Which of these two Tank styled watches: Girard Perregaux or Ulysee Nardin?

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pnwyankee

·Aug 19, 2021

I "decided" it would be nice to own one nice square or rectangular watch with a particularly interesting Dial
I know there are lots of very nice vintage examples by Omega, Movado, Zenith, JLC, etc
However I am leaning away from vintage for this piece
Trying hard to stay under $4,000, otherwise the JLC Reverso would be a stronger contender
Any thoughts on these two brands are welcomed and appreciated, as are other suggestions I may not be aware of

Ulysee Nardin Quadrato Dual Time or Girard Perregaux "Vintage" 1945

 

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Evitzee

·Aug 19, 2021

The GP all the way. Are they still making this case?

 

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MtnMarine

·Aug 19, 2021

I prefer the GP out of these 2, as well. Less cluttered dial, looks cleaner.

 

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blufinz52

·Aug 19, 2021·Hears dead people, not watch rotors.

GP!

 

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pnwyankee

·Aug 19, 2021

I've been looking at the GP for several months, and recently starting thinking it would be nice to own a UN
However I was looking at this UN ( see picture )
Then just last night I discovered the UN Quadrato and thought I could turn two purchases ( Tank + UN ) into one
But looking at the two together, it is clear how much classier the GP looks
Thanks

 

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Dan S

·Aug 19, 2021

I had the same impulse about 5 years ago and bought a nice rectangular watch. Sadly, I never bonded with it and sold it a couple of years later, virtually unworn. Fortunately I didn't take a huge loss on it since I bought it pre-owned.

 

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pnwyankee

·Aug 19, 2021

Dan S

I had the same impulse about 5 years ago and bought a nice rectangular watch. Sadly, I never bonded with it and sold it a couple of years later, virtually unworn. Fortunately I didn't take a huge loss on it since I bought it pre-owned.

The good news is this GP has to be pre-owned and what you experienced is the reason why I am committed to not spending too much to scratch this particular itch

 

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Foo2rama

·Aug 19, 2021·Nowhere near as grumpy as he used to be...

Of the 2? GP hands down.

 

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p4ul

·Aug 19, 2021

GP, it radiates class.

 

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o.m.e.g.a

·Aug 19, 2021

+1 for GP
... but I would wait, save money and buy JLC.

 

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High Hope

·Aug 19, 2021

+2 for the GP.

 

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pnwyankee

·Aug 20, 2021

Please, nobody say they like the UN better, as I have already pulled the trigger on this exact GP 😎

 

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Rado63

·Aug 20, 2021

I think it depends on the size of your wrists. The UN is 42mm x 14mm and 55 lug to lug, so it's a big watch and will get noticed. It's also a nice dual time zone watch with big date and appears to have lume on the dial and hands. The GP is a smaller watch 32mm x 11mm and 48 mm lug to lug. It's more sophisticated in it's size and style as a dress watch. Some 1945's had lumed hands, this one does not. Both are interesting watches and if you can a get one for really low price, then you may be happy with either.

 

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Oku

·Aug 20, 2021

pnwyankee

as are other suggestions I may not be aware of

What about Longines and their Dolce Vita line?

 

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Oku

·Aug 20, 2021

Stolen from https://monochrome-watches.com/longines-dolcevita-sector-dial/



and from Longines directly:

 

M

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Mediocre

·Aug 20, 2021

I own a GP vintage 1945, great watches IMO. I sold my UN classico manufacture earlier this year, and I kept the GP. The UN was round, but it is the closest comparison I personally can offer. I was deciding between the two as my top dress watch option. The UN was very nice (and the movement displayed better IMO), but I prefer the dial finish on the GP. The rectangle shape also won out, personal preference. On bracelet the 1945 dresses down well also.

If you actually prefer the Tank look without going Cartier, consider a GP Richeville. I own a blue dial, gold bezel, SS case model, and I think it is a better Tank alternative than the 1945

 

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pnwyankee

·Aug 20, 2021

M Mediocre

I own a GP vintage 1945, great watches IMO. I sold my UN classico manufacture earlier this year, and I kept the GP. The UN was round, but it is the closest comparison I personally can offer. I was deciding between the two as my top dress watch option. The UN was very nice (and the movement displayed better IMO), but I prefer the dial finish on the GP. The rectangle shape also won out, personal preference. On bracelet the 1945 dresses down well also.

If you actually prefer the Tank look without going Cartier, consider a GP Richeville. I own a blue dial, gold bezel, SS case model, and I think it is a better Tank alternative than the 1945

I still like Dial on the 1945 better, which is good since I now have one on order 😝

 

M

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Mediocre

·Aug 20, 2021

pnwyankee

I still like Dial on the 1945 better, which is good since I now have one on order 😝

Sorry, missed that post. Congrats!! I think you will be pleased. I personally think the 1945 is more versatile than traditional "tank" style watches, especially once you jump into the strap change mindset. I kept my 1945 for a reason, and I think you will love yours!

Looking forward to pics!

Edited: Aug 20, 2021

 

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MTROIS

·Aug 20, 2021

Another vote for the Girard-Perregaux!

 

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Larry S

·Aug 21, 2021·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

I have long admired GP’s heritage line. I’d make another case for the Reverso but given your budget, GP all the way. One comment, you might want to go to a dealer and try one on before you buy. These square/rectangular cases are not for every one.