Vintage Girard Perregaux Valjoux 72 Assessment

[Meya]

Hi fellow watch fans,

I have the opportunity to buy this Vintage Valjoux 72 powered GP Chronograph.

My knowledge with Vintage watches is alright but I am far from being a Girard Perregaux expert.

Case seems to be in good, unpolished shape
Dial seems to be original with nice patina on the radium lume
Pushers and crown are original?

Here are some pictures:



Am I missing something here or is this a bargain at 1600€?

Thanks for giving me a second opinion before I buy this one.

Best Regards, Clemens

 

[gatorcpa]

You need to understand that Girard Perregaux did not make their own chronometer movements in those days. They bought them from either Universal or Valjoux. The values are different depending on what’s under the hood.

So you should ask the seller for a movement picture in order to asses the manufacturer and condition.

€1,600 is not chump change.
gatorcpa

 

[Mark020]

This will indeed be a VJ72.

 

[Meya]

Thanks a lot, I was not aware that there was a difference in price wether these GP Chronos house a Valjoux or Universal movement. I guess the Valjoux 72 equipped watches are more expensive?

Unfortunately the seller can´t provide movement pictures as he is lacking the proper caseback tool. He inherited it from a family member and he insured me it has a Valjoux 72 insinde and he stated that everything is working just fine on the watch including the chronograph functions.

 

[sheepdoll]

The pusher spacing can be indicative of the Val-23/72.

Not sure why Valjoux parts are more expensive. Only Landeron parts are more available at this time. Could be they are easy to service, well documented.

Universal are pretty rare birds.

Lemania parts can be the hardest to source. I am still amazed an 861 with rusted iron went for over 1000.

A set of Val-23 plates went for arround 200. I got the latter. Partly as I got parts from wanting to service a Val-71. Many sellers do not check for the subtle differences. So sometimes Val-72 parts get swapped for Val-71 or 23 parts.

Really on these rabbits, Only the dial hands and case matter. It is all how they present themselves.

I would be wary of a seller who does not do a movement shot.

 

[Meya]

Thanks for the replies. I will indeed pass on this one - it is a beautiful watch but I just feel that my knowledge on these is not (yet) sufficient to pull the trigger and the lacking movement shots are another red flag, lots that can go wrong in a complex mechanical chronograph movement in 60 years.