Girard Perregaux traces its legacy to Jean-Francois Bautte and 1791 and like other elite brands has ebbed and flowed with the changing fortunes of the intervening years.
Much like Ulysse Nardin and Blancpain the emergence of GP from relative obscurity is coincident with the acquisition by a stellar personality. Luigi Macaluso has created a vibrant and much expanded brand with well earned respect for its quality and commitment to Haute Horology. Since 1992 Luigi Macaluso has built the production of GP to a reported 20,000 units. PPR (Gucci Group) acquired an interest in Girard Perregaux and its subsidiary companies in 2008.
Today the product groups are unique and well established and distinctive. There are limited edition models to attract collectors and modestly priced complications to attract a broad audience. Chronographs, Perpetual Calendars and combination complications are well made and dependable and Haute Horology is very much alive in the philosophy and execution of new and innovative examples of Tourbillon and other complications.
Typical discounts are in the 30% to 40% range and some limited edition pieces sell with slightly less discount. The very rare complication or limited piece may command a premium. Future appreciation is questionable due to the fairly large production level that presently exceeds overall demand.