The Girard-Perregaux WW.TC was an instant classic when it was launched in 2000. With its characteristic 2 crowns placed on the left and right side, it was very recognizable, and different from other world timers on the market. The good value for money proposition, as compared to other world timers from Patek Philippe and Breguet also provided commercial success for Girard-Perregaux. The distinct design surely added to that success, and was a consequent factor in the years to come. I am not sure how many variations were introduced between 2000 and 2013, but it must exceed 50.

Over the years, GP has added several complications to the world timer: a power reserve, a perpetual calendar, a tourbillon and in 2007 the “Financial”, which keeps track of the opening and closing of the world’s stock-markets. This must have been a very clever marketing move, to make the WW.TC relevant for stock traders in the world’s financial hot spots.

Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC Chronograph Financial

The latest addition to the WW.TC family is the Traveller WW.TC, launched earlier this year. With the Traveller, GP introduces the most thorough make-over since the WW.TC’s launch thirteen years ago, and actually integrates the WW.TC series into their “Traveller” line of watches.

For the first time, the watch has three instead of two crowns. The crowns are placed on the right at the usual places. This certainly brings the model more in line with other GP model-lines. As an WW.TC owner myself, I can imagine that this will be an ergonomical enhancement as well. All the functions can be handled by one crown, and that’s a plus. Nonetheless, this must be a small revolution among ww.tc aficionados. The two opposite crowns certainly added significantly to the WW.TC’s unique character, and they are gone now.

Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC Chronograph

Nevertheless, the WW.TC has grown, and is now part of the Traveller collection, which also brings us the Moon Phase with Large Date and the renewed Sea Hawk. GP provides us a wristwatch while travelling in space, under sea level and around the globe, so to speak.

Girard-Perregaux Traveller Moon Phases

The case has grown in size to 44mm, which has become more or less the standard for chrono-watches these days. The crown and chronograph pushers are located on the right, and are smoothly integrated in the case. The function of the former left side crown, operating the prefered time zone, is now added to the right crown, while the pushers operate the chronograph functions.

The lugs, bezels and case back have changed as well. As I have not been able to fit the traveller WW.TC yet, so I cannot judge the comfort of wearing. The strap has an alligator leather-strap with rubber back. This must be the best of both worlds: the comfort of rubber with the looks of leather. Overall, the new WW.TC has got more sporty looks than its predecessor, without becoming a sports watch. It is very allround and easy to wear at lots of occasions.

In the heart ticks the well-known GP3300-0084 movement, which is the fundament for the Traveller series. It brings no surprises, as the GP-3300 is the well-known base for many GP-models. The WW.TC adds a chronograph from Dubois Depraz.

Girard-Perregaux GP3300-0084 Movement

The new series is introduced “bottom-up”: at this moment only steel and titanium cases are available. The steel version can be chosen with black or white dial, the titanium only with white dial. As an extra, the steel version can be ordered with a ceramic bezel. It is without doubt that more exotic versions, with precious metals and additional complications, will follow over the years to come.

The Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC will bring the ww.tc in new, more allround territory. It is a watch that can be worn daily on many occasions. With a starting price at €14,900 in Europe it means that there has been no price increase over the older version, and brings you good value for money.

Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC – Technical specification

Reference: 49700-11-133-BB6B

Watch Case:  

• Stainless steel/Titanium,
• 44 mm, height 13.65 mm,
• Sapphite crystal, secured by 6 screws,

Movement:

• Caliber GP03300-0084, automatic,
• Diameter 30 mm,
• Frequency 28.800 alt/h (4 hz),
• Hour, minute, small second, world time, day/night indicator, chronograph, date,
• 46 hour power reserve.
• 63 jewels

Dial and Hands:  Black or white dial
Strap and Buckle: Alligator leather with rubber back or Stainless steel deployment clasp

More resources about the Girard-Perregaux Traveller WW.TC available on Hodinkee, and Watch Time.