious material. With a retail price of $31,900, I am not sure if this is mean to be an Artya-esque comedic watch or a serious timepiece. – SJX