Following the post about that $99 Stargazer watch…
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…readers Abe Froman and S.S. pointed out that the form does have precedent, and is known as a “driver’s watch.” In 1976, Swiss luxury watchmaker Girard-Perregaux produced this Casquette model:
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
Image: WatchPool24
According to wristwatch retailer WatchPool24, which is selling the vintage model you see in the photos:
“Launched in 1976, the watch was already withdrawn from the collection in 1978. About 8200 pieces were produced in cases made of steel, gold-plated steel and polycarbonate. Due to its case shape, it was nicknamed Casquette (peaked cap) and enjoyed great popularity over the years, especially among style-conscious watch wearers.”
In the 2020s, Girard-Perregaux resuscitated the design. Their limited-edition Casquette 2.0, made of titanium and ceramic, was designed in partnership with Yves Saint Laurent and retails for $6,700.
On the lower end of the price scale, and the higher end of the gaudiness scale, Bulova has also brought back their ’70s version of the driver’s watch, with this $350 Computron:
And, unfortunately, this $450 gaming-inspired version done in collaboration with gaming brand D-Cave:
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As well as this Computron D-Cave Special Edition, which appears to no longer be available:
At press time, Bulova had marked the Computron D-Cave down to $270. And despite the fact that only 820 Casquette 2.0s were made, New York Jewelers was reselling this one for $4,800. Perhaps the form is not popular among aficionados.
Source: core77