What began two years ago with a novelty produced for the 2021 edition of Only Watch has turned into a commercially available limited edition once again in the form of a collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Saint Laurent. This is the Casquette 2.0 Saint Laurent 01, and if it looks a bit familiar to you, that’s because a very similar version was released last year. What was a mostly black affair has turned into an entirely black affair with this latest collaborative effort. The watch itself is still as unconventional as ever, recalling the original from 1976 (side note, what a legendary year for watches) in all its funky glory, and this time, it’s limited to just 100 units. 

The Casquette is a conceptually interesting watch in that it captures an era and technology and design that departs from any established norms enough to stand out, but not enough to become impractical. It’s an alternate solution that we’ve seen manifest in a number of ways from other brands, from Bulova to MB&F, but Girard-Perregaux captured it at its simplest, and most straightforward.

The black ceramic case measures 42.40 x 33.60mm, and though it measures 14.6mm in thickness, it’s a tapering design to conform to the wrist, meaning it’s quite wearable thanks to the ergonomics of the case and narrow link bracelet. Where last year’s release had uncoated titanium components, this newest collaboration uses black PVD coated titanium components, such as the G-P badge, for a fully blacked out look. Additionally, the pushers and undercarriage have been blacked out for full coverage. It’s a small difference, but enough to be effective. Whether or not it will be worth the upgrade for existing owners is another story. 

Inside is the quartz GP3980-1474 movement, which utilizes a vertical display at the front of the case to display the time, date, and timing functions, which are managed via the buttons on either side of the case. The bracelet itself is also black ceramic, but uses a rubber interior for comfort. Overall a usable platform, but one that will likely remain in novelty, or 4th watch territory. 

The Girard-Perregaux x Saint Laurent is limited to 100 units, and will be available exclusively via Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores in Paris and Los Angeles, as well as online via the official Saint Laurent Rive Droite store. The price has risen to $6,700, but given the names on this collab, we don’t expect it to last long at retail. Girard-Perregaux.